Welcome!
21 Feb
(Post 1 in a series for DIY beginners)
Welcome to “Teach A Man To Fix!”
At first glance, you might think that this is just another How-To website, but it’s actually a very different approach. It’s like a free DIY course – and more! Many How-To websites or books, in some respects “give a man a fish,” as that old saying goes. They provide instructions on one particular project or task, and in a way, only “feed him for a day.” But I want to “teach a man to fish” … well, I mean fix, and benefit you for a lifetime. I firmly believe that anyone, young or old, male or female, can learn to think like a true handy person and gain skills that will help them face new challenges fearlessly!
It’s true that the learning process will involve tutorials, explanations about some very basic things, and even some close encounters with “theory.” But you’ll be learning to be handy – even mechanically inclined – in a matter of months instead of years. And first and foremost, I’m hoping that the information that I’ll be presenting here will help you to reduce your dependence on others, and awaken in you a confidence and resourcefulness that you never suspected you had.
This blog is for you if:
You think that home maintenance and simple home and auto repairs are beyond you, so you’re a bit nervous to even try,
You have tried, and it seems that you can’t even hammer a nail straight, so you think there’s something wrong with you,
You’re pretty good at crafts and producing some pretty cool handmade stuff, but you want to broaden your skill set.
This blog is also for you if:
You get frustrated at being at the mercy of your handy friend’s schedule … or moods. That tap has been dripping for months!
You hate being surrounded by plumbing, electrical or mechanical mysteries, and you hate getting that knot in your stomach every time the plumbing makes some weird noise or your lights flicker.
You love the idea of being more confident and independent.
You really like the idea of saving money – and the environment.
Here’s a glimpse of what’s coming over the next few months, besides basics like hammering nails straight and dealing with stripped screws:
A look into the mysterious thinking processes of the mechanically inclined, based on observing the dozens of craftsmen, tradesmen, and talented people that I’ve learned from and worked with over the years.
I’ll also be uncovering some of the basic reasons that appliances and other mechanical things break down, how you can troubleshoot them, and how to make them last longer.
Together, we’ll get familiar with a list of essential things that absolutely every one should know – from how to react to household emergencies, to doing a drywall patch, to some basic automotive maintenance and repair.
I’d really like this to be an enjoyable and entertaining experience that you will stick with, so this is not going to be a dry, structured “DIY 101″ course. I like to think of it as more of an apprenticeship or mentoring program. I hope you’ll be amazed at how liberating and empowering it can be to have the know-how and confidence to feel in control of the gadgets and systems that make up a large part of our environment – and save money too, sometimes a lot of it!
PS: If you haven’t already, please take the time to read the important information in the “About,” and “Safety” sections. Thanks!
PPS: To read the posts, you can go to the Archive, say for March, and scroll down to the first post for the month. Please accept my apologies – I’m looking for an easier way to let you read through the progression. And please, don’t let that small detail keep you from learning!
John
This will be great. Perhaps even I can learn to fix my broken stuff and not have to wait for anyone!!
Thanks for dropping by, Karen. I’m sure you’ll be more independent before too long. I’d love to hear your thoughts after we get into the “nuts and bolts” of being handy, starting Monday.
Joh, this is great! I’m so excited you’re doing this and can’t wait to read the progression. Hopefully, you’ll be able to answer some of my questions down the road, since my husband and I are newish home-owners.