Learn how to fix things

[RickTheToad]

Congratulations guy, I bet a good feeling of a well done job came with that one…

I haven’t done a radiator in years, but my last adventure a few months ago was my dishwasher. Did you know that a 20% blocked water inlet valve/filter will create uncleaned dishes and non dispensed soap pods. Located right behind base cover plate, 4 simple tools, 30 minutes, and best of all a $27 part.

Yea, had to replace a water valve a few times too. The labor for that would had easily cost you a few hundred dollars.

 

[manfrombelow]

Very good topic, OP. Thank you!

Learning to fix things around your own place is actually a very masculine trait a man can equip himself with. This skill provides himself a sense of pride in his everyday life, as well as giving his women & children a sense of security as well.

 

[Atom Smasher]

We need to get back to traditionally masculine skills. They are traditional for a reason. My wife gets the tingles every time she sees me doing any kind of work that demonstrates a masculine skill. You know how women will suddenly get overcome with emotion and say how much they love you? That’s what I’m talkin bout.

 

[BackInTheGame78]

@BackInTheGame78 and @EyeBRollin don't want to mess up their manicures or crisp clothing. Lol.

Haha, I'd simply rather spend the time doing other things

 

[2Rocky]

I have 3 daughters. Each of them helped as we remodelled my home. Now I had a contractor do a lot of the structural framing but I did nearly all the demolition, clean up, and disposal.

I involved my daughters so they could either do some things themselves or recognize if a contractor or mechanic was bull$hitting them. The two youngest each took a basic "Skills for the trades" class in high school as an elective (by their own choice). I think it will give each of them the confidence to take on their own home repair projects if need be.

 

[RickTheToad]

Haha, I'd simply rather spend the time doing other things

It's all good dude.

 

[Bible_Belt]

I have been the handy man for the family rental properties for several years. I replaced a renter's toilet yesterday, took about 30 min, if that. I have done it so many times that I know the tricks and now don't get water and wax everywhere.

Most electrical work isnt that hard, as was said earlier. Use a tester, shut off the main breaker, follow basic code. When connecting wires with wire nuts, don't twist the wires first like everyone I have ever seen do it. The wires go into the wire nut side by side and the wire nut does the twisting. Secure with tape. I am yet to once take apart a wire nut that was installed correctly. Everyone twists the wires first and no one tapes. Stuff like this helps prevent a fire.

Gas is about the only thing I don't mess with. It is a pain to find someone to do that work, because the insurance is so expensive. When you pay a pro, you are paying for insurance coverage in case they blow up your house.

I would encourage anyone here to ask for help if you want to learn, from everyone not just me. Post a pic if you can and describe the issue, and someone can probably steer you in the right direction.

 

[seylen]

The interesting thing is that when I lived in an apartment, I couldn't fix anything myself. And when I moved into a house, I don't know how, but I learned a lot. Now I can make something out of wood, I learned how to grow vegetables and take care of flowers. I never thought I could do anything with electricity. But recently I was able to wire a small bathroom radiator for ensuite. It's a real breakthrough in my abilities. Maybe I'll use my skills to make money soon.