Hi

Here are some photos of my window:

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o...n/DSC00036.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o...n/DSC00035.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o...n/DSC00034.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o...n/DSC00033.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o...n/DSC00032.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o...n/DSC00032.jpg


I have NEVER done any DIY before. I'm 19. First year at uni. Want to
learn to do things for myself



I did some research:

Help on installing roller Blinds - PDF file on :
http://www.homebase.co.uk/wcsstore/h...llerblind.html

I decided on a suitable Roller Blind:
http://www.johnlewis.com/Home+and+Ga...1/Product.aspx



PLEASE - if you can spare a few mins, please help me out:


Q. Is it sensible for me to put up a roller blind? (I want to block out
light mainly)

Q. I need to purchase or borrow a drill (cordless drill? Hammer drill?)
I've seen on in Argos that has 'laser' guidance - seems like a good
idea for idiots such as myself (so I don't drill into the wrong place)


Q. What is the best position for me to put the blind up? (I dont need
it to 'look pretty'. I just want it to block out light)




Should I just hire someone to do it for me? ( I wish I could afford
to!)
(I rent so want to do it fairly discreetly. I can always remove the
blind when I leave so the landlord need never know)

wrote:
Hi

Here are some photos of my window:

I have NEVER done any DIY before. I'm 19. First year at uni. Want to
learn to do things for myself

Why not ask help from another student?

--
Adrian C

wrote:
Hi

Here are some photos of my window:

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o...n/DSC00036.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o...n/DSC00035.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o...n/DSC00034.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o...n/DSC00033.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o...n/DSC00032.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o...n/DSC00032.jpg


I have NEVER done any DIY before. I'm 19. First year at uni. Want to
learn to do things for myself



I did some research:

Help on installing roller Blinds - PDF file on :
http://www.homebase.co.uk/wcsstore/h...llerblind.html

I decided on a suitable Roller Blind:
http://www.johnlewis.com/Home+and+Ga...1/Product.aspx



PLEASE - if you can spare a few mins, please help me out:


Q. Is it sensible for me to put up a roller blind? (I want to block out
light mainly)

Q. I need to purchase or borrow a drill (cordless drill? Hammer drill?)
I've seen on in Argos that has 'laser' guidance - seems like a good
idea for idiots such as myself (so I don't drill into the wrong place)


Q. What is the best position for me to put the blind up? (I dont need
it to 'look pretty'. I just want it to block out light)




Should I just hire someone to do it for me? ( I wish I could afford
to!)
(I rent so want to do it fairly discreetly. I can always remove the
blind when I leave so the landlord need never know)


I'd be looking for a pair of ready made blackout curtains instead. You
should be able to use the existing hooks. Doesn't matter if they're too
long or wide. You could even fix them to the old curtains perhaps.
It'll probably be a bit of a fiddle to fit a blind with the setup you've
got there. Either you put it inside the window, cut it to size, and fix
the brackets to the sides, or (easier), fix them to the wall either side
of the opening so you don't need to cut the blind.
Bear in mind that you never know what you're going to find round windows
when it comes to drilling. Could be solid concrete or hollow plaster. Go
for the curtains if you can. There will be better projects to cut your
teeth on.

On 4 Dec 2006 09:10:48 -0800, wrote:

Hi

Here are some photos of my window:

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o...n/DSC00036.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o...n/DSC00035.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o...n/DSC00034.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o...n/DSC00033.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o...n/DSC00032.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o...n/DSC00032.jpg


I have NEVER done any DIY before. I'm 19. First year at uni. Want to
learn to do things for myself



I did some research:

Help on installing roller Blinds - PDF file on :
http://www.homebase.co.uk/wcsstore/h...llerblind.html

I decided on a suitable Roller Blind:
http://www.johnlewis.com/Home+and+Ga...1/Product.aspx



PLEASE - if you can spare a few mins, please help me out:


Q. Is it sensible for me to put up a roller blind? (I want to block out
light mainly)

Q. I need to purchase or borrow a drill (cordless drill? Hammer drill?)
I've seen on in Argos that has 'laser' guidance - seems like a good
idea for idiots such as myself (so I don't drill into the wrong place)


Q. What is the best position for me to put the blind up? (I dont need
it to 'look pretty'. I just want it to block out light)




