How Handy Are You?

[Lost In Xanadu]

I used to be very very hands off around the house, and especially when it came to cars.

 

I liked shop in HS, took both wood and metal shop. It wasn't until we got our own house that I really started getting into doing things for myself. Not only does it save money, but there is a real sense of accomplishment that comes from it.

 

I started off small - only wood projects - building shelves for storage in a few rooms in the basement. Then I built a bar in the basement. I also put a mantle on the fireplace, framed some artwork... (still staying away from cars if you notice)

 

I've since put in doors and windows, laid tile, updated all the electrical outlets and switches, even put in our new water heater.

 

 

Still was afraid to muck with cars. A couple years ago, my son's car needed breaks and a friend of mine walked me thru it. Well, it was pretty easy, so I did the brakes on my own car. Also have changed the plugs and wires on my sons car. Just this weekend, I replaced the tensioner and idler pulleys on my wife's car along with the alternator.

 

 

Pretty amazing considering where I was 20 years ago :)

[KennyLee]

I used to work in construction, residential remodeling. I finished my own basement. I can do any kind of electrical work, drywall, framing, trim, doors, etc.

 

Plumbing... not so much. I hate it and I'm no good at it. Don't know why... probably cause I HATE it.

 

I do small car stuff. Never done brakes although I imagine I could if someone showed me once. Probably saves a TON of money.

[Lost In Xanadu]

I used to work in construction, residential remodeling. I finished my own basement. I can do any kind of electrical work, drywall, framing, trim, doors, etc.

 

Plumbing... not so much. I hate it and I'm no good at it. Don't know why... probably cause I HATE it.

 

I do small car stuff. Never done brakes although I imagine I could if someone showed me once. Probably saves a TON of money.

I could not believe how easy it was to do the brakes, especially on my Infiniti... pretty much 1 bolt once you got the tire off. But I also replaced the rotors (cross-drilled / slotted) so there was a little more to it for me, but the pads are super simple.

 

I try to avoid plumbing, but I have done enough to know I am not a big fan.

 

Serious electrical work is the stuff I avoid. Too high a risk of dying due to lack of knowledge :)

Edited March 19, 2014 by Lost In Xanadu

[Narps]

Truthfully I can do most anything and am rarely afraid to try something I haven't done before. I have been involved in so many differing professions throughout my work life I feel there is almost nothing I can't do. I painted and did drywall for many years and was great at it. Was a Chief Engineer for Marriott for 10 years or so and had to learn electrical, HVAC and many other disciplines to be really good at that job. Got out of the hotel business and became an HVAC tech full time for the last 7 and half years here in Myrtle Beach. I have done tons of auto repairs in my lifetime also. You are correct LIX regarding brakes. I have done many and some are easier than others but most stuff is just elbow grease and some plain old common sense. Stuff goes back the opposite as it was removed. That simple.... :)

 

Great subject matter here. This is the kind of stuff that really interests me. Truthfully I feel like a dumb ass most of the time in the SOCN but this stuff is in my wheelhouse. Thanks for the thread LIX... :cheers:

Edited March 19, 2014 by Narpski

[Lost In Xanadu]

Truthfully I can do most anything and am rarely afraid to try something I haven't done before. I have been involved in so many differing professions throughout my work life I feel there is almost nothing I can't do. I painted and did drywall for many years and was great at it. Was a Chief Engineer for Marriott for 10 years or so and had to learn electrical, HVAC and many other disciplines to be really good at that job. Got out of the hotel business and became an HVAC tech full time for the last 7 and half years here in Myrtle Beach. I have done tons of auto repairs in my lifetime also. You are correct LIX regarding brakes. I have done many and some are easier than others but most stuff is just elbow grease and some plain old common sense. Stuff goes back the opposite as it was removed. That simple.... :)

 

Great subject matter here. This is the kind of stuff that really interests me. Truthfully I feel like a dumb ass most of the time in the SOCN but this stuff is in my wheelhouse. Thanks for the thread LIX... :cheers:

Wow, impressive. I agree - a lot of stuff is just common sense. And don't think you sound like a dumbass in SOCN - you don't. The only time someone comes off as a dumbass is when they are so blinded by their views that they can't even process what others are trying to tell them. I like to read what others say and goof around in there more than anything.

[ILSnwdog]

My dad is a mechanic by trade. He ran a motor pool for the Air Force for over 30 years. That man can fix ANYTHING. I wish I had half of his mechanical aptitude. :(

 

That said, I can do OK. I've put ceiling fans in my house when there wasn't even a hole in the ceiling for it. I ran the wire from the junction box and everything. With my buddies help, I put in a drop ceiling in my basement. On my cars, I have change the brakes, changed alternators, and stuff like that.

 

I replaced my water softener with my Dad's help last year. That wasn't too hard.

