The "I'm Terrible at Home Repairs" Thread

tarcone · 07-14-2018, 04:26 PM

I am pretty pleased with myself. I am not a DIY guy or a handy guy at all. I strip screws all the time. I drop stuff and break it. When actually repairing, at least 2 trips to the hardware store.
I once super glued my thumb to a light fixture at the peak of my 15 foot ceiling.

You get the idea.

We had a leaky kitchen sink faucet. Time to replace it. Well, I'll give it a try.
Get the faucet. Need to go to hardware store for basin wrench. Oops, broke a shut off valve handle. To the hardware store.
Finished with no leaks in 4 hours.

WOOT!

EagleFan · 07-14-2018, 09:04 PM

Good job. That is me for sure. Not good with those around the house things. I've done a couple things, both very basic, and my level of satisfaction when completed far exceeds the level of complication.

I'll give you credit for tackling anything plumbing related. I have a couple of those projects on my to do list but haven;t had the guts to try. I fear a flooded house when I am done.

JPhillips · 07-14-2018, 09:39 PM

Everything I can do around the house I learned from tech theatre, basic carpentry, electric and plumbing.

Lathum · 07-15-2018, 07:31 AM

You can find directions on how to fix about anything on Youtube. I will almost always at least try, unless it is something that will kill my family if I screw it up. I figure if something is broken already I'm not going to make it much worse.

tarcone · 07-15-2018, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lathum

You can find directions on how to fix about anything on Youtube. I will almost always at least try, unless it is something that will kill my family if I screw it up. I figure if something is broken already I'm not going to make it much worse.

Oh yeah, youtube is fantastic. I had 3 different videos open yesterday.

As for breaking things.........

I tend to break the new things Im using to replace. Or something close by that isnt related to the project. Im like a bull in a china shop.

Eaglefan, I love the statement that your satisfaction far exceed the complication. Yep, thats me too. I was stoked yesterday.

MizzouRah · 07-15-2018, 08:27 AM

I just replaced our kitchen sink a couple weeks ago, so far so good.

PilotMan · 07-15-2018, 10:59 AM

toilets are one of the most frustrating/rewarding repairs you can do. They can be a never ending chase, leak everywhere, or break. They are dirty and you can't go fast to get them done. They aren't super hard, but when you're done, and it all works like it's supposed to it's a good feeling.

Mota · 07-15-2018, 09:09 PM

I've fixed a bunch of things the past few years, getting the confidence to do it myself because of Youtube videos. Most work isn't really that complicated if you know how to do it. Certainly not a handiman, but if I can avoid paying someone to do something that I could do myself, I will.

korme · 07-16-2018, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lathum

You can find directions on how to fix about anything on Youtube. I will almost always at least try, unless it is something that will kill my family if I screw it up. I figure if something is broken already I'm not going to make it much worse.

Not always the case, I tried to replace my garbage disposal and ended up with TKOing my dishwasher

Ksyrup · 07-16-2018, 07:21 AM

I suck at everything. Having the directions is only about 10% of it. I still can't physically do it - just too clumbsy and/or don't have the refined skills to be able to do it appropriately.

It also doesn't help that none of it interests me in the least. I really don't understand or care how any of it works.

Lathum · 07-16-2018, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by korme

Not always the case, I tried to replace my garbage disposal and ended up with TKOing my dishwasher

Maybe Youtube not for you then

corbes · 07-16-2018, 08:58 AM

My best plumbing advice is this: do not try to fix the leaky kitchen faucet after 6pm on a Sunday evening.

Because when you break it, thereby turning the leaky faucet into a continuously-running faucet, you have to go into the basement to turn off the water to the sink.

And in the basement, you'll find that there's no shutoff valve to the sink specifically, and that in fact the closest shutoff valve turns off the water to the whole house.

And although you broke the faucet, you see now that it's a simple part that you need to fix it, but it's Sunday evening and all the stores are closed. You'll have to wait until Monday to get the part.

But in the meantime there is no water in the house for baths, showers before work, toilets, cooking dinner, etc., without turning the sink back on and having the water shoot out the top of the now-broken faucet.

For reasons you can imagine, this makes one very popular within the household.

Not saying that ever happened to me...

