Jock-of-all-Trades

O'Higgins / T ÓhUIGINN TEOHardware / Builders Provider, Shantalla

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 00:15:00 +0000

Rahoon Rd, Shantalla
phone (091) 522 411
fax (091) 522 261

O'Higgins in Shantalla are one of Galway's long-standing hardware shops. Knowledgeable staff who understand the trades, and sound customer service make them another of my favourite local businesses - especially now they're in a large new show-room at the very top of Shantalla Rd, beside the old furniture factory site.

Open Mon - Fri, 8:30 - 5pm
Sat: 8am - 2pm.
Now open through lunchtime.

Stocking timber sheeting, flooring, heating, plumbing, sanitary ware, hardware, paints and DIY supplies

The original shop was located near the top of Shantalla Rd. In mid 2018, it relocated to the former furniture factory at the top of Shantalla Rd / bottom of Rahoon Rd, alongside the wood-yard.

(1) is the old shop location

(2) is the current shop and wood-yard location.

Galway's inner city hardware store - O'Toole's Tools

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 01 Nov 2018 13:52:00 +0000

13 Rosemary Avenue
phone (091) 56 40 03

Located just off the top of Eyre Square, this is the only general hardware shop left in the inner-city.

O'Toole's stock a wide range of hardware and DIY supplies. They really knows what they're talking about, and have sold me some of my favourite power tools.

Some people think that the shop-name is just a clever pun. But no, it's really the family name. Drop by and ask the lads if you don't believe me.

View O'Toole's Tools, Light Hardware, Galway in a larger map

How to change a tap washer

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 17:15:00 +0000

If a tap is dripping, then there is a good chance that the tap-washer needs to be replaced.

These washers are very cheap and are as widely available as fuses for plugs. You can probably get one from your nearest hardware-store or mini-DIY stockist, where you can buy them in small packets, or from a plumbing shop where they can usually be bought individually.

Washers for sink-taps are generally 1/2 inch, while bath tap washers are generally 3/4 inch.

If the dripping tap is in the kitchen, on the cold system, then the valve to turn off the water will be found under the sink.

If, on the other hand, it is from the hot-tap, then the chances are you will have to locate other stop-cocks (valves), usually located in the airing-cupboard / hot-water-cupboard / hot-press. See Picture 1.

Picture 1: typical modern hot-water cupboard (note the pump on the floor).

Step 1: In this case, there is a pump-switch, as indicated. Switch it off.

Picture 2: turning off the water pump.

Step 2: Locate the stop-valves, as indicated in Picture 3. (These values may be hidden behind clothing etc - follow the pipe-work to find them.)

Picture 3: Values in a modern hot-water cupboard

Step 3: Turn all the stop-values off, by turning them clockwise.

Step 4: Put the plug into the sink, to avoid losing small pieces.

Picture 4: Kitchen sink with drainage plug in place

Step 5: Use a small pen-knife or similar to gently prise the cap from the tap, as indicated. In this case, the hot tap.

Picture 5: Removing the cover from the tap top

Step 6: Using a screwdriver, remove the screw.

Picture 6: Using a screwdriver to remove the screw which holds the tap-top in place

Step 7: Prise the top of the tap upwards. This may take some wiggling and persuasion, depending on the age of the tap. Be patient, do not use force.

The illustration shows the hot tap of a mixer-tap being replaced.

Picture 7: manually removing the top section of the tap

Picture 8: a mixer tap, with the hot tap-top removed

Step 8: Using a ring-spanner, turn the top of the tap anti-clockwise. (There may be a little water loss, as shown.) Remove the tap-insert.

If necessary, the entire tap-inert can be replaced. New tap-inserts are easily available from hardware shops - be sure to specify if you need an insert for a bath-tap or a sink tap:

Picture 9: using a ring-spanner to loosen a tap

Picture 10: tap body removed

Step 9: Using the pen-knife, prise off the old washer.