[thesweetscience]

I fix everything. I almost never hire outside contractors to do work for me around my house. Carpentry, electrical, plumbing, I can do all that stuff. I replaced my hot water heater last summer and just last week I replaced the lid switch in my washing machine.

 

Cars are another story I have no place to work on one so I do take them to a mechanic.

[Narps]

Kudos TSS. Most people won't touch their appliances. I have fixed my washers and dryers over the years many times. I have replaced the magnetron twice in my built in microwave over the past 14 years (the age of my house). It still looks good and still works perfectly.... :cheers: Edited March 19, 2014 by Narpski

[thesweetscience]

Kudos TSS. Most people won't touch their appliances. I have fixed my washers and dryers over the years many times. I have replaced the magnetron twice in my built in microwave over the past 14 years (the age of my house). It still looks good and still works perfectly.... :cheers:

Microwaves are so cheap now days that I often don't bother with them unless they are just off a warranty or something. If I get 5 years out of one and it stops working I just buy a new one.

[Narps]

Kudos TSS. Most people won't touch their appliances. I have fixed my washers and dryers over the years many times. I have replaced the magnetron twice in my built in microwave over the past 14 years (the age of my house). It still looks good and still works perfectly.... :cheers:

Microwaves are so cheap now days that I often don't bother with them unless they are just off a warranty or something. If I get 5 years out of one and it stops working I just buy a new one.

I am a stubborn asshole. A hundred or so dollar magnetron and one hour labor or a new 3 - 400.00 microwave? Easy decision for a poor man like me....

[thesweetscience]

Kudos TSS. Most people won't touch their appliances. I have fixed my washers and dryers over the years many times. I have replaced the magnetron twice in my built in microwave over the past 14 years (the age of my house). It still looks good and still works perfectly.... :cheers:

Microwaves are so cheap now days that I often don't bother with them unless they are just off a warranty or something. If I get 5 years out of one and it stops working I just buy a new one.

I am a stubborn asshole. A hundred or so dollar magnetron and one hour labor or a new 3 - 400.00 microwave? Easy decision for a poor man like me....

I don't think I have ever spent $400 for a microwave.

[Narps]

Kudos TSS. Most people won't touch their appliances. I have fixed my washers and dryers over the years many times. I have replaced the magnetron twice in my built in microwave over the past 14 years (the age of my house). It still looks good and still works perfectly.... :cheers:

Microwaves are so cheap now days that I often don't bother with them unless they are just off a warranty or something. If I get 5 years out of one and it stops working I just buy a new one.

I am a stubborn asshole. A hundred or so dollar magnetron and one hour labor or a new 3 - 400.00 microwave? Easy decision for a poor man like me....

I don't think I have ever spent $400 for a microwave.

Me either....

[Janie]

I'm pretty handy around the house with the small stuff. Sometimes I feel a little weird doing typical "guy" things but at the same time, it's rewarding. I've just handled small things: changing the appearance on the outside lights on the garage, I've fixed leaky faucets (I've found that I loathe plumbing, I just hate it) and I've done large patchwork on walls (one time I jammed a huge piece of furniture into the wall - the hole was fist-sized). I'm handy with tools. My husband is allergic to this stuff.

 

I'm also pretty handy with refurbishing projects.

 

Here are the outside lights. I had to cut the power, undo the wiring, take the lights down and then reattach everything when done. All by myself, tyvm.

 

(Before)

http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo228/LifesonPics/d2f1f674-87f0-4998-9576-2bb69eaa704d_zpscc6a8629.jpg

(After)

http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo228/LifesonPics/38332d78-d02d-491a-aa89-40ffcb2b267e_zps335f0f04.jpg

 

Cedar Chest:

(Before)

http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo228/LifesonPics/6d809855-dbdc-4080-8d97-8e584ca0dfbc_zpsd3b7b75a.jpg

(After)

http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo228/LifesonPics/d5bf383f-5336-4a9c-abad-86dc5b53cce3_zps2b67f282.jpg

 

Nursing Chair:

(Before)

http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo228/LifesonPics/393c8b33-ff7c-4bcf-b913-ddec43bafc43_zps948b7dcc.jpg

(After)

http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo228/LifesonPics/36c8ee79-5dfd-4a00-9985-5676cddc628a_zps5e116dcc.jpg

 

Toy Chest:

(Was originally a large, heavy wall shelf. I flipped it on its butt, attached wheels, took off the glass doors and put on a wood cover which was padded so it could perform double-duty. Part toy chest, part bench.)

