Hacker help: Pax vs Communications By: Jules Yap

Materials: Pax Wardrobes



Description: I need advice from some Pax owners! I'm looking at putting a Pax Wardrobe system in our new closet. Problem is, the back wall has panels and boxes for communications. Once the Internet is connected, the area won't really need to be accessible often, but it will need to be vaguely accessible, perhaps with a bit of work.



I'm definitely configuring the Pax width so the pieces meet between the large panel and the power outlet. To make the panels reachable:

Do you think i need to meticulously cut out the shape of each box?

Could I get away with hacking off the whole bottom section of the cabinet back? (Provided I attach the wardrobe to studs in the wall?)

How easy is it to cut, and with what tool?



Thanks in advance for the help. I've cut a hole in the back of a Billy Bookcase before to make a power outlet accessible.. I made quite a mess of it.



~ Jen, Texas

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via IKEA Hackers http://www.ikeahackers.net/2013/08/hacker-help-pax-vs-communications.html From Jules Yap

Ribba key box By: Jules Yap

Materials: 1 RIBBA photo frame, 6 door knobs, glue, scissors, black spray paint



Description: I was inspired by aRIBBA earrings organizer. But I needed a comfortable place to hang my keys. Also, I did not want to enclose the keys behind the glass because I have to take and hang them often.



I just took the back panel of the RIBBA, painted it black and stuck to the back of the frame. For this I used a cardboard mat from the frame. It is necessary to close the gap, since the size of the rear panel and the frame does not match exactly.

Then I did the layout for 6 positions and stuck the knobs. After the glue has dried, the key box is ready and you can use it.



See more of the Ribba key holder.



~ Dmitriy, Russia, Krasnodar

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via IKEA Hackers http://www.ikeahackers.net/2013/08/ribba-key-box.html From Jules Yap

Emergency replacement for bird nest By: Jules Yap

Materials: IKEA PS VÅLLÖ– watering can, coated wire, old towels



Description: Wrap coated or uncoated wire around handle and spout to make a loop about 3 feet long. Put rags in the bottom of the watering can to raise the level at least 2/3 of the way to the top. You could consider putting holes in the bottom of the can if there is a chance of rain and you have time.



Next, place the downed baby birds in the watering can. Then, hang the watering can high in the tree by the wire loop, and then hope for the best.



We couldn't believe it but our Ikea PS Vallo emergency bird nest worked! The parents returned to the "nest" after about 40 minutes and raised both baby doves to adulthood.



I know this isn't the usual Ikea Hack, but I thought you might enjoy seeing the picture of the content mama bird sitting on her brood again.



~ Judy, United States

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via IKEA Hackers http://www.ikeahackers.net/2013/08/emergency-replacement-for-bird-nest.html From Jules Yap

The TARVA Ice Chest By: Jules Yap

Materials: TARVA 3-drawer chest



Description: Summer has arrived in Texas, which keeps you struggling to keep your drinks cool out on the balcony. The obvious solution is to get a plastic cooler, but that's not half the fun as building your own custom ice chest!



The Tarva proved to be a good basis for construction, and I even kept the bottom drawer intact for storage.



Since I would be sawing up the top surface to create a hatch, I had to put some additional structural supports underneath it. This also served to attach the hinges for the top hatch. Instead of measuring out how deep the supporting floor had to go (keeping in mind the additional layer of insulation I was putting in) I put everything in upside down, making sure the top lid of the cooler (screwed into the hatch) would nicely fit into the main body, once everything would be assembled.



Additionally I built a drainage in the bottom of the cooler, so you don't have to turn the entire chest upside down to let the melt water out.

At this time it was a good moment to try out the functional assets of the chest, to much content of my buddies. The test run proved successful (the beers were nice and cold), the drainage had some leakage issues. Good thing we tested it before sealing everything up!



Once the leakage issues had been solved (plumbers putty to the rescue!) I finalized all insulation front, back, and sides and glued the remaining two drawer fronts to close everything up.



I then applied some walnut stain on the bare pine wood. I made sure to quickly wiped it down before it dried, so to keep the overall look light, but enhancing the wood texture. Some layers of clear stain to make it weatherproof and a touch of spray paint layer and the chest was completed. (Inspired by this)



I'm ready for that Texas heat now, my beers will be ice cold all summer long!



~ Joey in Houston, Houston, Texas

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via IKEA Hackers http://www.ikeahackers.net/2013/08/the-tarva-ice-chest.html From Jules Yap

Cheap ceiling lights By: Jules Yap

Materials: FNISS trashbin, €2, lamp/fitting and electric string



Description: Drill hole in bottom of bin, disconnect lamp string from ceiling.

Pull string through hole and reconnect!

Done!

~ els van der donckt, Vilvoorde, B

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via IKEA Hackers http://www.ikeahackers.net/2013/08/cheap-ceiling-lights.html From Jules Yap

Hacker help: Ideas for glass doors? By: Jules Yap

Photo: IKEA.com

Materials: 2 AS-IS OLSBO glass doors



Description: This weekend I picked up 2 Billy Olsbo glass doors in the As-Is department for $10 each.

One is brown and the other is black-brown, so I'll probably end up painting them some funky color.



I'd like to come up with an inexpensive way to use these doors using minimal tools - I don't have power tools or anything like that.



What I'd really like is some kind of display cabinet to hold fancy treasures - any ideas?



~ jax, san diego, ca

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via IKEA Hackers http://www.ikeahackers.net/2013/08/hacker-help-ideas-for-glass-doors.html From Jules Yap

Garden Planters for city balcony By: Jules Yap

Materials: Molger Storage Stool and Bench, Socker Plant Pot



Description: Take Molger Storage Stool. Do not assemble lower base (i.e., create a hollow box with no bottom) and do not put the top on.

Take the plant pot, and drop it in... it will rest on the four finger cut-outs on the top of the Molger storage stool, making a flush top surface planter.



~ David, Brooklyn, NY

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via IKEA Hackers http://www.ikeahackers.net/2013/08/garden-planters-for-city-balcony.html From Jules Yap