I fall into the category of 'DIM'.

[vivandorron]

I really dislike having tradesmen doing jobs for me and, whenever possible, Do It Myself; which accounts for me regarding myself as dim. Consequently there wasn't going to be any problem replacing a Fluorescent Light fitting which I had installed in the kitchen; some 40 yrs ago.

Little did I realise that the cable entry point would be different and fixing points would be spaced at approx 2ft apart and would not coincide with my beams which are deemed to be 16inch centres. Furthermore, the end caps of the diffuser (shade) required spring clips to be inserted with great difficulty. Also the internal wiring of the new fitting had a short length of black cable which appeared to be connecting a negative with a positive.

Anyway I used my mini Tester to check out the wiring and eventually put-up the fitting which is now held at it's central point with two screws. Although it is not centrally positioned to the opposite walls, but is hidden behind a beam in the kitchen, and is working ok.

My question therefore is...."Are there any ABers who have had similar problems and fall into the DIM category."?

Ron.

[boxtops]

We tried to fit a replacement ceiling light fitting in our kitchen, only to find there were 12 wires coming out of the ceiling - we had to Get a Man In. OH is firmly of the GSI school - Get Someone In.

[sunny-dave]

Yep - I can do more or less anything (electrics, plumbing, shelving, IKEA stuff, whatever) - but it always seems to take longer than expected - especially electrics which (like you) I'm paranoid about getting wrong ...

I also have a tendency to 'over-engineer' solutions - picture hooks which you could hang 50kg weights from, that sort of thing.

My house is basically DBD though (done by dave) :+)

[EvianBaby]

I often surprise myself with how much DIM stuff I can do with a little thought.

I do usually start by asking my dad to fix something but he isn't exactly quick on the uptake so I get fed up and try myself. Not blown anything up - yet.

[Old_Geezer]

Jobs never work out as you anticipate. The unbelievable occurs with regular monotony. It's part of the skill to make a decent job no matter what obstacles reality throws in your path.

[buildersmate]

Yup. The only things I don't tackle are plastering (too difficult) and heat-producing devices (not allowed to deal with gas and oil).
The biggest issue is often not having quite the right tool for the job. Remember having to buy a 'short-wheelbase' electric drill to cut a 50mm hole in a joist to fit a waste pipe - having checked it wouldn't compromise the structural strength of the joist. Didn't fancy cutting it with a chisel/mallet in about a 450mm space.

[mrs_overall]

I was going to hang a picture last weekend. Mr O stopped me just in time - I was going to nail the hook in directly above an electrical socket. Doh!

[ttfn]

mrs_o - take it steady!

I subscribe to the CBF group.

Have done electrics, plumbing, overhaul of gas fires each year, any amount of furniture assembly - they always fit ;) - home decorating - I usually remove the casement windows for ease of rubbing down and undercoating etc. (I make some replacement windows from ply with a few batons for temporary fitting) tiling, plastering repairs, some simple mechanics for cars and lawnmower. In fact I will have a go at almost anything, not just in my home but Big Sis' too. I keep my power tools in the estate car all the while as I visit her most weekends.

CBF - Cheaper By Far ;)

[mrs_overall]

Blimey ttfn - a woman of many talents. Respect.

[needawin]

Respect but leave the gas fires alone please.

[ttfn]

Ta mrs_o. I need to save money. Courvoisier does not come cheap :(

[mrs_overall]

Cooking sherry is very reasonable ;-)

[ttfn]

thudddddddddddddddddddddd

I have no doubt it does, but that does not mean I will try it ;)

[boxtops]

I'll try anything except electricity (risky), gas (ditto) and water (messy).

[ttfn]

Have been doing my gas fires for 30+ years, no problems. Even sweep the chimney.

I always put my cigarette out first.

[arwyn]

Our living room / kitchen door used to opened into the living room and I wanted it to open into the kitchen...

Simple job I said----------2 minute job I said----------------We can DO IT OURSELVES..

1 DIVORCE----------2 TRIPS TO HOMEBASE---------3 FULL DAYS---------4 SLEEPLESS NIGHTS..

And it looks cr@p but it opens the way I wanted..

[ttfn]

arwyn - the spirit of Dunkirk. Well done :)

[ChuckFickens]

I'll turn my hand to just about anything, and I also try and live by the same motto as my father.... "if I can't fix it I'll make another one."

[arwyn]

I wanted my sofa where the chimney breast was-------------- but we got a man in.

Must admit 1st hubby would do any of my bright ideas........ 2nd hubby has more sense.

[lardhelmet]

I think being able to do DIY is really sexy, that's why Mr Helmet will pay for someone else to do it.

[ttfn]

^^^ :))))))))))