Picture 11: using a pocket-knife to remove a tap-washer

Step 10: Press the new washer into place.

Picture 12: Pushing a replacement tap-washer into position

Step 11: Replace the tap insert and tighten it clockwise by hand.

Picture 13: hand-tightening a tap inert

Step 12: Using the ring-spanner, tighten the insert.

Picture 14: Using a ring-spanner to fully tighten a tap insert.

Step 13: Replace the tap-top, and firmly press it back into position.

Picture 15: Placing a tap-top back in position over the tap-insert.

Step 14: Replace the screw and tighten it - by hand and then also with a screwdriver.

Picture 16: Tightening a tap-top screw by hand

Step 15: Press the cap into place

Picture 14: replacing the tap-cover

Step 16: Remove the drainage plug from the sink.

Step 17: Go to the hot-press / airing cupboard, and turn all the valves anti-clockwise to turn the water back on again. Switch on the pump, if applicable. If the tap being repaired was the cold-water tap in the kitchen, then don't forget to turn the valve under the sink back on.

Step 18: Job Done! Test the tap to make sure that it is working properly and not dripping.

Scrambled Eggs - a short poem

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 28 Dec 2014 21:13:00 +0000

A Night to Remember - a song

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 17:11:00 +0000

I met him in Texas, on a cheap return trip
A strange little creature, an eye on each lip.
Said he'd crash landed and fled for his life,
Then he followed me home to the kids and the wife.

The kids thought him perfect, I'd bought them a pet.
They said "Can we play now?", I said "no not yet".
"First I must show him how we do things 'round here".
Then he sat down beside me and I gave him a beer.

The wife didn't like him, her feelings were plain.
She told me to ditch him, I said "You're insane".
I promised by morning I'd work things out right
Then she edged up beside me and kissed me goodnight.

While the whole house was sleeping, we tiptoed outside
For a taste of the nightlife down on the east side.
I called for a taxi to take us to dance
The driver took one look, said "Sorry, no chance."

By the time we got down there, 'twas nearing midnight.
A woman approached us and asked for a light.
She asked for some business, I thought "Here's my chance,
To escape from the beastie" - she said "Cash in advance".

I emptied my pockets and offered the lot
She cried "Are you kidding, is that all you've got?"
How much is your pet worth, she smiled as she said
"A fortune" I grinned, as she led me to bed.

I woke as the sun rose, and looked to the floor
There he was sleeping, so I made for the door.
I was gone in an instant and running for home.
And to this day I'm sure that she still has the gnome.

© 1989 Kevin Boatman - all rights reserved.

Des Kavanagh Electrical

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 28 Oct 2013 13:57:00 +0000

12 Market Street, Galway City
phone 091 564 266

Kavanagh's are a family firm who operate my favourite inner-city electrical shop in Galway city, conveniently located just along from the Market St carpark.

Their retail outlet is supported by a service-workshop based in Knocknacarra.

Open Mon - Sat
Sunday: Closed

They stock a wide range of electrical appliances - for home and business / commercial purposes - and offer spare parts and appliance servicing. Their range includes the full range of electrical appliances, including vacuum cleaners accessories and electrical spare parts.

View Des Kavanagh Electrical in a larger map

How to replace the diaphragm in a toilet cistern siphon

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 23:16:00 +0000

Often, the problem with a toilet not flushing properly lies in the cistern.

The siphon, indicated in Figure 1, is normally at fault.

Figure 1: Siphon inside a toilet cicstern

It contains a washer, known as a diaphragm, which disintegrates with age and use.

To replace it, follow these instructions carefully.

First, switch off the cold water supply.

Lift off the lid of the cistern.

If possible flush the existing water away. (If you cannot flush, then you will need a sponge to completely empty the cistern.)

Then disconnect the water feed pipe, using a spanner - as in Figure 2.

