Ava
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 30, 2011 12:23:55 GMT -5
Posts: 4,256
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DIY
Dec 21, 2013 19:57:15 GMT -5
Post by Ava on Dec 21, 2013 19:57:15 GMT -5
I've always been fascinated with things people are able to do for themselves versus buying them made or paying for the service. I would like to hear what you are able to do for yourself; and I want details , so maybe we can all learn something new. I'll start. I do a lot of things for myself. Personal care such as makeup, hair care, skin care, eyebrows, nails, waxing (Thanks YouTube!) I cut my own hair, too. I have to admit I'm not that good at it, but it comes out OK and my curly hair kind of camouflages the mistakes. After I style and scrunch, it looks good. Another thing I do is cooking my own stuff. I'm from Argentina and finding foods I like meant a 3 hour trip to Jackson Heights in Queens NY and also meant spending a ton of money. Over the past year or so I've been creating a folder with recipes I can find, usually on the internet. On one side I put the recipes I have to try, and on the other the recipes I've already cooked and are a success. I've learned to cook so many things I had to previously buy that I'm really proud of myself. It's become a hobby, and it has kept me occupied for hours. The only drawback is that I live alone and don't know too many people, so sometimes I don't have anyone to share the food with. But I like cooking and learning new recipes. What is your DIY story?
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Deleted
Joined: Oct 8, 2024 1:43:54 GMT -5
Posts: 0
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DIY
Dec 21, 2013 20:11:54 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Dec 21, 2013 20:11:54 GMT -5
I hard-wired into the electrical panel a new 220v pump for my well last summer. During the process I learned that jet pumps come in 110v/220v and there is a switch to change the voltage. Mine came on 110 and when it wouldn't run on 220 I Googled it. My oven stopped working. I looked it up online and believed it was the control unit. $80 later and I found out it wasn't. Opps. At least I have a new control unit now. LOL Ordered the new "hidden" element and it was fine once more. I also work on my car. Google the problem. Read about it. Watch some YouTube and dive in. Unless it is something dangerous or electrical I typically will at least try to fix it myself. The well pump was the exception because it was $300 to have a $200 pump installed and the well guy didn't have any time available. We wanted water. I killed the main breaker and dove in on that one.
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Deleted
Joined: Oct 8, 2024 1:43:54 GMT -5
Posts: 0
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DIY
Dec 21, 2013 20:15:14 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Dec 21, 2013 20:15:14 GMT -5
We do a lot of home stuff ourselves... put in floors, windows, paint... I like to make bath scrubs, lip balms, etc. I like to grow food.
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Sum Dum Gai
Senior Associate
Joined: Aug 15, 2011 15:39:24 GMT -5
Posts: 19,892
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DIY
Dec 21, 2013 20:21:25 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by Sum Dum Gai on Dec 21, 2013 20:21:25 GMT -5
I installed my own track lighting including rewiring the electric panel and running new conduit. Putting brackets to hold the flex conduit in a concrete filled masonry block wall is a pain in the ass. The rest was pretty straight forward.
I replaced a blown bus fuse in the electric cabinet outside where the building power comes in. Dead simple, but kind of scary. A lot of juice runs through those things.
Suspended overhead water lines with J hangers then ripped out the wall they were attached too. That one gave me heartburn because I couldn't shut off the water while I did it. If I broke the pipe while demoing the wall I would have flooded my unit and caused half a dozen businesses to lose water while they were open. The restaurant next door would have killed me.
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chiver78
Administrator
Current Events Admin
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 13:04:45 GMT -5
Posts: 39,482
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Post by chiver78 on Dec 21, 2013 21:59:43 GMT -5
I talk a good game, but the only thing I actually do that I'm proud of is replacing my own brakes. that ex-BF was good for something, I guess! he walked me thru it about 10 years ago. between my current car and the one before that was the same model, I'm on year 12 of having the same car. that said, I'm the master of putting the word out to the DIY'ers in my area when I have a problem, and offering up a meal in return for fixing my problem. there's a lot to be said for knowing your limits.
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Apple
Junior Associate
Always travel with a sense of humor
Joined: Dec 17, 2010 15:51:04 GMT -5
Posts: 9,938
Mini-Profile Name Color: dc0e29
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DIY
Dec 21, 2013 22:10:18 GMT -5
Post by Apple on Dec 21, 2013 22:10:18 GMT -5
I haven't called a repairman in years. The last time I did, it was because my AC unit was low on refrigerant and I'm not licensed for that so couldn't do it. Even then, I had to argue with him about what was wrong with it, he decided it just needed "cleaned". When I called him back a couple hours later because I still wasn't getting cold air, I refused to pay for the second trip.