(Before)

http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo228/LifesonPics/255445f6-6605-4411-9eea-a8cd560ac98a_zps5407c265.jpg

(After)

http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo228/LifesonPics/00edbf79-5e8d-4d04-8604-69231d2e39d4_zpsb6acc2e6.jpg

 

Master Bath:

(Decent sized project. The toughest part was probably stripping off all the old caulk from the shower, taking the entire thing apart basically and the putting it all back together. I like how it turned out.)

http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo228/LifesonPics/028a99b4-fd26-4a91-97aa-d29f8f84ada9_zpsfea265b1.jpg

http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo228/LifesonPics/daba0898-7716-4828-961f-3d4663fe979a_zpsbac3826b.jpg

 

These were probably my favorite projects. I've done others but I like these ones the best, especially the outside lights and dealing with all the wiring and stuff.

[treeduck]

When Janie's around I'm very, very handy! ;) Unfortunately when it comes to DIY I'm hopeless!! :givebeer: :d13:

[Ancient Ways]

I'm ok here and there. The problem is tools. If you don't have the right tools for job it's hopeless and I find that sometimes the costs of tools and material is similar to hiring professional so I just hire. I did remodel the bathroom in last year which was actually easy; new paint, removal of a lightbox, drywall repair, new sink, new cabinet, new mirrored medicine cabinet and relocation of power from old lightbox to new med cabinet.

[drbirdsong]

I remodeled my home from ceiling to floor. You learn a lot doing that and also when to get help. I hired out the molding because I wanted it done nicer than I could and the tub plumbing. I can take a toilet out and replace it or a sink, but I hate to plumb. The hardest part was the kitchen cabinets. They had 30 years of oil based stain and 30 years of grime. It took me forever to strip them down to the bare wood which was a beautiful blonde pine. With a light shade of stain and clear coat they came out great.

[Janie]

When Janie's around I'm very, very handy! ;) Unfortunately when it comes to DIY I'm hopeless!! :givebeer: :d13:

http://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/roper.gif

[Janie]

I remodeled my home from ceiling to floor. You learn a lot doing that and also when to get help. I hired out the molding because I wanted it done nicer than I could and the tub plumbing. I can take a toilet out and replace it or a sink, but I hate to plumb. The hardest part was the kitchen cabinets. They had 30 years of oil based stain and 30 years of grime. It took me forever to strip them down to the bare wood which was a beautiful blonde pine. With a light shade of stain and clear coat they came out great.

You have no idea how badly I want to do this! But I want to buy a rundown, ancient old house and restore it to it's original beauty. I am in love with the HGTV show, "Rehab Addict" with the incredibly beautiful and feisty little number Nicole Curtis. She totally inspires me.

[treeduck]

When Janie's around I'm very, very handy! ;) Unfortunately when it comes to DIY I'm hopeless!! :givebeer: :d13:

http://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/roper.gif

Over here that would be:

 

http://www.babyboomercentral.com.au/images4/georgemildred.gif

[OGr8imL84AD8inF8sBlackSedan]

Ever since I tried juggling chainsaws, I'm not handy at all. Edited March 20, 2014 by OGr8imL84AD8inF8sBlackSedan

[Lost In Xanadu]

I'm ok here and there. The problem is tools. If you don't have the right tools for job it's hopeless and I find that sometimes the costs of tools and material is similar to hiring professional so I just hire. I did remodel the bathroom in last year which was actually easy; new paint, removal of a lightbox, drywall repair, new sink, new cabinet, new mirrored medicine cabinet and relocation of power from old lightbox to new med cabinet.

See for me... I say "this tool is $100. To get someone to do it is $200. I'm saving money, plus I get a new tool" :)

[The Analog Grownup]

I'm pretty handy around the house with the small stuff. Sometimes I feel a little weird doing typical "guy" things but at the same time, it's rewarding. I've just handled small things: changing the appearance on the outside lights on the garage, I've fixed leaky faucets (I've found that I loathe plumbing, I just hate it) and I've done large patchwork on walls (one time I jammed a huge piece of furniture into the wall - the hole was fist-sized). I'm handy with tools. My husband is allergic to this stuff.

 

I'm also pretty handy with refurbishing projects.

 

Here are the outside lights. I had to cut the power, undo the wiring, take the lights down and then reattach everything when done. All by myself, tyvm.

 

(Before)

http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo228/LifesonPics/d2f1f674-87f0-4998-9576-2bb69eaa704d_zpscc6a8629.jpg

(After)

http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo228/LifesonPics/38332d78-d02d-491a-aa89-40ffcb2b267e_zps335f0f04.jpg

 

Cedar Chest:

(Before)

http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo228/LifesonPics/6d809855-dbdc-4080-8d97-8e584ca0dfbc_zpsd3b7b75a.jpg

(After)

http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo228/LifesonPics/d5bf383f-5336-4a9c-abad-86dc5b53cce3_zps2b67f282.jpg

 

Nursing Chair:

(Before)

http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo228/LifesonPics/393c8b33-ff7c-4bcf-b913-ddec43bafc43_zps948b7dcc.jpg

(After)

http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo228/LifesonPics/36c8ee79-5dfd-4a00-9985-5676cddc628a_zps5e116dcc.jpg

 

Toy Chest:

(Was originally a large, heavy wall shelf. I flipped it on its butt, attached wheels, took off the glass doors and put on a wood cover which was padded so it could perform double-duty. Part toy chest, part bench.)