Should I just hire someone to do it for me? ( I wish I could afford
to!)
(I rent so want to do it fairly discreetly. I can always remove the
blind when I leave so the landlord need never know)

It's perfectly sensible to put up a roller blind but if you want to keep the
light out you need to make sure it is made of material that DOES keep the light
out . It has a name but I can't recall....yes I can ..Blackout Material .Then
you need to check the measurements ( width and drop) considering whether the
brackets are going on each side of the recess or above the recess( that might
not make the blind width any different)
When you get the blind fit the rollers and then the blind .Easy -Peasy . That
tilting window might not be able to be opened after you fit it though .
Blinds do not keep the heat in or the cold out .Heavy curtains are better for
that and they can also keep the light out ,especially if lined as well.

Some more hints here .

http://www.uktvstyle.co.uk/index.cfm.../aid/148.shtml

or check the other results here .
http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en...UK%7CcountryGB

As someone else has said engage with another student to help.Mature females are
probably best at this sort of stuff.



Stuart .

wrote:

Q. Is it sensible for me to put up a roller blind? (I want to block out
light mainly)

why not? If its what you want, go for it.

Q. I need to purchase or borrow a drill (cordless drill? Hammer drill?)

The question is whats the wall made of above the window where you'll
drill. It looks from the first pic like a sloping ceiling, in which
case its probably weak hollow PlasterBoard. Tap it, does it sounds
solid or hollow? If it is PB you can probably drill it with a
toothbrush, though a drill of absolutely any kind will be quicker.
Actually tbh for 3 or 4 PB holes it'd be quicker to just use a
screwdriver than find a drill.

If it is hollow PB you'll need to use toggle fixings. If its solid you
can use wallplugs and screws.


I've seen on in Argos that has 'laser' guidance - seems like a good
idea for idiots such as myself (so I don't drill into the wrong place)

No, you can see the drill bit no problem. Laser on drill = completely
pointless.


Q. What is the best position for me to put the blind up? (I dont need
it to 'look pretty'. I just want it to block out light)

where you want it. To keep out light it'll need to hang close against
the wall, not spaced away from it.


Should I just hire someone to do it for me? ( I wish I could afford
to!)

god no. Dont even think about it.


(I rent so want to do it fairly discreetly. I can always remove the
blind when I leave so the landlord need never know)

a bit of filler (£1) and a knife to smooth it down with will disappear
the holes when you go, and the old curtain & rail will need to go back
up


NT

wrote in message
ups.com...
Hi

Here are some photos of my window:


I have NEVER done any DIY before. I'm 19. First year at uni. Want to
learn to do things for myself



I did some research:

Help on installing roller Blinds - PDF file on :
http://www.homebase.co.uk/wcsstore/h...llerblind.html

I decided on a suitable Roller Blind:
http://www.johnlewis.com/Home+and+Ga...1/Product.aspx



PLEASE - if you can spare a few mins, please help me out:


Q. Is it sensible for me to put up a roller blind? (I want to block out
light mainly)

Q. I need to purchase or borrow a drill (cordless drill? Hammer drill?)
I've seen on in Argos that has 'laser' guidance - seems like a good
idea for idiots such as myself (so I don't drill into the wrong place)


Q. What is the best position for me to put the blind up? (I dont need
it to 'look pretty'. I just want it to block out light)




Should I just hire someone to do it for me? ( I wish I could afford
to!)
(I rent so want to do it fairly discreetly. I can always remove the
blind when I leave so the landlord need never know)


I have to ask why you are even attending a university - how did you get
there. At 19 if you can't do things for yourself already then there is no
hope if you're realistic about it. Is this post for one of your psychology
studies? Post a stupid question, see who responds and then analyse the
results? Seen it all before, they all appear at the same time each year
together with the "help me to design" requests.

"Alf" wrote in message
...

I have to ask why you are even attending a university - how did you get
there. At 19 if you can't do things for yourself already then there is no
hope if you're realistic about it. Is this post for one of your
psychology studies? Post a stupid question, see who responds and then
analyse the results? Seen it all before, they all appear at the same time
each year together with the "help me to design" requests.

Stop being such a tedious miseryguts.

He's made the first critical step, which is admitting he doesn't know and
needs to ask somebody.

