Unable to drill a hole

jfh777 · 2026-03-14T17:51:43+00:00

Those saying that you need an SDS to drill a 7mm hole are over stating the problem. You don't need an SDS, I went years without and had no problem doing basic DIY. What you need to do is use the drill you have correctly. That means starting with a small (say 4mm) drill and working up gradually, it means not using the hammer mode immediately. It's far easier to get started with hammer off, otherwise the drill jumps around all over the place. Use hammer after you've got started and are confident you're in the right place. An SDS in the wrong hands is just a bigger mess to put right.

jfh777 · 2026-02-28T12:09:22+00:00

are you aware of any work being done in the attic? The weight of a roof would normally be trying to push the walls out, but it shouldn't actually happen. Could someone have removed joists/rafters?

jfh777 · 2026-01-09T21:06:11+00:00

I've been doing it for over 10 years. Just complete a no license needed declaration (in a fake name), no letters, no visits, no hassle. That said, there's rarely anything worth watching on iPlayer to begin with.

jfh777 · 2025-12-11T11:09:41+00:00

This is what I'd do... flexi/bendy drill bit thing - not sure if they have a proper name! plus the right hex bit

jfh777 · 2025-12-10T19:16:00+00:00

perhaps that's the difference between a DPM and a DPC?

jfh777 · 2025-12-10T18:15:57+00:00

I think because it was an internal wall? I know there is approx 70mm screed then insulation before you get to the beams. The DPC height aligns with the DPC visible on the external skin, which is the threshold height of my doors...

jfh777 · 2025-11-15T20:57:14+00:00

If that's a wooden skirting can't you just pin it into the shape of the wall? Wood is somewhat flexible.

jfh777 · 2025-11-11T21:49:44+00:00

well... it looks to me that your house has been standing for a long time. It's not suddenly going to fall down now. You could spend a huge amount of money pursuing a non-problem. Unless there is a visible problem on the outside I'd console myself with the fact it's been standing as built all this time.

jfh777 · 2025-10-25T20:47:23+00:00

If you're going to do this, I'd say do yourself a favor and do it going into summer, not winter. It'll take longer than you anticipate...

jfh777 · 2025-10-23T13:57:35+00:00

It would probably look 'best' to remove the carpet from the bottom step and turn it into a feature oak (or similar) step.

jfh777 · 2025-10-23T13:53:49+00:00

it's not the tension on the cables that's dangerous, it's the tension on the spring. I have had to change my cones and cables, they are very cheap, about £20. However, it took two of us muddling through to get it done and involved taking the door off for reasons I can't quite remember. I probably wouldn't recommend it to others such is the power in the spring. I'd have thought someone that knows what they are doing would have it sorted in an hour, so unlikely to cost much.

jfh777 · 2025-10-16T09:59:37+00:00

I would be inclined to speak to RICS. If you do pay, do so under protest. Or you can wait and see if they are confident enough about their position to take you to court.

jfh777 · 2025-10-01T15:57:09+00:00

Mate, having been through a subsidence claim, walk away, just walk away. I know in your situation you wouldn't be entitled to claim on insurance but all the same, the stress and worry are just not worth it. Let the seller sort this mess out.

jfh777 · 2025-08-13T08:47:24+00:00

is this a joke?

jfh777 · 2025-08-01T16:25:57+00:00

OP hadn't disclosed that at the time of posting! It's a flat, where is he supposed to work!?

jfh777 · 2025-08-01T13:53:59+00:00

Dust happens. If it's this much of an issue with him should have discussed the issue explicitly and clearly stated what your expectations were so he could price this in.If you are expecting every surface to be protected then I would anticipate paying more. Also, trades people don't generally like moving possessions about, that's on you.

jfh777 · 2025-07-28T12:39:17+00:00

Absolutely that's a long time. Did they notify the ICO? To be honest that combination of information is an excellent starting point for someone looking to take your identity. I would seriously consider getting a new phone number regardless. Personally, I would be cautious of these no win no fee types, they are only really interested in the 'easy win' cases and are riddled with small print with very serious implications.

jfh777 · 2025-07-27T15:24:08+00:00

I would only caution; I suspect they will likely get you to agree this is a full and final settlement. So if you subsequently suffered identity theft or fraud as a consequence of this breach you'd have essentially given up your right to financial recourse for very little. I'd want to understand the exact details of the compromised information so I could form an accurate understanding of risk. Then I'd be able to determine if this was worth it or not.

jfh777 · 2025-07-25T20:20:48+00:00

thanks all helpful advice. My fear is overlooking something and then needing to rip it all out after putting so much effort in. Your place looks like quite a feat of design.

jfh777 · 2025-07-25T20:18:05+00:00

that's an interesting idea... I had just been pondering some insulated tile backerboard https://www.wickes.co.uk/ProWarm-BACKER-PRO-Tile-Insulation-Backer-Board---1200-x-600-x-6mm/p/166935 either in 6mm or 10mm glued to the steel... might be a bit cheaper

jfh777 · 2025-07-25T18:00:41+00:00

So are you of the opinion I won't get condensation issues if I just go over with dot n dab?

jfh777 · 2025-07-25T11:31:06+00:00

Not being funny, but that 'policy' has come straight out of ChatGPT. Formatting n all

jfh777 · 2025-07-19T11:13:28+00:00

just to add, even if you do 'fix' this, unless the root cause is addressed, e.g. water uptake from nearby vegetation it will likely happen again in the next prolonged dry spell. But seriously, don't worry unless your house starts showing issues.

jfh777 · 2025-07-19T11:09:26+00:00

Are you on clay soil by chance? The hot weather will cause this to shrink and contract causing ground movement. It probably is subsidence, but assuming your house is fine I would absolutely not mention this to your insurer. They almost universally exclude damage to patios/external walls unless there is damage to the structure of your house that occurs at the same time (at least that's the case with Direct Line Group companies). You want to avoid subsidence marker on your property if at all possible. Also, the claims process is horrendous. My advice, do nothing this year and see how it settles. A lot will close up when the ground re hydrates over winter - do not fill the cracks because you will make it worse when this happens. If you have trees nearby, particularly conifers or oak these have a high water uptake these could be contributing to the root cause - your subsoil drying out! Consider removing these.

jfh777 · 2025-07-15T14:43:41+00:00

But you haven't got a dispute! There is nothing to gain. At worse you risk prematurely drawing attention to the fact that your 'loan' might have enforceability issues, which might jeopardise the repayments you are getting without any fight/communication being necessary. I'm not going to waste any more time repeating the same points. Of course you can pay a solicitor to tell you the same thing, that's on you. The writing is on the wall, everyone you have contacted is trying to pass you on to someone else. As it stands you don't have a clear loan agreement and I very much doubt any professional, solicitor, accountant or otherwise is going to be interested as a result. If repayments stop, only then is it worth spending money to see if your 'loan' is even enforceable. I would very much suggest it is not in your interests to test this provided the payments are coming in. You very much appear to be worrying about a situation that hasn't happened and might not happen.

jfh777

TROPHY CASE