(Before)

http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo228/LifesonPics/255445f6-6605-4411-9eea-a8cd560ac98a_zps5407c265.jpg

(After)

http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo228/LifesonPics/00edbf79-5e8d-4d04-8604-69231d2e39d4_zpsb6acc2e6.jpg

 

Master Bath:

(Decent sized project. The toughest part was probably stripping off all the old caulk from the shower, taking the entire thing apart basically and the putting it all back together. I like how it turned out.)

http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo228/LifesonPics/028a99b4-fd26-4a91-97aa-d29f8f84ada9_zpsfea265b1.jpg

http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo228/LifesonPics/daba0898-7716-4828-961f-3d4663fe979a_zpsbac3826b.jpg

 

These were probably my favorite projects. I've done others but I like these ones the best, especially the outside lights and dealing with all the wiring and stuff.

 

Wow!

[Lost In Xanadu]

I remodeled my home from ceiling to floor. You learn a lot doing that and also when to get help. I hired out the molding because I wanted it done nicer than I could and the tub plumbing. I can take a toilet out and replace it or a sink, but I hate to plumb. The hardest part was the kitchen cabinets. They had 30 years of oil based stain and 30 years of grime. It took me forever to strip them down to the bare wood which was a beautiful blonde pine. With a light shade of stain and clear coat they came out great.

We're tackling our bathroom shortly. Completely doing a gut job down to the studs. Re-insulating, new drywall, whirlpool tub, new cabinets with a granite countertop and undermounted dual sinks. Also new tile around the shower/tub with spa shower jets, and new ceramic tile floor with in-floor heating.

 

Hope to be done by the summer - I will take before and after photos. The before is bad :)

[The Analog Grownup]

I got two hands and that's about it.

 

But I'm very meticulous with my big hands so give me something to work on, and I will figure it out eventually. :)

[thesweetscience]

I'm pretty handy around the house with the small stuff. Sometimes I feel a little weird doing typical "guy" things but at the same time, it's rewarding. I've just handled small things: changing the appearance on the outside lights on the garage, I've fixed leaky faucets (I've found that I loathe plumbing, I just hate it) and I've done large patchwork on walls (one time I jammed a huge piece of furniture into the wall - the hole was fist-sized). I'm handy with tools. My husband is allergic to this stuff.

 

I'm also pretty handy with refurbishing projects.

 

Here are the outside lights. I had to cut the power, undo the wiring, take the lights down and then reattach everything when done. All by myself, tyvm.

 

(Before)

http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo228/LifesonPics/d2f1f674-87f0-4998-9576-2bb69eaa704d_zpscc6a8629.jpg

(After)

http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo228/LifesonPics/38332d78-d02d-491a-aa89-40ffcb2b267e_zps335f0f04.jpg

 

Cedar Chest:

(Before)

http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo228/LifesonPics/6d809855-dbdc-4080-8d97-8e584ca0dfbc_zpsd3b7b75a.jpg

(After)

http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo228/LifesonPics/d5bf383f-5336-4a9c-abad-86dc5b53cce3_zps2b67f282.jpg

 

Nursing Chair:

(Before)

http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo228/LifesonPics/393c8b33-ff7c-4bcf-b913-ddec43bafc43_zps948b7dcc.jpg

(After)

http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo228/LifesonPics/36c8ee79-5dfd-4a00-9985-5676cddc628a_zps5e116dcc.jpg

 

Toy Chest:

(Was originally a large, heavy wall shelf. I flipped it on its butt, attached wheels, took off the glass doors and put on a wood cover which was padded so it could perform double-duty. Part toy chest, part bench.)

(Before)

http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo228/LifesonPics/255445f6-6605-4411-9eea-a8cd560ac98a_zps5407c265.jpg

(After)

http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo228/LifesonPics/00edbf79-5e8d-4d04-8604-69231d2e39d4_zpsb6acc2e6.jpg

 

Master Bath:

(Decent sized project. The toughest part was probably stripping off all the old caulk from the shower, taking the entire thing apart basically and the putting it all back together. I like how it turned out.)

http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo228/LifesonPics/028a99b4-fd26-4a91-97aa-d29f8f84ada9_zpsfea265b1.jpg

http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo228/LifesonPics/daba0898-7716-4828-961f-3d4663fe979a_zpsbac3826b.jpg

 

These were probably my favorite projects. I've done others but I like these ones the best, especially the outside lights and dealing with all the wiring and stuff.

I need to redo my bathroom. The new tub part has me a little nervous because I have never installed one before. The rest of it will be cake.

 

You do nice work Janie!!