Kodos · 07-16-2018, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

I suck at everything. Having the directions is only about 10% of it. I still can't physically do it - just too clumbsy and/or don't have the refined skills to be able to do it appropriately.

It also doesn't help that none of it interests me in the least. I really don't understand or care how any of it works.

This is me. I can do only the most basic things. Usually when I try something, I quickly run in to complications that make me wonder how anyone does these things. I can successfully replace door knobs, so that's something.

I'm currently working up the resolve to replace a shower head. Yesterday, I decided I just wasn't feeling up to the task and punted it to today.

CU Tiger · 07-16-2018, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

I suck at everything. Having the directions is only about 10% of it. I still can't physically do it - just too clumbsy and/or don't have the refined skills to be able to do it appropriately.

It also doesn't help that none of it interests me in the least. I really don't understand or care how any of it works.

That's what makes the world go round. I can say the same thing pretty much about most things computer software related. Something "simple" like adding a new printer to our office network will take me hours upon hours of hate filled frustration.

But plumbing in a whole new bathroom? Or re wiring a house? That's fun and simple.

And like you, the computer stuff doesnt interest me to learn - which I think I could if I wanted to, but I find the construction stuff fascinating.

Ksyrup · 07-16-2018, 10:13 AM

I've never been a "hands on" person. Never been mechanically inclined at all. Don't care about cars and how they run, etc. Frustrated the hell out of my dad, ha!

Kodos · 07-16-2018, 10:23 AM

Definitely not a car guy either. Don't fix 'em myself, don't need a fancy one. Safety and reliability are my top priorities with cars.

CU Tiger · 07-16-2018, 10:31 AM

Interesting contrast. Total car guy. Those are my "toys" have several classics my son and I have restored and 2 current projects as well.

I always just attributed this to my engineer mindset. But I HAVE to know how something works.

MacroGuru · 07-16-2018, 10:42 AM

Anything dealing with electricity in the house, I nope out real quick.

Other than that. I am pretty confident in most of the other stuff.

path12 · 07-16-2018, 04:39 PM

First date I told my wife that I was truly useless in any sort of handyman scenario and have proved that over and over in the ensuing 16 years.

Set those expectations early, kids!

PilotMan · 07-16-2018, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

I've never been a "hands on" person. Never been mechanically inclined at all. Don't care about cars and how they run, etc. Frustrated the hell out of my dad, ha!

Pretty much me as well. Growing up an only child in a mom only house didn't help at all. So the level of knowledge that I had to learn for my profession was eye opening and challenging.

Ksyrup · 07-16-2018, 06:13 PM

I knew early on I was going to law school because I could write well but couldn't do anything else that could get me paid.

07-14-2018, 09:04 PM	#2
EagleFan Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Mays Landing, NJ USA	Good job. That is me for sure. Not good with those around the house things. I've done a couple things, both very basic, and my level of satisfaction when completed far exceeds the level of complication. I'll give you credit for tackling anything plumbing related. I have a couple of those projects on my to do list but haven;t had the guts to try. I fear a flooded house when I am done. __________________ The EagleFan YouTube Channel - Reactions Soarin' & Scratchin' YouTube Channel - We react to music, videos, TV, we talk, we are planning some field trips Soarin' & Soothin' - Meditation, Relaxation, and Sleep Aid; mental health is important

07-14-2018, 09:39 PM	#3
JPhillips General Manager Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Newburgh, NY	Everything I can do around the house I learned from tech theatre, basic carpentry, electric and plumbing. __________________ To love someone is to strive to accept that person exactly the way he or she is, right here and now.. - Mr. Rogers

07-15-2018, 10:59 AM	#7
PilotMan Head Coach Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Seven miles up	toilets are one of the most frustrating/rewarding repairs you can do. They can be a never ending chase, leak everywhere, or break. They are dirty and you can't go fast to get them done. They aren't super hard, but when you're done, and it all works like it's supposed to it's a good feeling. __________________ He's just like if Snow White was competitive, horny, and capable of beating the shit out of anyone that called her Pops. Like Steam? Join the FOFC Steam group here: http://steamcommunity.com/groups/FOFConSteam

07-16-2018, 07:21 AM	#10
Ksyrup This guy has posted so much, his fingers are about to fall off. Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: In Absentia	I suck at everything. Having the directions is only about 10% of it. I still can't physically do it - just too clumbsy and/or don't have the refined skills to be able to do it appropriately. It also doesn't help that none of it interests me in the least. I really don't understand or care how any of it works. __________________ M's pitcher Miguel Batista: "Now, I feel like I've had everything. I've talked pitching with Sandy Koufax, had Kenny G play for me. Maybe if I could have an interview with God, then I'd be served. I'd be complete."