Figure 2, disconnecting the water feed pipe from a toilet cistern, using a wrench.

Next, remove the two locking nuts connecting the cistern to the toilet bowl. (Figure 3)

Figure 3 - butterfly locking nut that attached the toilet cistern to the toilet bowl

Remove the two screws holding the cistern to the wall:

Figure 4: removing a screw holding the cistern to the wall

The cistern will now lift clear of the toilet bowl.

Then remove the washer and locking nut from under the cistern.

Figure 5: Washer underneath cistern

Figure 6: Locking nut

Next, remove screw holding the flush handle to the siphon.

Figure 7: screw holding flush handle to the siphon.

This may be rusted, and need some help from a pair of pliers:

Figure 8 - using pliers to loosen a rusted screw from a toilet cistern

Slide the flush-lever (the black one shown in figure 8) from the handle, and remove the siphon:

Figure 9: the siphon, removed.

Inspect the diaphragm for damage. In Figure 10 the diaphragm is the blue plastic floppy washer, and in this case, the damage can clearly be seen.

Figure 10: damaged diaphragm - these disintegrate over time

In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the entire siphon, but in this case we will replace only the torn diaphragm, which can be purchased separately.

Remove the coupling pin from the top of the plunger, as indicated in figure 11.

Figure 11: the coupling pin

Depress the plunger and remove the housing:

Figure 12: push down on the plunger

Figure 13 - removing the diaphragm housing

Be careful not to lose the spring:

Figure 14 - removing the spring.

Next remove the washer holding the diaphragm, using a flat screwdriver to prise it off:

Figure 15 - prising the washer which is
holding the diaphragm in place

Figure 16; the loosened washer

Lift off the diaphragm

Figure 17: lifting off the diapgragn.

The damage here can clearly be seen:

Figure 18 damaged toilet syphon diaphragm

Replace the diaphragm.

Figure 19: this replacement diaphragm is made of clear plastic

Put back the locking washer.

Add the spring.

Replace the diaphragm in the siphon housing, and replace the coupling.

Insert the siphon into the cistern, and replace the locking nut.

Replace the cistern onto the toilet bowl, ensuring you have the sponge washer in place.

Figure 20; sponge washer under the toilet cistern.

Replace the two screws holding the cistern to the wall.

Also replace the two butterfly locking nuts which fasten the cistern to the bowl.

Replace the coupling pin between the siphon and the flush-handle - ensuring that the flush-handle is at the original angle - as seen in Figure 21.

Figure 21: coupling pin between the siphon and the flush handle.

When reconnecting the water supply, it is recommended to wrap plumbers' tape around the threads of the pipe:

Figure 22: wrapping the threads with plumbers tape

Figure 23 - the wrapped pipe threads

Reconnect the water supply to the cistern

Figure 24: reconnecting the water feed pipe.

Turn on the water, and check for leaks: be prepared to turn off the water again if necessary, and tighten any connections.

Now flush the cistern, to test that it's working correctly.

Job done. Well done.

Kem Bali, Abbeygate St, Galway

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 14:47:00 +0000

The recent Volvo Ocean Race in Galway saw lots of shop-fronts get a spruce-up. Here's one I did for Kem Bali in Abbeygate St:

This shop is actually a fascinating treasure trove of ethnic / alternative clothng, jewellery and gifts. Reasonably priced, and run by my friend Jean-Claude and his team.

Open Mon-Sat, phone (091)

Address: 44 Abbeygate St

View Larger Map

Preparing for the Volvo Ocean Race, Galway 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 12:53:00 +0000

I've been watching the work done to prepare for the Volvo Ocean Race and painting a few shopfronts/buildings around the town myself.

The temporary bridge over the Corrib has been particularly interesting - and I was glad to see the last of the broken bridge over to the Fisheries Tower.

Here are a few photos:

Mowing big lawns - have fun and be safe!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 13:09:00 +0000

The ride-on mower owned by one of my customers makes mowing their lawn a breeze.