Other than that, I've repaired my own AC/Furnace replacing a blown capacitor, blower motor, "pilot element" (can't remember what it's called), flame sensor (rare that one of those will go bad), and the card. The new card is awesome with the LED codes--makes troubleshooting go much faster.
I've also rewired my oven when the "bake" element wouldn't turn on. I didn't use the broiler near as often, so I just swapped contacts. Eventually it started working again, but I never moved the contacts back (so the "bake" and "broil" are written on a piece of tape). I looked into a new switch, but it was $200. No way. It's an ugly stove, but I don't want to give it up, it works great and I know all its quirks. When I finally do get a new one, I'll have to learn to bake all over again.
I've changed my own garbage disposer (twice), faucets, drain line under the sink, hot water heater. I've also replaced the floats and flappers, as well as the wax ring, in various toilets.
I mend my own fence, I've re-hinged the gate so that it opens from the opposite side from what it was. When I need an appliance I usually just get it myself (Sears will take the old one, Home Depot won't unless they deliver the new one). I don't like to wait around for someone to show up.
I've helped my son build some wood lawn chairs and tables.
I get up on my own roof when I have to do something minor up there.
I do my own wiring. I've pulled up my carpeting. I've replaced parts in my washing machine and dryer until parts become too expensive. I ran the dryer for years by replacing one part with a zip-tie.
All I need is a boyfriend who can do the work I can't (I'm an awesome tool partner/grunt/go-fer) and I'm all set.
I also do a lot of repair work for my parents. I've resealed and rebearinged their old rototiller, helped troubleshoot their AC unit and garbage disposal, fixed their washing machine, and other little things like that.
I also do my own (minor) car work. Cars are one thing I've never learned about, but I can figure out some of it, or just ask a coworker for advice and then go home and do it myself.
I'm sure I'm leaving a ton out, but I'm pretty handy. It really helps me at work as well.
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Deleted
Joined: Oct 8, 2024 1:43:54 GMT -5
Posts: 0
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DIY
Dec 21, 2013 23:17:26 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Dec 21, 2013 23:17:26 GMT -5
I can usually sort my way through most things, as long as it's not too artistic or requires good peripheral vision. I wiggled under the house to install our dryer vent, handle the plumbing repairs and installations, use and maintain our yard gear, take down dead trees on the property if need be and all that. I'm terrible at sewing with a needle, but with my sewing machine I can repair, alter or darn clothes for DH and I. Funnily enough I'll happily pilot slow moving things like tractors and mowers, but cars are a no go. The decisions have to be made too fast, and I miss too much. I've got a driver's license, but stay off the road for everyone's sake. As for the arts... for DH's last birthday I made DH a cake with frosting he requested totally from scratch. It turned out great in structure and taste. But I had a box of raspberries to decorate it with, and I started sticking them on in a grid I didn't mean to, they just wound up that way the more I put them on. I can do 3-D modeling and mechanical drafting if you give me a computer or table and T-square, but god help me draw freehand. I'm working on that. I tend to donate a lot to web artists and covet art because of how much I suck at it. I get a little obsessed with paintings sometimes, and entertain some pretty irrational thoughts about spending.
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Timberwolf
Established Member
Joined: Jan 22, 2011 17:51:35 GMT -5
Posts: 312
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Post by Timberwolf on Dec 21, 2013 23:57:30 GMT -5
I want to be Apple when I grow up.
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steph08
Junior Associate
Joined: Jan 3, 2011 13:06:01 GMT -5
Posts: 5,504
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DIY
Dec 22, 2013 6:02:16 GMT -5
Post by steph08 on Dec 22, 2013 6:02:16 GMT -5
Besides hiring someone to blow insulation into our walls (from outside and inside without having to take down all the drywall), I don't think we've actually paid anyone to do anything at our house.
DH remodeled our entire house - drywall, laminate, electrical, kitchen cabinets, sinks, appliances, windows, gutting and redoing the bathroom, replaced the water heater (after he stupidly put a hole in it by throwing firewood in), etc. (DH worked 10 years in a cabinet factory, so he does have a leg up on the competition).
We cut and split and haul our own firewood. We shoot, skin, cut up, grind, and package our own venison.
We change our own oil in most of the cars (mine usually corresponds to when I need to rotate/change tires, so sometimes I just pay for someone to do it). We don't know a lot of other car stuff though so have our mechanic do most of the work.
Mow the grass, plow the driveway, do the gardening, seed the lawn, clean the house, etc. we all do ourselves.
