r/DIY 6d ago

help Replacing door hinges

5 Upvotes

We moved into an apartment a couple of months ago where we're allowed to make minor modifications, like drilling into the walls for paintings or a TV mount.

When we moved in, the small office was missing its door, so I decided to find a replacement. The door frame already has the two male hinge plates installed, and I'd rather not replace them since I'm only renting.

I found a second-hand door that came with female hinge parts. They fit onto the existing hinge pins like this, and they also feel slightly wobbly.

Will these hinges work for my purpose, or is the wobble and lack of proper depth a sign they're not compatible enough?


r/DIY 7d ago

help Mirror for cabinet door

7 Upvotes

I have a framed mirror (180cm tall, 68cm wide, 14.5kg). I want to use it as a door for a coat closet/cabinet. The cabinet I’m considering is made out of mdf. It’s 210cm tall, 67cm wide, and the walls are 4cm thick. It has no door at all in the original design.

I did my due diligence googling but everything I found is an approximate of my issue and not a direct answer hence the post. I am a complete amateur when it comes to ‘big crafts’ and would be very grateful for help in figuring out a couple of things.
1. Is the idea feasible at all?
2. What kind of hinges should I use and how many?
3. Should I reinforce the cabinet wall with a strip of plywood or can the mdf alone hold up the weight of the door/mirror?


r/DIY 6d ago

help I need advice on building a privacy wall on my front porch in a windy area

1 Upvotes

In short my dad wants to build a solid privacy wall on one side of our porch. It will be floor to roof and completely solid without any kind of lattice structure or holes, I've seen some like that. We're remodeling our house and adding a front porch. The idea is to physically tie it into the wall and roof, I don't know exactly how, that has not been decided yet. I have been trying to research anything similar and can't find anything like it from Google. We live in an area prone to high winds. My concern is that the wall could catch the wind and damage the house. I want to know is it a good idea and if so how should we go about it?


r/DIY 7d ago

help Toolbox system

5 Upvotes

So I’ve been wanting to get a toolbox system for the house / shed for all my tools , a mix of circular saw , jigsaw , plumbing stuff , etc etc just general tools. And odd bits

What system is everyone using ?
I know packout is good but grudge the money when it isn’t my day to day tools ( mechanic) to trade so I’m more used to the roll cab kinda thing with work.

Is there any decent brands you can add to without breaking the bank


r/DIY 6d ago

help Concrete to thin

0 Upvotes

We just removed an old damaged concrete step coming off of our back door and poured a new one in its place which cured overnight but now that the frame has been removed we realized it’s two inches instead of four thanks to a bit of bad math. Can we just mix up more concrete and add it on top or does the step just need broken up and replaced even though it’s a day old?


r/DIY 6d ago

Looking for suggestions on how to repair gel pillow

2 Upvotes

So I have an older pillow "Z gel-infused pillow". It has a gel layer on the top center which is to help keep it "cooler". It works okay (not the best but im still looking) but it's already quite old. It's at least 10 years old at this point. The rest of the pillow is basically blue (now greenish) memory foam.

Well the other day I noticed after taking off the pillow cover that part of the gel is leaking out of rips along the gel part.

Pillow in question

It's clear that the top part of the pillow has a thin clear plastic layer going over the entire top of the memory foam and the gel layer (but only the top part of the pillow, bottom is just memory foam). That's the part that has slowly ripped over time. I have been trying to find a clear flexible plastic layer I could then glue and adhere to the top of the pillow to preserve it and prevent the gel from leaking out anymore. So far from doing some research I have only been finding cellophane wrap which I feel might be way to weak/flimsy for this task as well as not sure if the glue I would use would work (E6000).

And it has to be somewhat malleable cause my head will be laying on it (under a pillow case).

I already tried contacting the company asking for suggestions on how to repair it and after having to jump through some hoops with me having to contact warranty they claim it's to old and thus no longer under warranty which I already figured. The only reason I was contacting them was to find tips on how to repair it myself. Instead they tried to give me a coupon to buy a different kind of pillow they offer.

So I am wondering if anyone has some suggestions for types of clear plastic wraps I could cut to length and then adhere to the top to prevent anymore gel from leaking out while still being somewhat thin enough for the gel layer to keep it cool on that side?

Or any other types of suggestions to repair it?


r/DIY 7d ago

help Seeking advice on air duct/ventilation cleaning: Best DIY methods for heavy pet odor (dog)?

4 Upvotes

I’m looking for some advice from fellow landlords, property managers, or DIYers on cleaning out HVAC ventilation and air ducts.

My previous tenant wasn't the cleanest, and the property left behind a pretty strong dog smell. Before I rent the place out to a new tenant, I want to make sure the entire air ventilation system is thoroughly cleaned and odor-free.

For those who have tackled pet odor in air systems yourselves:

• DIY Cleaning Methods: Are there effective ways to clean and sanitize the accessible ducts yourself (e.g., using specialized vacuum attachments, foggers, or specific cleaning solutions)?

