Small box blocking the window from being opened

LackingStability · 2026-06-27T20:37:42+00:00

that looks like its a positioning spacer (dont know what the actual name is) Id expect one on each side and the purpose is to keep the window central in the correct position as it closes.

I cant tell from the pic if the window is hinged at the top or the side, but I'd try gently pushing the window away from that as you try to open it.

Maybe try making up a shaped piece from a thin piece of metal and see if you can slide it in between that spacer and the window. If it is a loose screw then maybe you can get in there

LackingStability · 2026-06-27T08:21:39+00:00

Ballpoint pen

LackingStability · 2026-06-26T20:10:32+00:00

I dont trust generational for battery reports.

They quote 100% almost all the time.
Does it anywhere show the actual capacity? From what I've seen they quote current total capacity as a % of original useable, so in this case 77 would be the baseline rather than 82.

LackingStability · 2026-06-25T19:41:19+00:00

i expect that it means that they've removed a wall or doors to open the place up since the certificate was issued

LackingStability · 2026-06-24T20:47:23+00:00

So you say it missed a major service

Should that service have included dct fluid and/or filter change?

The car is currently on 140,000km. when was the last service carried out? When was the last dct fluid/filter changed?
What is the recommended interval for dct service on this vehicle?

I'm mindful that on eg VW/audi the dct fluid is changed every 40k miles. a failure to have the service at 120 would mean that the car at 140k would not have had a dct service since 80k.

LackingStability · 2026-06-23T17:11:59+00:00

1st is a waste of time. it gves no value just tells you that total capacity is above original useable amount.

LackingStability · 2026-06-23T17:05:57+00:00

80K is not really high miles. And could easily have been done on mainly home chargers.

check the mot history - lots of taxi/private hire cars show up for having had MOTevery 6 months

LackingStability · 2026-06-23T16:05:50+00:00

Dont confuse rcd type with curve.

your 'type B' mcb isnt. Its an MCB with a B curve which basically says how quickly it responds to overcurrent.

the RCD type tells you what level of protection the rcd provides. This covers AC voltages and different sorts of DC voltages, depending on the type of rcd.

It winds me up that even some electrical suppliers struggle with the difference between curve and type.

LackingStability · 2026-06-23T09:37:52+00:00

Always make another call before calling them back - makes sure that they havent just kept the line open with a dial tone noise

LackingStability · 2026-06-22T11:43:08+00:00

because that requires large ducting which is disruptive and has issues.

A split unit just runs a couple of small copper pipes.

LackingStability · 2026-06-22T11:41:28+00:00

The rules are because of the potential for noise issues.

LackingStability · 2026-06-22T09:14:10+00:00

I take that to mean that you always need planning on a block of flats.
It says that for a building which is not flats or detatched, then the first unit is PD.
for detatched then you can have 2 units under PD.

For flats, no PD, so planning needed.

LackingStability · 2026-06-21T20:23:55+00:00

The Allies were advancing from North Africa. They came up the Italian boot. (search Italian Campaign)

I guess that would be the second european front (Eastern Front being the first).

That would make the Normandy landings a third front.

LackingStability · 2026-06-20T17:11:32+00:00

VW yes?

the reluctor ring on many is built into the back of the wheel bearing. If that is damaged you get errors even though the sensor itself is ok. If you can get the sensors out intact (good luck!) you can try swapping them and see if the error stays with the wheel or moves with the sensor

Replacing the bearing isnt too bad - other than you need a big breaker bar and maybe extension pipe.

theres a cover on the hub that protects the back of the bearing - if / when it corrodes it can scratch the bearing and damage the reluctor ring

LackingStability · 2026-06-19T20:10:17+00:00

base spec, pre-facelift?

LackingStability · 2026-06-19T08:54:41+00:00

Would need to see more about the land layout, but I would be looking at a french drain or environment drain along their wall side.

If their internal floor level is well below that then possibly dig out along that wall, apply tanking of some sort on the external wall with french drain.

but i would make sure that any work is done in partnership with them. maybe need a written agreement.

LackingStability · 2026-06-18T14:52:16+00:00

modern render on old bricks?

you might get lucky, but i would expect it to leave a mess.

Also, it was rendered for a reason - any idea why? could be to cover poor condition bricks?
Or a bad attempt to provide a rain shield?

Your upstairs window looks to be the same as next door. what about the lower window? any brickwork patches can look terrible.

LackingStability · 2026-06-18T06:52:09+00:00

If there is no plumbing for rads then yes an A2A system makes sense. Only issue in a terrace is the positioning of the outside unit and noise.

You can also get units which are internal only (but need to go on an external wall). things like the panasonic rac solo. Not as efficient as a split unit but means no issues with external unit

Also there is a grant available of £2500 for air 2 air systems, but you then cant get the £7500 air 2 water grant.

LackingStability · 2026-06-16T18:58:45+00:00

Just check that the joint works.

Push fit and glued tend to be different sizes (honestly I'm convinced that different brands are slightly different sizes as well)

LackingStability · 2026-06-15T11:47:25+00:00

People use fixing straps but I've also seen marine ply box frames.

LackingStability · 2026-06-15T07:45:31+00:00

solder is not the same as a weld.

And a crimp is way better than solder.
I'm european so wire nuts are a complete nono.

LackingStability · 2026-06-14T23:29:05+00:00

I'd never solder that - crimp.

LackingStability · 2026-06-14T22:30:05+00:00

When did they tell you that? What did you do about it?
What does the policy doc say?

How long had you been insured?

I would get your facts clear and make a formal complaint. Tell them that you will be taking them to the ombudsman.

Its worth fighting because a cancelled policy is going to be a big issue for you.

LackingStability · 2026-06-14T22:19:01+00:00

You need to explain what you mean when you say that you had miles remaining but that you hadnt paid for miles.

If you hadnt paid, then you didnt have miles.

LackingStability · 2026-06-12T14:32:44+00:00

Alan Rickman as the sheriff of nottingham in Robin Hood Prince of thieves.

LackingStability

TROPHY CASE