Don't forget the ear-muffs and safety glasses though.

How to remove mirror screws

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 16:59:00 +0000

Mirrors are often attached to the wall using "mirror screws".

These are like regular screws, but with a chrome cap over the top, so they look classier.

The cap is attached to the screw with a small threaded screw of its own, which is fastened into the main screw.

To remove the screw, you need to remove the cap.

To remove the cap, press a large piece of Blu-Tack (or any reusable adhesive) onto the it, and then twist anti-clockwise.

Once the cap has unscrewed, you can remove the regular screw with a flat-head screwdriver.

The most organic of organic weed killers

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 17:55:00 +0000

The most organic of organic weed killers is boiling water:

Simply boil the kettle, and pour the water directly onto the weed, taking care not to splash your prize flowers or yourself.

Especially recommended for nettles, dock leaves and dandelions. Results are almost instantaneous.

What to do if there water is coming from the ceiling

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 22:28:00 +0000

26 December 2010:

You may have a burst pipe ...

1 Turn off the electricity at the mains.
2 Turn off water at the main valve under the kitchen sink.
3 Call a plumber.

CT Electric - Electrical Wholesalers

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 21:55:00 +0000

Sean Mulvoy Business Park,
Sean Mulvoy Rd
phone (091)745 300

Open Mon-Sat, until 5pm.

CT Electric are another of my favourite local suppliers.

They're electrical wholesalers - but open to the public too, and have a massive array of products at very competitive prices, with helpful, knowledgeable staff and parking at the door.

Their range includes cables, switches, fuse-boards, MCBs, RCDs, sockets, single and three phase materials, bulbs - a whole range of specialist electrical supplies.

The shop is located on the hill half way down Sean Mulvoy Rd, and best approached from the Moneenageshia / Cemetery end as right hand turns aren't allowed. It's at the far end of the buildings in the complex.

View CT Electric, Electrical Wholesalers in a larger map

Removing old screws that are covered in paint

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 12 May 2010 00:22:00 +0000

1 May 2010

Sometimes I need to remove a screw that's been in place for a while, and has been covered in paint.

This can be a bit difficult.

But removing the paint out of the grooves in the head of the screw first (eg by scratching it out with a flathead screwdriver gently tapped with a hammer) gives better grip on the screw, so makes it easier to take out.

House-foundations

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:21:00 +0000

11 March 2010

This week, instead of a tip, I decided to share a photograph from a job I worked on a while ago.

This is a raft foundation, showing the "red carpet" radon barrier and criss-cross re-inforced steel. It's at the stage of waiting for a concrete pour.

The section in the foreground is shallower, because it will become a staircase.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 22:02:00 +0000

Silver Cleaning

Tip of the week - 1 Feb 2010:

Toothpaste is a great substitute for silver polish.

Use an old toothbrush to rub a bit of toothpaste onto your silverware, rings, etc especially if they have indentations or hard to reach places.

Rinse them off under warm running water, and leave them to dry in the air.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 23:11:00 +0000

Test your smoke alarm

24 Jan 2010:

Don't stand on a chair to test a smoke alarm.

Use a broom-handle to reach up and press the test-button. Don't take the risk of breaking a limb!

If the alarm doesn't make a loud beep-beep-beep noise when you test it, then it's not working properly.

It could need a new battery ... replace the battery.

If that doesn't work, there must be a problem.

Call me!

Test it regularly!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 23:37:00 +0000

Plumbing. Electrical. Carpentry. Painting. Etc.

You break it, I fix it.

or

You buy it. Your kids break it. I fix it (I think kids are great!)

Either way, call me, Kevin, on (087) 77 33 805

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 19:59:00 +0000

Handy Kev's tip, 24 Dec 2009:

Ho, ho ho: Ask Santa for a handy-man for Christmas - and make sure he has a beard!