07-16-2018, 10:13 AM	#15
Ksyrup This guy has posted so much, his fingers are about to fall off. Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: In Absentia	I've never been a "hands on" person. Never been mechanically inclined at all. Don't care about cars and how they run, etc. Frustrated the hell out of my dad, ha! __________________ M's pitcher Miguel Batista: "Now, I feel like I've had everything. I've talked pitching with Sandy Koufax, had Kenny G play for me. Maybe if I could have an interview with God, then I'd be served. I'd be complete."

07-15-2018, 07:31 AM	#4
Lathum Favored Bitch #1 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: homeless in NJ	You can find directions on how to fix about anything on Youtube. I will almost always at least try, unless it is something that will kill my family if I screw it up. I figure if something is broken already I'm not going to make it much worse.

07-15-2018, 08:27 AM	#6
MizzouRah Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Troy, Mo	I just replaced our kitchen sink a couple weeks ago, so far so good.

07-15-2018, 09:09 PM	#8
Mota College Benchwarmer Join Date: Jan 2001	I've fixed a bunch of things the past few years, getting the confidence to do it myself because of Youtube videos. Most work isn't really that complicated if you know how to do it. Certainly not a handiman, but if I can avoid paying someone to do something that I could do myself, I will.

07-16-2018, 08:58 AM	#12
corbes College Benchwarmer Join Date: Nov 2003	My best plumbing advice is this: do not try to fix the leaky kitchen faucet after 6pm on a Sunday evening. Because when you break it, thereby turning the leaky faucet into a continuously-running faucet, you have to go into the basement to turn off the water to the sink. And in the basement, you'll find that there's no shutoff valve to the sink specifically, and that in fact the closest shutoff valve turns off the water to the whole house. And although you broke the faucet, you see now that it's a simple part that you need to fix it, but it's Sunday evening and all the stores are closed. You'll have to wait until Monday to get the part. But in the meantime there is no water in the house for baths, showers before work, toilets, cooking dinner, etc., without turning the sink back on and having the water shoot out the top of the now-broken faucet. For reasons you can imagine, this makes one very popular within the household. Not saying that ever happened to me...

07-16-2018, 10:23 AM	#16
Kodos Resident Alien Join Date: Jun 2001	Definitely not a car guy either. Don't fix 'em myself, don't need a fancy one. Safety and reliability are my top priorities with cars. __________________ Author of The Bill Gates Challenge, as well as other groundbreaking dynasties.

07-16-2018, 10:31 AM	#17
CU Tiger Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Backwoods, SC	Interesting contrast. Total car guy. Those are my "toys" have several classics my son and I have restored and 2 current projects as well. I always just attributed this to my engineer mindset. But I HAVE to know how something works.

07-16-2018, 10:42 AM	#18
MacroGuru Coordinator Join Date: May 2003 Location: Utah	Anything dealing with electricity in the house, I nope out real quick. Other than that. I am pretty confident in most of the other stuff. __________________ "forgetting what is in the past, I strive for the future"

07-16-2018, 04:39 PM	#19
path12 Coordinator Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Seattle, WA	First date I told my wife that I was truly useless in any sort of handyman scenario and have proved that over and over in the ensuing 16 years. Set those expectations early, kids! __________________ We have always been at war with Eastasia.

07-16-2018, 06:13 PM	#21
Ksyrup This guy has posted so much, his fingers are about to fall off. Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: In Absentia	I knew early on I was going to law school because I could write well but couldn't do anything else that could get me paid. __________________ M's pitcher Miguel Batista: "Now, I feel like I've had everything. I've talked pitching with Sandy Koufax, had Kenny G play for me. Maybe if I could have an interview with God, then I'd be served. I'd be complete."

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