Design & DIY Steal these 7 CL-approved DIY tricks By Cottage Life Published: February 22, 2024 Updated: March 26, 2024 share Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Copy Link Cancel View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Photo by Liam Mogan Cut PVC pipe with a piece of string When PVC pipe needs cutting and there’s no room to manoeuvre, a saw is not the best fit. Wrap a length of sturdy string and pull back and forth, as if you’re flossing a tooth. The string will quickly bite into the pipe and cut through cleanly. (March/April 2024) View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Photo by Liam Mogan Repurpose old pool noodles Cut a few slits in a pool noodle to turn it into a flexible, wall-mounted holder for paddles, fishing rods, or garden tools. (August 2023) View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Photo by Liam Mogan Turn a 2L pop bottle into an emergency plunger Jam it into the toilet or sink drain, and squeeze repeatedly and rhythmically. No guarantees, but it often clears the block. Trim off the neck of the bottle if that gives you a tighter seal. (September/October 2022) View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Photo by Liam Mogan Brighten up a dull metal ruler If you can’t read a ruler, it’s largely useless as a measuring tool. Brighten up the measurement markings by applying correction fluid (or a thin coat of white paint), then lightly sanding. (May 2023) View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Photo by Liam Mogan Easily fill a water bucket from the sink Use a dustpan. Tap water slices gently down the sloped side of the sweeping edge, pooling briefly in the trough-like belly of the pan, before cascading down the handle and into the waiting bucket. Easy! (May 2022) View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Photo by Liam Mogan Sharpen a knife using a mug Dull knife and no sharpening stone? Run the blade across the unglazed foot of a mug, at a 45-degree angle, sliding the blade downward. Repeat, pulling in one direction only. Watch your fingers! (March/April 2023) View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Photo by Liam Mogan Make a square cut in a round pipe Wrap a sheet of paper around a pipe (or any cylinder); the edge of the sheet marks a perfect perpendicular cutting line. (August 2022) View in Fullscreen Related galleries 7 yardwork mistakes that you don’t know you’re making This tucked-away treehouse is a modern take on a childhood dream 3 essential spring window tune-ups 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Steal these 7 CL-approved DIY tricks Every cottage DIYer needs emergency fixes and how-to tricks to make life at the lake easier. Straight from the pages of Cottage Life magazine, here are seven of our recent favourites. Build it, fix it, get it done!Get Dockside DIY, for tips on how to maintain your cottage…and then someSign up here Related Story The best—and worst—types of firewood to burn Related Story This guy turned an old boat…into a shed? Related Story 3 quick fixes for a damaged countertop Sign up for our newsletters By submitting your information via this form, you agree to receive electronic communications from Cottage Life Media, a division of Blue Ant Media Solutions Inc., containing news, updates and promotions regarding cottage living and Cottage Life's products. You may withdraw your consent at any time. Dockside Weekly The latest cottage-country news, trending stories, and how-to advice Dockside DIY Bi-weekly Fix-it info, project ideas, and maintenance tips from our DIY experts The Great Outdoors Monthly Nature and environment news and inspiration for people who love to get outside The Key Weekly Need-to-know info about buying, selling, and renting cottage real estate Family Matters Five-part series Untangle the thorny process of cottage succession with expert advice from lawyer, Peter Lillico
Build it, fix it, get it done!Get Dockside DIY, for tips on how to maintain your cottage…and then someSign up here