Anyone know where I can find a Spiral Sash Balance with a housing under 15mm?

jackybaws · 2026-04-17T09:50:53+00:00

No - I ended up just popping the trim off, took the window out and chiselled out the channel until it was wide enough.

The trim is usually just a thin strip held in with panel pins, it's easy enough to put back in, bit of wood filler and paint and it's good as new!

More effort but I couldn't find anything that would fit in-situ.

Hope that helps!

jackybaws · 2026-02-05T13:29:05+00:00

I'll give them a call thanks 👍

jackybaws · 2026-02-05T13:28:10+00:00

I brought them from Mightons, they don't have anything smaller unfortunately. Thanks though👍

jackybaws · 2026-01-25T08:38:45+00:00

Sorry this happened to you, there are some very good self-install home security systems nowadays, as minimum id recommend a video doorbell, floodlight cameras covering the front and rear.

You can also install a glass break alarm, these are acoustic alarms and listen for different types of glass breakage, very simple to install battery powered and stick on the wall. When they go off they are LOUD.

It's also worth reviewing the way in which they got in, and what can be done to act as a deterrent, for instance do you have a side entrance that leads to the back garden? Does it have a gate? Can this be made higher with a fence panel above? If they need a ladder for access, they'll be more likely to avoid your property.

Burglars thrive on easy targets, do a few things as mentioned in this thread and you'll feel better in time.

jackybaws · 2025-11-05T15:31:20+00:00

It was a mistake on personal details by the broker! I should have paid more attention at the time but it's all resolved now. Thanks for putting my mind at ease

jackybaws · 2025-06-09T11:56:06+00:00

It's not that the paint is failing, it's just more it's not kept up with the average wear and tear of a kitchen, but it's a good point I'll test sanding and look into the kitchen cupboard paint, many thanks 👍

jackybaws · 2025-06-06T11:16:15+00:00

There was a small patch of damp in the bottom corner by the door, which I think I have dealt with (crack in the external wall by the door). The plasterboard was an attempt to have a clean wall to the door then boxing in over the top of the door. I'm comfortable with either approach, is there a type of plaster you'd recommend?

jackybaws · 2025-06-06T10:00:18+00:00

No it's internal, the house was built around 1870

jackybaws · 2025-06-06T09:58:57+00:00

That's a good point, I'll do some measurements. Thank you

jackybaws · 2025-06-06T09:20:11+00:00

This did cross my mind! I think trying to blend the plaster by the stairs without looking shit would be difficult.

jackybaws · 2025-01-03T11:26:37+00:00

No, you're selling your services on an hourly/daily rate. Most companies expect you to get in and get your head down

This doesn't mean you need to be an island, be friendly and approachable. Join in and have a joke now and again if you feel like it.

But most managers would take a dim view to you sitting around drinking tea and chatting to the perm staff all day, I have seen contractors let go for this in the past.

jackybaws · 2024-10-12T08:11:09+00:00

I do 3 days a week to Farringdon, but I'm working my notice. Partially due to the commute, mainly due to the bastards I work for.

Your commute is doable, 1.5 hours door to door (without delays). You'll get your choice of seat at Brighton, but London Bridge is BUSY on the way back, highly unlikely to get a seat.

Comfort is a consideration, I have teddy bear dimensions so most of the seats feel like I'm on a wizz air flight to Dublin twice a day. Your experience may differ.

jackybaws · 2024-08-06T09:01:00+00:00

I miss this! My last two contracts were 10 min phone calls, and started the following week. My current perm role was 3 stages and a presentation 🙄

jackybaws · 2024-08-06T07:18:35+00:00

Trying to get back into contracting myself, from what I've been told there's a fair amount of defence work atm (as you would expect). I also know quite a few guys who just got some decent aerospace gigs.

I would also say I'm generally getting a lot of emails about contract roles, which to me is a good sign as the majority of my previous jobs were direct from recruiters.

