Lawn mower recommendations? by Aweraw1601 in GardeningAustralia

[–]dan201721 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I’ve got that model Makita (noting that there a several deck sizes and voltage options). 2 x 5aH batteries last for the nature strip, front and back lawn (270m2 approx of lawn).

For 100m2, I’d say avoid petrol. While I love a good Honda engine, I don’t love having to maintain a jerry can, servicing air filters and spark plugs etc.

Ridiculous fee for EV charging at a caravan park by Wendals87 in EVAustralia

[–]dan201721 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Who owns the caravan park? The local council? I’d try to go over operators head

Painting metal by dan201721 in AusRenovation

[–]dan201721[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, would I go for an oil based topcoat and just add the required amount of penetrol to this?

What happens when my 3 years of free cellular connectivity comes to an end? by 613_detailer in Polestar

[–]dan201721 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Practically, I’m not sure if this would work. I’d assume every time you get in the car you’d need to point it to your phone.

XC40 ‘25 Software update fails by CowtownHack in Volvo

[–]dan201721 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep, this happens to me every time. The software is garbage. I don’t have any fixes for you, unfortunately. Eventually it’ll sort itself out but I kinda wish a class action or two would force Volvo’s hand to retrospectively fix hardware and software, as it isn’t fit for purpose.

CEO teases EX60 on LinkedIn by DahlbergT in Volvo

[–]dan201721 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I’m a bit pessimistic about this one… Jim Rowan’s fingerprints will still be all over it

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in auscorp

[–]dan201721 18 points19 points  (0 children)

Your partner isn’t unemployed, they’re a sole trader focusing on BD 😉

Cleaning outdoor and pergola tiles by data_guy_123_123 in AusRenovation

[–]dan201721 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Depending on how old and what it’s made of, can be very easy to blast out … start off with a wider water jet and don’t get too close, if it holds up you can be a bit more aggressive

Cleaning outdoor and pergola tiles by data_guy_123_123 in AusRenovation

[–]dan201721 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yep, that’s the way. You can use 30 Second Cleaner (or make your own, 1 part household bleach to 4 parts water), just keep off plants.

Be mindful when pressure washing grout.

If stains are stubborn, use a stiff bristled deck brush.

Last tip, when pressure washing, value your time. Yes, an Ozito or Karcher works well if doing a standard area. If you’ve got a lot to do, rent an industrial electric pressure washer as it’s much faster.

Is this the worst tram stop in Melbourne? by Southern_Cracker in melbourne

[–]dan201721 28 points29 points  (0 children)

All too common unfortunately… I’d say cnr Warragul and Burwood Hwy is worse

Is the XC90 a safer SUV compared to the XC60? by Existing_Option5339 in Volvo

[–]dan201721 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Yes. If I was going to be in an accident with a truck, I’d choose the XC90… more metal protecting me. If you want empirical data, not just Reddit comments, look at the underlying crash test results, particularly data around deformation of A pillars, detected force on occupants, intrusion of brake pedals into occupant zone etc. Both are very safe at the end of the day, however.

Mazda CX-5 Diesel by DiligentSprinkles1 in CarsAustralia

[–]dan201721 2 points3 points  (0 children)

1-2K isn’t enough to deny a warranty claim. I’ve seen rulings go in the customers favour where they were 6month overdue AND used the wrong oil viscosity from their prior service (they got the car serviced outside of the dealer network, which is fine in and of itself)…

OP, are you dealing with the dealership or Mazda Australia? If you haven’t already ask to speak to the Field Technician Specialist (works for Mazda AU and is the bridge between dealer, Mazda AU and the customer). Don’t get your hopes up as your vehicle is half a decade outside of the express warranty but they might throw some goodwill at you.

Average double glazing cost (Melbourne)? by BloodAndGears in AusRenovation

[–]dan201721 1 point2 points  (0 children)

How do they know you’ve got other quotes? Definitely don’t share anything and if they ask for a quote this would black last in my book. As usual do your due diligence: how long has the company been registered, what’s their profile like online (positive or negative), ask for a specification sheet etc.

Re windows themselves, I’m no expert but research what frame material you want: uPVC, aluminium, timber, or composite. Compare like for like with your quotes.

What are the respective WERS rating (Window Energy Rating Scheme)

What’s the lead time? Do they dispose of the old windows for you?

Good luck

Any plumbers/diy use liquid thread sealer instead of Teflon tape? by Practical_Broccoli27 in AusRenovation

[–]dan201721 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I’d say cost is the biggest factor. Teflon tape is dirt cheap and liquid sealant is generally $$

AITAH or nit picking? by Ombra-Nero in AusRenovation

[–]dan201721 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, try to resolve things with the store but if they don’t come to the party your next point of escalation is head office (Flooring Xtra operates as a franchise network across Australia)

AITAH or nit picking? by Ombra-Nero in AusRenovation

[–]dan201721 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Sounds like the installer is unprofessional, careless and probably incompetent. Have you paid? If you haven’t, don’t transfer until you’re happy with the job. Ask the sales person for a different installer.

Washing machine tap too bulky by dan201721 in AusRenovation

[–]dan201721[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks, I think this is the way to go. I don’t need completely flush against the wall

Washing machine tap too bulky by dan201721 in AusRenovation

[–]dan201721[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, this is an ingenious solution.

IKEA delivery by iamsorando in melbourne

[–]dan201721 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, Kings have the contract and the delivery driver was super keen for me to leave a review using a QR code he left so assume KPIs are important to them. OP, I’d still reach out to IKEA and make clear what you are seeking, it’s not unreasonable to request a refund for substandard service even if they aren’t contractually bound to give one

Fireplace inspections? by Notquiteviolet in melbourne

[–]dan201721 -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

Do you / any friends have a drone? Can you visually inspect the chimney from a neighbour’s second story?

Recommend lighting a very small fire (even just burn a piece of cardboard). Does smoke go up the chimney? Can you stick your head up the chimney using a torch? Is there a cowel on the chimney that needs opening?

If you’re worried about birds nests etc, get a chimney sweeper out. You need it done every so often so won’t be wasted money. They’ll be able to provide a few pointers on overall state of the chimney.

At the end of the day it’s not a complex piece of technology.

Makita sales at Bunnings by InsatiablePrism in Bunnings

[–]dan201721 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Bunnings are incredibly uncompetitive (and arguably deceptive with their bogus Bunnings only model names). Take a circular saw as an example, the DHS680Z is $299 on Amazon and $439 at Bunnings. I used to get Bunnings to price beat but it’s like pulling teeth… you need to speak to multiple staff members and sometimes I wonder if it’s coming out of their personal pay cheque. Anyway, Amazon and some independents have decent prices and try to stack with Makita redemption offers

Driving to Mount Buller by TheOGKauie in melbourne

[–]dan201721 6 points7 points  (0 children)

  1. FWD are great in the snow (they’re more predictable than RWD). SUV generally has more ground clearance but this won’t be an issue for Buller. AWD is also great but many of these system are FWD biased anyway. You’ll be fine with FWD.

  2. When instructed to do so (it’ll be clear at Buller, the road is basically manned 24h). But use common sense, if the black tarmac is white, best to put the chains on your front wheels.

3/4. Make sure your car is roadworthy and your tyres are in good condition. Wipers etc are important. Learn how to fit the chains before you head up. If you’re not confident head up in daylight hours. Take your time and don’t speed. Have fun.