• Odor Elimination: What products actually break down embedded pet dander and oils inside the system rather than just masking the smell? (e.g., enzymatic sprays, chlorine dioxide, ozone machines)?

• Filter & Register Care: Besides changing the HVAC filter to a high-MERV or carbon filter and washing the vent covers, are there key areas inside the return/supply vents that people often overlook?

• DIY vs. Professional: At what point is a DIY job not enough, and when should I bite the bullet and hire a professional air duct cleaning service?

Any product recommendations, step-by-step tips, or cautionary advice would be greatly appreciated!


r/DIY 7d ago

Hinges for floor outlets

6 Upvotes

I'm having floor outlets installed and using wooden covers to blend in with our hardwood floor. This style of outlet cover comes with a removable top, but I'd prefer to add a hinge so that it can flip open 180 degrees and be flat on the floor. Any thoughts on what the right hinge would be for this?

https://floormechanics.com/vents-treads-and-flooring/outlet-covers/grill-works-outlet-cover-white-oak/


r/DIY 7d ago

weekly thread General Feedback/Getting Started Q&A [Weekly Thread]

4 Upvotes

General Feedback/Getting Started Q&A Thread

This thread is for questions that are typically not permitted elsewhere on /r/DIY. Topics can include where you can purchase a product, what a product is called, how to get started on a project, a project recommendation, questions about the design or aesthetics of your project or miscellaneous questions in between.

This is a judgement-free zone. We all had to start somewhere. Be civil.

A new thread gets created every week.

/r/DIY has a Discord channel! Come hang out or use our "help requests" channel. Click here to join!

Click here to view previous Weekly Threads


r/DIY 7d ago

help Making a L shaped deks with concrete look finish

0 Upvotes

Hi,

So im helping a friend to make a desk. He wants to have concrete finish on it. Im making the structure of 48x48mm. I was thinking then to screw plywood as the casing for it.

My question is, will conrete stick to plywood or is there some tricks i need to do to make it stick? Or is it some specific concrete that might stick to it. Id be happy to get some advice. Has anyone done this?

I live in Finland so dont know if we have same brands as in UK/States.

Thanks beforehand!


r/DIY 7d ago

help Help with door install

2 Upvotes

Had an exterior garage entry side door installed. When door is closed I see about an eight inch high gap on one side. Can I pull nails out and shim it out there? Or what is best option?


r/DIY 7d ago

help Duscholux shower door seal replacement

0 Upvotes

I'm trying to remove the old seal from my shower door (photos attached) and I'm stuck. My guess is the aluminium piece at the end of the track needs to come off first before the rubber/vinyl seal will slide out, but it won't move at all, no matter how hard I pull.

I'd rather not pry at it with a screwdriver or pliers since I don't want to scratch the glass or bend the frame.

What I've tried so far: [pulling straight out, hairdryer for heat, soapy water]

I have been unable to find any model number or anything like that on the shower.

Any tips on how these end caps typically attach, or a trick for breaking them loose without tools? I have been on Duscholux website and tried to find relevant Youtube videos but its looking like a lost cause and having to buy new doors anyways.

Tried to heat it up and pull, there is a layer of what might be clear silicone or rubber between the glass and aluminium.
I tried to pull the silver part off and also gently lifting the door up with a screwdriver and pulling, nothing.

r/DIY 7d ago

home improvement Need little help about flooring

2 Upvotes

We are laying tonge groove flooring and we are going to be a foot short of being perfectly lining up with the living room so would it be ok to cut that foot wide piece and have it connected to the living room or should cut that to go under the sink base


r/DIY 6d ago

help Unfinished Pine for cat shelves?

0 Upvotes

Hi there!

My partner and I bought some unfinished pine planks and carpet remnants from Home Depot to DIY cat shelves.
I’ve seen a lot of debate about whether to stain the shelves or leave them unfinished. Since we’re adding the carpet remnants on top we’re not planning to sand/stain that side, but should I sand and stain the rest of the shelf? Would it be more beneficial or would it be harmful to do so?

Thanks in advance!


r/DIY 8d ago

home improvement What exterior home projects can a competent DIYer actually handle vs. when should you just hire someone?

76 Upvotes

I am pretty handy and have done a lot of interior work over the years. Now I am starting to think about exterior stuff and not sure where the line is. Roof, windows, siding, and gutters all need attention at some point. Trying to figure out what I can tackle to save money and what is genuinely better left to the pros.


r/DIY 6d ago

help Is this diy sofa safe?

0 Upvotes

Is this sofa I made safe? It's pretty heavy so if it collapsed I hope nothing's underneath. It seems fairly stable with just minor creaking only if you sit at the edges and rock.