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milee
Senior Associate
Joined: Jan 17, 2012 13:20:00 GMT -5
Posts: 12,344
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Post by milee on Dec 22, 2013 8:25:38 GMT -5
I haven't called a repairman in years. The last time I did, it was because my AC unit was low on refrigerant and I'm not licensed for that so couldn't do it. Even then, I had to argue with him about what was wrong with it, he decided it just needed "cleaned". When I called him back a couple hours later because I still wasn't getting cold air, I refused to pay for the second trip. Other than that, I've repaired my own AC/Furnace replacing a blown capacitor, blower motor, "pilot element" (can't remember what it's called), flame sensor (rare that one of those will go bad), and the card. The new card is awesome with the LED codes--makes troubleshooting go much faster. I've also rewired my oven when the "bake" element wouldn't turn on. I didn't use the broiler near as often, so I just swapped contacts. Eventually it started working again, but I never moved the contacts back (so the "bake" and "broil" are written on a piece of tape). I looked into a new switch, but it was $200. No way. It's an ugly stove, but I don't want to give it up, it works great and I know all its quirks. When I finally do get a new one, I'll have to learn to bake all over again. I've changed my own garbage disposer (twice), faucets, drain line under the sink, hot water heater. I've also replaced the floats and flappers, as well as the wax ring, in various toilets. I mend my own fence, I've re-hinged the gate so that it opens from the opposite side from what it was. When I need an appliance I usually just get it myself (Sears will take the old one, Home Depot won't unless they deliver the new one). I don't like to wait around for someone to show up. I've helped my son build some wood lawn chairs and tables. I get up on my own roof when I have to do something minor up there. I do my own wiring. I've pulled up my carpeting. I've replaced parts in my washing machine and dryer until parts become too expensive. I ran the dryer for years by replacing one part with a zip-tie. All I need is a boyfriend who can do the work I can't (I'm an awesome tool partner/grunt/go-fer) and I'm all set. I also do a lot of repair work for my parents. I've resealed and rebearinged their old rototiller, helped troubleshoot their AC unit and garbage disposal, fixed their washing machine, and other little things like that. I also do my own (minor) car work. Cars are one thing I've never learned about, but I can figure out some of it, or just ask a coworker for advice and then go home and do it myself. I'm sure I'm leaving a ton out, but I'm pretty handy. It really helps me at work as well. Um, don't take this the wrong way, but would you marry me? Although I'm not opposed to the idea of being gay, I'm not actually gay, so you won't have to sleep with me or anything - just live here and fix stuff. I make good money, am a good cook and can keep my hands to myself. Promise.
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Jake 48
Senior Member
keeping the faith
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 16:06:13 GMT -5
Posts: 3,337
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DIY
Dec 22, 2013 9:18:27 GMT -5
Post by Jake 48 on Dec 22, 2013 9:18:27 GMT -5
Plumbing, electrical, air conditioning (licensed for ac but really don't do it anymore), small carpentry projects,hardwood floors, vehicle maintenance, painting/ drywall and I have a green thumb for the landscaping projects
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Formerly SK
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 27, 2011 14:23:13 GMT -5
Posts: 3,255
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Post by Formerly SK on Dec 22, 2013 9:28:16 GMT -5
I was going to brag about the few things I've done, but now that I've seen the competition I'll just slink away in embarrassment.
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Apple
Junior Associate
Always travel with a sense of humor
Joined: Dec 17, 2010 15:51:04 GMT -5
Posts: 9,938
Mini-Profile Name Color: dc0e29
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DIY
Dec 22, 2013 11:39:28 GMT -5
Post by Apple on Dec 22, 2013 11:39:28 GMT -5
Um, don't take this the wrong way, but would you marry me? Although I'm not opposed to the idea of being gay, I'm not actually gay, so you won't have to sleep with me or anything - just live here and fix stuff. I make good money, am a good cook and can keep my hands to myself. Promise. Haha, that's not the first female "proposal" I've gotten When I was still training at work, I was working with the welder. They had me on top of something drilling a bunch of holes, and one of the painters was watching me. After a couple minutes of watching and talking to the welder, he looked at me and said "you're going to make a great husband for someone some day!" and just started laughing. One of my dreams is to be a housewife while building a house. He can go to work and come home to dinner and a new wall
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NoNamePerson
Distinguished Associate
Is There Anybody OUT There?
Joined: Dec 17, 2010 17:03:17 GMT -5
Posts: 26,212
Location: WITNESS PROTECTION
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DIY
Dec 22, 2013 12:39:47 GMT -5
Post by NoNamePerson on Dec 22, 2013 12:39:47 GMT -5
God saw fit to bless me with a son who can do just about anything I need doing. I can do lots of stuff but I get fussed at when he and DIL find out I have done some things especially if it reguires getting up on ladder when by myself. I have learned not to tell them sometimes but he notices things and I still get fussed at. I think they think I am OLD!!!!!