Seriously folks - Merry Christmas, and we'll see you next year!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 14:52:00 +0000

Peter Walsh Electrical

Update: Jan 2012
Peter is no longer in Forster St, and thanks everyone for their last 23 years of custom. He's looking for a new retail premises: hopefully he'll have some more news soon.

13 Forster St
(091) 568-168

Located in Forster St, just of Eyre Square, Peter runs one of my favourite electrical shops. He carries a wide range of appliances, large and small including power adaptors for visitors from a wide variety of countries, washing machines, washer-dryers, cookers, ovens, hobs, fridge freezers, kettles, toasters, irons, heaters, batteries, light bulbs and light shades, and all manner of electrical DIY supplies.

Open Mon- Sat

Closed for lunch 1- 1:45pm.

View Peter Walsh Electrical, Galway in a larger map

Favourite local handy-man businesses in Galway

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 00:02:00 +0000

People often think that inner-city hardware or electrical shops are more expensive, or carry a smaller range. I've found that isn't always true, at least not in Galway.

Certainly some of the smaller shops don't have the space to display 17 different models of washing machine, or every type of nail ever invented. But they are run by people who know what is available, and have the contacts to order items and get them delivered quickly.

My favourite local-handyman suppliers include

O'Toole's Tools Light Hardware

O'Higgins Builders Merchants
CT Electrics - for commercial or industrial types of electrical fittings

Des Kavanagh Electrical - for domestic / residential electrical appliances

Faherty Paint and Wallpaper
Tripart
DPL - builder's providers

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 23:35:00 +0000

Advice for Tenants:

If some thing in your rental property is broken, and you want to pay to get it fixed, then call me.

If you want to change something significant (eg install an electrical socket, wallpaper a room in a different colour or pattern, change a lock) in your rented house, flat or apartment, then you need to get your permission from your landlord or property manager first - even if you want to pay for the job yourself.

If you want to change something that isn't significant (eg paint a room the same colour, assemble kitset furniture, change the side that your fridge door opens from) in your rented house, flat or apartment, AND you want to pay for the job yourself, then call me.

If you want something fixed or changed, and you want the landlord to pay, then you must call them first. I do regular work for several property managers in Galway city, and they will only pay for work that they have agreed to in advance. If I do it, and they haven't approved it first, then they won't pay.

Some general good advice:

Keep a list of all the items that were in the property when you moved in. Make the list the very first day, before any of your things arrive.
If the condition of the property isn't perfect, take photographs. Even better, take a video and upload it to YouTube, and send a link to the property manager - they won't be able to argue about the date that way.
Always read the power bill the day you arrive, and make sure the reading is passed on to the power company.

Remember: you don't have to stay with ESB anymore, you can get electricity from other companies like Bord Gáis or Airtricity. But do make sure you find out which company has been supplying electricity so that the move-in-day reading goes to the right place.
If things break, and it's not fair wear-and-tear, then replace them or fix them ASAP. It's better to do small jobs individually, than to get a large bill when you move out.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 15:57:00 +0000

"Kevin, you're the handiest handy-man I've ever met"
Clare - Assistant Manager, GalwayCityPubs.com

"Kevin is great, he assembled my new garden shed, and stained it too. And he left the place clean and tidy."
Terry, Bohermore

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 13:00:00 +0000

Handy Kev's tip, 15 Dec 2009:

Some mains-wired smoke alarms have batteries too

A lady called me because her smoke alarm was beeping with "chirrp-ing" kind of noise.

Solution: change the battery (9 volt).

How: the battery compartment is right inside the alarm, on some household models it's behind where mains electrical wiring is connected to the alarm.

If that doesn't work, here are some other things to check:

Have there been any changes to the electrical system in the building: sometimes, work done elsewhere can disrupt things. But no, there hadn't been.
Dust it: (blowing into the alarm with a can of compressed air is good), to remove any stray particles that might be confusing it.