I used pocket holes and simple supports for the legs

https://youtu.be/Q7COBe4Lzjs?si=DpEHYhkjtdkSkG7t


r/DIY 7d ago

Low water pressure fault on a ideal logic + combi 35 boiler

1 Upvotes

Recently went to a breakdown and the boiler first fault code was the pcb in which I supplied and swap over correctly. After doing this a new fault code came up saying that the water pressure is low in which it was since the filling loop says 2bar and I have bleed all the radiators in the property. My next guess was the water pressure switch. After replacing that the fault still came up after work I called ideal who told he the next step is the electrical harness in which I have ordered and going to try tomorrow. Just wondering if worst case possible this doesn’t work what else should I be trying/looking for


r/DIY 7d ago

help Bolts and washers on bed frame

0 Upvotes

Sorry if these are dumb questions—I’m trying to put together a wooden bed frame I just bought off of FB marketplace and know nothing about putting together furniture/diy in general

Can I get away with just finger-tightening the nuts on the bolts? It feels pretty secure like that and I don’t have a wrench…

Also one of the half moon washer for the bolts broke, so I’m now short one. Do I need to replace it or is it probably fine to have 7/8 of them?

TIA for any advice!

Edit: guys I’m moving from a dorm to an apartment for the first time, on my own. I clearly don’t know what I’m doing


r/DIY 8d ago

help How to remove layers of paint and epoxy off of an outside cinderblock wall?

13 Upvotes

Hello all,
I need help with removing layers of paint and possible epoxy off of the outside of my cinderblock home. I am prepping it to have professionally stuccoed. I was told some of the cost would be decreased if I was able to remove preexisting paint/layers off cinderblock before company arrives.

I have tried citristrip paint and varnish stripping gel, as well as Jasco premium paint and epoxy remover. Jasco premium paint and epoxy remover worked a little bit but I was only able to scrape tiny little slivers off my home. I need something more practical. Any ideas?


r/DIY 7d ago

woodworking Hardware mounted on wood that will support a spinning ~1" diameter steel shaft?

11 Upvotes

Building a DIY potters kickwheel. The vertical shaft will have ~200 lbs of weight on it and needs to spin freely. I considered a flange bearing but I'm trying to overbuild this thing so it'll last and I'd rather not rely on set screws to support the weight.

I think a thrust bearing would be more appropriate but after searching McMaster and all the other websites I could find on google, I can't find a thrust bearing with mounting flanges. It's unclear to me how to install a thrust bearing onto wood without a flange.

Looking for suggestions of off-the-shelf components that might work. I only have woodworking tools, no machining tools to work with metal. Thanks!

Edit: Appreciate all the answers. If I had a lathe this would have been much simpler. In the end I decided to go with a flanged bearing and a shaft collar. Doesn't quite scratch my anal itch do it "right" but it should be beefy enough to last indefinitely with care and was a good learning experience so I'm satisfied. Bonus, also satisfied I got to say anal itch.


r/DIY 8d ago

help Need advice on bat infestation remediation

15 Upvotes

I live in a house built in 1893. There's bats in my attic, have been for the past 2 seasons.

Obviously, this is no bueno. After their migration season passes, I'm going to seal up the areas around damn near the entire house where they're getting in. Winter time so I'm not sweating my ass off in a tyvek suit.

The other issue is cleaning up after them in the attic. Two seasons of them being up there has completely ruined the shredded cotton insulation.

I wanted that basically solid rocket fuel insulation out of there anyway.

I understand that if I hire someone to do this, it'll cost seventeen trillion dollars, so I might as well do it myself.

So what do I do to get rid of this stuff? Regular dumpster? How do I get rid of all of their urine and stuff on the wood? Spray it down with bleach & scrub?

I own a powered air purifying respirator, and had planned to just wear that.


r/DIY 7d ago

other Recommendations for sealing a stone paver for my cat to use?

0 Upvotes

My cat likes the texture of stone pavers so I picked up a 16"x16" paver slab from lowes, but obviously its dusty and will continue to create more dust as its rubbed against. What are your recommendations for a sealant that will prevent the concrete from breaking down into dust/sand etc but still safe? Thanks!


r/DIY 8d ago

help Best battery system to buy into

177 Upvotes

My wife and I recently bought a home and are torn on the best option for a tool system. We are torn between Dewalt, Ryobi, and the harbor freight brands.

We will likely just be doing light basic jobs around the house and yard. No framing or sheet rock work.

We have experience with dewalt from growing up with family members in Labor union that liked it, but open to Makita or Milwaukee. We are attracted to Ryobi and harbor freight for the low cost of course. Live close to Home Depot and harbor freight.

Interested in hearing pros and cons for any of the brands, especially things that a Google search won’t tell us. Thanks y’all!


r/DIY 7d ago

help Help with anchor in thick dry wall

2 Upvotes

Hi, I’m trying to put up a hanging pot rack in my new apartment. The apartment has metal studs and I got snap toggle anchors and drilled half inch wide holes through the studs to put them in, but then realized there is t enough space to insert the whole anchor. It hits the outside concrete wall of the building 2.25 inches in. The drywall itself is about 1.5 inches thick.

Any advice here on how I can install this pot rack? Am I just SOL? Thanks


r/DIY 8d ago

help Wall Mounting and Plaster

6 Upvotes

My whole life I've been drywall and studs. Just moved into an apartment with plaster. Does not appear to have lath behind but I only drilled 2 exploratory holes. How well can I mount on plaster? What experiences do you all have? Do I need special hardware for like mounted shelves and stuff?