For the OP : get hold of a copy of a decent DIY book - IIRC the Collins one
is quite good. A library may well have one.

clive

Clive George wrote:

For the OP : get hold of a copy of a decent DIY book - IIRC the Collins one
is quite good. A library may well have one.

not as good as uk.d-i-y

For the total newb, the readers digest one is also a fair start, though
you can probably ignore the bit about repairing turntable idler wheels
on 1950s & 60s decks.


NT

Alf wrote:
wrote in message
ups.com...
Hi

Here are some photos of my window:


I have NEVER done any DIY before. I'm 19. First year at uni. Want to
learn to do things for myself



I did some research:

Help on installing roller Blinds - PDF file on :
http://www.homebase.co.uk/wcsstore/h...llerblind.html

I decided on a suitable Roller Blind:
http://www.johnlewis.com/Home+and+Ga...1/Product.aspx



PLEASE - if you can spare a few mins, please help me out:


Q. Is it sensible for me to put up a roller blind? (I want to block out
light mainly)

Q. I need to purchase or borrow a drill (cordless drill? Hammer drill?)
I've seen on in Argos that has 'laser' guidance - seems like a good
idea for idiots such as myself (so I don't drill into the wrong place)


Q. What is the best position for me to put the blind up? (I dont need
it to 'look pretty'. I just want it to block out light)




Should I just hire someone to do it for me? ( I wish I could afford
to!)
(I rent so want to do it fairly discreetly. I can always remove the
blind when I leave so the landlord need never know)


I have to ask why you are even attending a university - how did you get
there. At 19 if you can't do things for yourself already then there is no
hope if you're realistic about it. Is this post for one of your psychology
studies? Post a stupid question, see who responds and then analyse the
results? Seen it all before, they all appear at the same time each year
together with the "help me to design" requests.


Dude, I like chicks and beer. I've got the rest of my life to figure
this stuff out.

Owain wrote:
wrote:
Clive George wrote:

For the total newb, the readers digest one is also a fair start, though
you can probably ignore the bit about repairing turntable idler wheels
on 1950s & 60s decks.

I've actually got a problem with my turntable, if it wasn't direct
driver computer controlled linear tracking, I'd suspect the idler wheel
was slipping.

Owain

sticking central bearing? dodgy speed control pot?

NT

The message om
from contains these words:

Dude, I like chicks and beer.

So, find a girl who can fix the problem, and give her loads of beer.

--
Skipweasel
Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.

The question is whats the wall made of above the window where you'll
drill. It looks from the first pic like a sloping ceiling, in which
case its probably weak hollow PlasterBoard. Tap it, does it sounds
solid or hollow?

(Thanks for the advice by the way)

Yes - when i tap it , it sounds hollow (must be plasterboard) (so no
drill needed)

unscrewing the existing curtain rails - will they already have toggle
fixings? could I do damage by unscrewing them? Please see this photo:

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o...n/DSC00046.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o...n/DSC00045.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o...n/DSC00044.jpg


Just looked in argos for 'toggle fixings' - do I need to use them to
screw into plasterboard (will it damage it otherwise)
(If I can't buy it in John Lewis/Selfridges etc. I'll obv need go to
Homebase or B&Q)


where you want it. To keep out light it'll need to hang close against
the wall, not spaced away from it.

How about within the window recess (as far away from the glass as
possible - ie. next to the inside wall). I guess that would be
difficult/awkward to fit - due to confined space. But it would mean I
wouldn't have to remove the existing curtain rail (& curtains)

^ is the above paragraph a really dumb idea?



Thanks again the help. I really appreciate it.

I decided on a suitable Roller Blind:
http://www.johnlewis.com/Home+and+Ga...1/Product.aspx


The product I want is for a window width 118cm. It's around 40 (uk
pounds) from John Lewis.

I can't get to an Ikea (easily - no car). Would I save a lot by going?
Can't find blinds on the ikea website.

wrote:


The question is whats the wall made of above the window where you'll
drill. It looks from the first pic like a sloping ceiling, in which
case its probably weak hollow PlasterBoard. Tap it, does it sounds
solid or hollow?