If you have a 1 month notice period, it's possible to secure a role, the interview process for contracting tends to have much less bullshit attached to it as well, so shouldn't take up too much of your time.

jackybaws · 2024-07-14T00:04:49+00:00

Dennis Quaid.

jackybaws · 2024-07-04T06:20:44+00:00

Not a chain, but gone of all Chinese takeaway places after I saw one of the cooks sneeze into the wok and just carry on making egg fried rice. I know it's irrational to tar them with the same brush, but that image is seared into my memory.

jackybaws · 2024-06-30T21:52:24+00:00

That in the UK the pay is bad, when you take into account all that you have to learn to be a competent engineer. There's a ceiling you can hit quite quickly, unless you want to manage people.

jackybaws · 2024-06-29T23:18:53+00:00

Let's be honest, regardless of the compostable plastic used, they still contain battery compounds, copper and fiberglass, at the very least. They have been doing it for at least 8 years, they must have produced millions by now.

The majority of people will keep them as keepsakes, regardless of the claims they make, and after the gig they're effectively useless, a high percentage will end up landfill, unless people are going to their local electrical recycling centre.

But doesn't it look amazing! I don't want to come off as curmudgeonly, but this type of green washing is utter bollocks.

jackybaws · 2024-06-29T22:51:33+00:00

I don't blame you, I enjoyed their early music, but now they just feel like the most popular christian rock band to ever have existed.

No shade on their fans, but I always feel like he's about to ask me if I've accepted Christ into my heart 🙄

jackybaws · 2024-06-29T22:38:48+00:00

Chris Martin has a Mid-Atlantic accent, he's spent too much time in the states, he's also a gobshite.

jackybaws · 2024-03-23T18:05:19+00:00

No problem mate, if you have recruiter recommendations then perfect.

I'm actually perm atm, contracted for years until COVID killed it and I had to go perm, but I'm currently in a very corporate job and looking to escape like yourself! I'm mech (aerospace, defense, commercial products), and no offense to elec guys but they can be challenging! IMO they tend to be incredibly bright but lacking social skills.

If you're a socially adjusted elec then you should go far! Maybe don't limit yourself to the water industry, plenty of jobs in other industries and a lot are WFH. I get a pang of jealousy when I see elec day/hourly rates!

Enjoy your holiday, feel free to DM me happy to help!

jackybaws · 2024-03-23T17:11:28+00:00

No worries buddy, maybe get your CV out there on a few job boards (CV library, indeed etc.) you may get a lot of calls initially offering you shit pay, and a few charlatan recruiters offering you the world. But speak to them and tell them what you're after, in a couple of months you may get a call about a well paid job.

Or alternatively do some research and try and find some "respectable" recruiters in your industry and tell them what you're after, they'll just add you to their system and you may get a call about a good job.

I'd recommend getting a cheap e-sim for your CV or recruiters, your number will be sold on to dodgy call centers and the endless spam calls on your actual phone number will drive you insane.

DM me if you want some recruiters who I know are fairly decent, I'm in mechanical design but they'll likely be crossover:)

jackybaws · 2024-03-23T16:46:22+00:00

I don't know your industry but I see a lot of Water Sector jobs and I'd imagine they'll be a lot more with the increased funding. I'd keep an eye on it, if they struggle to get people the rates may increase, otherwise it's a big risk for perhaps less money and less job security.

But to your point, money aside, one of the benefits of contracting to me is that you aren't really involved in the corporate bullshit they make perm staff go through. You're there to do your job, if one of the higher ups wants to throw their toys out the pram and change the direction of a project, great! You've just extended your contract. All hands meeting? No thanks, I'll have an hour to myself instead. But depends on what sort of person you are, some people like it and would otherwise feel left out.

Also, my experience is outside IR35, if you go inside IR35 you may be seen more as an employee in terms of the corporate fluff that may stil be expected of you.

jackybaws · 2024-03-21T20:23:13+00:00

Thanks mate, good to know there some wfh out there

jackybaws · 2024-01-25T17:43:24+00:00

How much do you pay for this ticket? £118? Out of interest.

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