DIY Parts: Cord Switches That Don't Suck

Many low cost electric appliances save money by not including a power switch. It's one of those little annoyances that tends to grate over time. The cord switches you typically find at hardware stores are made for lights and generally can't handle much load, but online you can get some that go as high as 16 amps. This means they can control a 110 volt appliance that draws 1,760 watts and a 220 volt one that draws 3,500 watts. Best of all, they tend to be inexpensive and easy to install. I've retrofitted a rice cooker, an electric grill, and a battery charger.

Toilet Tank Sink

The water used to fill a toilet's tank doesn't need to be as clean as that you drink, which is the idea behind reusing the water from washing your hands to later flush. The most direct way to apply this concept is the toilet tank mounted sink. You can get retrofit kits and there are even some purpose built toilets that integrate a sink. Alternatively, it makes for a fairly straightforward DIY project. Not only is this idea more frugal with water, it serves as a reminder to wash your hands, which can be especially useful for young children. It also allows the possibility, for new construction, of a truly compact half bathroom. Of course, there's no reason one couldn't have a separate sink that drains into the toilet's tank, and there's also no need for it to be hooked to the toilet's fill valve either (this approach would allow for warm water washing, albeit in a less efficient manner).

As it is a common misconception, I should address the fact that water from your toilet valve is perfectly clean: it comes from the same water supply as the rest of your house. As to the reasonable concern that the water will be cold, I would observe that for bathrooms that have any significant length of pipe to the hot water supply, it will take a fair amount of time for the room temperature water resting in the pipe to be expelled anyway, so if water efficiency is your aim it's difficult to avoid. There are ways to get around this, yielding instant warm water, but the energy required to keep it at that temperature, as well as the additional equipment needed, should be considered.

Magnetic Blind Holder

One of the clear brackets a cord free cellular shade used to hold firmly down snapped off after a while, so I improvised this alternative. Riveted the magnets from a cabinet latch to the inside of each end cap, and nibbled away the plastic on the bottom so that they just protrude. Then I attached the plates that came with them to the sill give it something to grab ahold of. It works very well now and is easy to position even in the dark. A further refinement would be to fully recess the plates or possibly switch to stronger magnets that could hold through the plastic itself.

Posh Kitty "Post"

I came across this alternative to the ugly cardboard cat scratch pads or bulky carpet scratching posts that take up room. This look like a fairly easy DIY project, requiring just a few small pieces of plywood, a carpet sample or scrap and some hardware or glue. One could simply glue the carpet onto the plywood backing, but if I were to build this I would put bolts through each of the four corners from the rear to secure the rug, then use washers and acorn nuts. This would enable the carpet squares to be replaced easily as they wore out. The plywood backing needs to either be attached directly to a stud (preferred) or use several heavy duty wall anchors. Optionally a front frame of nicer material could be added to give a more finished edge, or for those owning a router, a recess for the carpet could be added in a piece of thicker stock.

Different colors, lengths, and textures of carpet can be used to coordinate with room decor and the frame could be stained or painted to match as well. Be aware that felines may enjoy some types of carpet more than others: I had a cat that specifically preferred coir carpeting to any other material.

A Little Mystery: Hidden Switch

This idea falls under the "simply cool" part of this blog's raison d'etre. It's basically an electrical switch with some flair. The universal switch is sold as a kit that can be hooked up to any electrical gadget. It works just as a secret bookcase passageway switch you see in the movies: The book is tilted to turn the corresponding electrical object off or on. While not practical or frugal, it is a great way to have a little fun in your decor and is much less expensive than a real hidden passageway to your secret lair. You DIYers out there could probably whip one up with parts from the local hardware store.

Feature Film

Frosted films commonly available in stores often fail to cover many average sized windows completely. Seams look terrible, but by leaving a small border of uncoated glass privacy can still be achieved in an attractive manner. The home's interior can't be seen from outside at any sort of distance through such small gaps, but at the same time those inside can peer out easily. Larger sized glazing, such as picture windows, could employ a grid pattern, with clear spaces dividing the frosted areas. Many styles and colors of window film are readily available at a low cost, and often are easily removable should you want to change decor or are renting. With differing film patterns and some skill with an exacto knife, endless arrangements are possible.

Stair Drawers #1

The first of what I imagine will be many stuff-shoved-under-staircases posts. The structural considerations for the ones that are directly under the treads are not insignificant. If you've got the space, simply lining the stairway with bookcases is a much more direct way to reclaim some space.

DIY Parts: Touch Latches on the Cheap

I have always appreciated the clean look of magnetic touch latches, which eliminate the need for any handles. They are often seen on entertainment centers with glass doors, and when pushed pop the door out an inch or two. They're particularly good for concealed compartments. I discovered recently that they cost under two dollars at Home Depot, which is less than most cabinet knobs. Double latches, for two adjacent doors, cost about fifty cents more. I now find myself looking for excuses to use them.

Slightly different model than the one I saw, but you can observe how it works.

Odd Dryer Arrangement

I hate having to stoop over and move the damp laundry to my dryer. Since I was unwilling to shell out for a pricey combination washer/dryer I set up this configuration. It's just a small platform the dryer sits on to place it at ninety degrees and above the washing machine with some small blocks to ensure it can't work its way off the edge.  I'm fairly tall, so didn't bother to move the dryer controls, but they could easily be detached and have the wires extended. The only downside is that occasionally a sock falls between the machines. Some weatherstripping would solve this.

Inside Corner Drawers

Ran across this wonderful way to more effectively utilize the normally wasteful inside corner spaces. It's not all about Lazy Susans any more!