(Thanks for the advice by the way)

Yes - when i tap it , it sounds hollow (must be plasterboard) (so no
drill needed)

A drill is still needed! You must have a perfect hole of exactly the
right diameter to take the plasterboard fixing. This is normally 10mm so
you'll have to fill and re-paint the holes when you come to leave.

unscrewing the existing curtain rails - will they already have toggle
fixings? could I do damage by unscrewing them? Please see this photo:

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o...n/DSC00046.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o...n/DSC00045.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o...n/DSC00044.jpg


Just looked in argos for 'toggle fixings' - do I need to use them to
screw into plasterboard (will it damage it otherwise)

Depends how much space there is behind the plasterboard. Toggles need
more than the plastic plugs with wings.

(If I can't buy it in John Lewis/Selfridges etc. I'll obv need go to
Homebase or B&Q)


where you want it. To keep out light it'll need to hang close against
the wall, not spaced away from it.

How about within the window recess (as far away from the glass as
possible - ie. next to the inside wall). I guess that would be
difficult/awkward to fit - due to confined space. But it would mean I
wouldn't have to remove the existing curtain rail (& curtains)

^ is the above paragraph a really dumb idea?

It's all really dumb if you ask me. Use curtains and save yourself a lot
of (unpredictable) hassle



Thanks again the help. I really appreciate it.

wrote:

Yes - when i tap it , it sounds hollow (must be plasterboard) (so no
drill needed)

unscrewing the existing curtain rails - will they already have toggle
fixings?

who knows. There are several types of hollow wall fixings.

could I do damage by unscrewing them?

not really, but you may be left with holes you cant screw back into


Please see this photo:

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o...n/DSC00046.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o...n/DSC00045.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o...n/DSC00044.jpg


Just looked in argos for 'toggle fixings' - do I need to use them to
screw into plasterboard (will it damage it otherwise)
(If I can't buy it in John Lewis/Selfridges etc. I'll obv need go to
Homebase or B&Q)

yes, argos isnt the place for them. If you screw straight into the PB
without toggles or something similar, the screws will just pull
straight out, leaving holes behind.


where you want it. To keep out light it'll need to hang close against
the wall, not spaced away from it.

How about within the window recess (as far away from the glass as
possible - ie. next to the inside wall). I guess that would be
difficult/awkward to fit - due to confined space. But it would mean I
wouldn't have to remove the existing curtain rail (& curtains)

if you want. wouldnt get as good light blocking tho

^ is the above paragraph a really dumb idea?

Thanks again the help. I really appreciate it.

If youre only there temporarily, if you leave the existing rail up its
one less job now & one less later.

If you put the blind in the recess you'll need a dark colour, pref
black, to cut the light down. as youll have a gap at each side.


NT

Stuart Noble wrote:
wrote:

Yes - when i tap it , it sounds hollow (must be plasterboard) (so no
drill needed)

A drill is still needed! You must have a perfect hole of exactly the
right diameter to take the plasterboard fixing. This is normally 10mm so
you'll have to fill and re-paint the holes when you come to leave.

toggles dont care about that. some other fixings do. Just dont make the
hole bigger than you need.


NT

wrote:

I decided on a suitable Roller Blind:
http://www.johnlewis.com/Home+and+Ga...1/Product.aspx

The product I want is for a window width 118cm. It's around 40 (uk
pounds) from John Lewis.

I can't get to an Ikea (easily - no car). Would I save a lot by going?
Can't find blinds on the ikea website.

you should be able to find something much cheaper somewhere. I vaguely
remember around the £12 mark in catalogues a few years back, could be
wrong tho.


NT

wrote:

I decided on a suitable Roller Blind:
http://www.johnlewis.com/Home+and+Ga...1/Product.aspx

The product I want is for a window width 118cm. It's around 40 (uk
pounds) from John Lewis.

I can't get to an Ikea (easily - no car). Would I save a lot by going?
Can't find blinds on the ikea website.

you should be able to find something much cheaper somewhere. I vaguely
remember around the £12 mark in catalogues a few years back, could be
wrong tho.

oh, dont forget screws, fixings that come with things are usually
inadequate


NT

wrote:
I decided on a suitable Roller Blind:
http://www.johnlewis.com/Home+and+Ga...1/Product.aspx


The product I want is for a window width 118cm. It's around 40 (uk
pounds) from John Lewis.

I can't get to an Ikea (easily - no car). Would I save a lot by going?
Can't find blinds on the ikea website.

Choose a store - Textiles and Rugs, Curtains and Blinds, Blinds. Or
search for Tupplur. At £13.99, you will save a bit ;-) Alternatively
hike along to your nearest Argos and you should find something around
£15.

Of course, spending less than £100 on tools is the real challenge...

If your windows are wooden, it might be a lot easier to attach the
blind to the frame, or even the top of the window itself. You can make
a starter hole in softwood with a small awl which is just a sharp
pointy piece of metal (like a compass point). The one I use came with
a set of screwdrivers (one handle and interchangeable ends sort of
thing) - it's one of the most useful tools I own. This way, no drill
is required ! A spot of white filler will cover up the evidence when
you leave...

Otherwise, you are going to have to drill into the wall or "ceiling".
As it's not your place, I'd be wary of this, especially if you've not
done any diy before.

mum
Your room's untidy !
/mum

--
"Excuse me for butting in, but I'm interrupt-driven."

"Adrian C" wrote in message
...
wrote:
Hi

Here are some photos of my window:

I have NEVER done any DIY before. I'm 19. First year at uni. Want to
learn to do things for myself

Why not ask help from another student?

That's not helpful.

The lad asked for help here, I hope he gets it with better grace.

Mary

I have to ask why you are even attending a university - how did you get
there.

How did you get there?

Oh, you didn't ...

At 19 if you can't do things for yourself already then there is no hope if
you're realistic about it. Is this post for one of your psychology
studies? Post a stupid question, see who responds and then analyse the
results? Seen it all before, they all appear at the same time each year
together with the "help me to design" requests.

Why is it a stupid question?

Did YOU know everything at 19?

"John Laird" wrote in message
oups.com...

Of course, spending less than £100 on tools is the real challenge...

Yes, but they won't just be used for one job. Tools are usually a good
investment.


mum
Your room's untidy !
/mum

Oh - I was thinking how (relatively) tidy it was! Far tidier than any of our
litter's littered rooms when they were students. Far tidier than Spouse's
corner in various rooms here. And as for his workshop and shed ... :-(

Mary

The message .com
from "John Laird" contains these words:

Of course, spending less than £100 on tools is the real challenge...

My boss once sent me to Machine Mart with a blank cheque and the parting
words "Get anything you need". She wasn't stupid - she knew I knew the
difference between need and want. Cruel though.

--
Skipweasel
Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.

The message
from "Mary Fisher" contains these words:

Did YOU know everything at 19?

At the time, probably.

--
Skipweasel
Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.

"Guy King" wrote in message
...
The message
from "Mary Fisher" contains these words:

Did YOU know everything at 19?

At the time, probably.

:-)

Mary

"Guy King" wrote in message
...
The message .com
from "John Laird" contains these words:

Of course, spending less than £100 on tools is the real challenge...

My boss once sent me to Machine Mart with a blank cheque and the parting
words "Get anything you need". She wasn't stupid - she knew I knew the
difference between need and want. Cruel though.

Wise woman.

Would that more people understood the difference.

Mary

Mary Fisher wrote:
"Adrian C" wrote in message
Why not ask help from another student?

That's not helpful.

College is full of helpful people, at least mine was. What would be your
first point of reference? usenet?

--
Adrian C

John Laird wrote:

Of course, spending less than £100 on tools is the real challenge...

I'm mystified, all he needs is a £1 screwdriver set from poundland.

NT

wrote:
John Laird wrote:

Of course, spending less than £100 on tools is the real challenge...

I'm mystified, all he needs is a £1 screwdriver set from poundland.

If he doesn't need to do any drilling, sure.

(Also assuming the blind doesn't need to be trimmed to fit, in which
case a pair of sharp scissors and small hacksaw would be useful,
however a new hole in the pole might have to be drilled to re-fit the
end fitting.)

--
"A day without sunshine is like night."

John Laird wrote:
wrote:
John Laird wrote:

Of course, spending less than £100 on tools is the real challenge...

I'm mystified, all he needs is a £1 screwdriver set from poundland.

If he doesn't need to do any drilling, sure.

he's mounting to plasterboard, a screwdriver will make a few holes in
that easily.

(Also assuming the blind doesn't need to be trimmed to fit, in which
case a pair of sharp scissors and small hacksaw would be useful,

right

however a new hole in the pole might have to be drilled to re-fit the
end fitting.)

OK, so if a hollow tube £2, or even 3 if hes not got scissors. 4 if a
long straight edge is needed.

Or if its a wooden pole that needs drilling... no, I'll wait for OP
response before suggesting that


NT