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Deleted
Joined: Oct 8, 2024 1:43:54 GMT -5
Posts: 0
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DIY
Dec 22, 2013 13:01:20 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Dec 22, 2013 13:01:20 GMT -5
Ok, you awesome people! Here's your chance to help the helpless.
We apparently had a drive-by shooting. That's the story I am going to tell the neighbors across the road. This is a one-lane, dead-end short little road with five houses. One of them (the ones across the road) is the only one with kids. My husband was in the office one night and heard this ping that sounded like a bb had hit the pane. Sure enough, there is a hole about the size of your index tip (if you have small hands like mine) with a small crack radiating about an inch.
How do we fix this without calling a "glass doctor"? Our skills are pretty negligible.
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milee
Senior Associate
Joined: Jan 17, 2012 13:20:00 GMT -5
Posts: 12,344
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DIY
Dec 22, 2013 14:52:53 GMT -5
Post by milee on Dec 22, 2013 14:52:53 GMT -5
Ok, you awesome people! Here's your chance to help the helpless. We apparently had a drive-by shooting. That's the story I am going to tell the neighbors across the road. This is a one-lane, dead-end short little road with five houses. One of them (the ones across the road) is the only one with kids. My husband was in the office one night and heard this ping that sounded like a bb had hit the pane. Sure enough, there is a hole about the size of your index tip (if you have small hands like mine) with a small crack radiating about an inch. How do we fix this without calling a "glass doctor"? Our skills are pretty negligible. You tell your neighbors with the kids about the "drive by", describe how you're not sure what to do about the glass and stand there without saying another word.
Not another word.
The first person that speaks after that is the one who is replacing the glass.
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Deleted
Joined: Oct 8, 2024 1:43:54 GMT -5
Posts: 0
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DIY
Dec 22, 2013 15:22:54 GMT -5
milee likes this
Post by Deleted on Dec 22, 2013 15:22:54 GMT -5
Ok, you awesome people! Here's your chance to help the helpless. We apparently had a drive-by shooting. That's the story I am going to tell the neighbors across the road. This is a one-lane, dead-end short little road with five houses. One of them (the ones across the road) is the only one with kids. My husband was in the office one night and heard this ping that sounded like a bb had hit the pane. Sure enough, there is a hole about the size of your index tip (if you have small hands like mine) with a small crack radiating about an inch. How do we fix this without calling a "glass doctor"? Our skills are pretty negligible. You tell your neighbors with the kids about the "drive by", describe how you're not sure what to do about the glass and stand there without saying another word.
Not another word.
The first person that speaks after that is the one who is replacing the glass.
Sometimes (only sometimes--LOL) I so wish I was you, Milee.
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hoops902
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 22, 2010 13:21:29 GMT -5
Posts: 11,978
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DIY
Dec 23, 2013 12:18:33 GMT -5
Post by hoops902 on Dec 23, 2013 12:18:33 GMT -5
Pretty much anything home renovation/construction related I will do (woodwork, electrical, plumbing, etc). I'll give about anything a shot once to see if I can do it before calling someone or buying something...the exception being cars. I know nothing about cars and don't care to learn at this point (beyond like changing a tire, I can change oil too but typically choose not to).
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The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Posts: 8,717
Location: State of confusion
Favorite Drink: Whinnnne
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DIY
Dec 23, 2013 13:05:29 GMT -5
Post by The Captain on Dec 23, 2013 13:05:29 GMT -5
DH can do most electrical and plumbing. I've patched lathe and plaster, mudded, taped and sanded drywall. Hung wall-paper, painted. Stripped and stained/shellacked wood. Replaced a toilet flapper, cleaned a clogged J-bend pipe. Tore down fencing, dug up sod, cut down junk trees. However I can't even program our dish box to record (I don't think they're called VCR's anymore, right?)
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Gardening Grandma
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 13:39:46 GMT -5
Posts: 17,962
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DIY
Dec 23, 2013 14:31:11 GMT -5
Post by Gardening Grandma on Dec 23, 2013 14:31:11 GMT -5
I'm not particularly handy - I have done painting, but it's much harder for me now.
DH, otoh, is unbelievably handy. Right now, he's happily working on a lighting project.... He can do plumbing, electrical, carpentry - pretty much anything he decides that he's too cheap to pay someone. He's such a perfectionist that I don't worry about the outcome. It's always better than I had hoped.
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Deleted
Joined: Oct 8, 2024 1:43:54 GMT -5
Posts: 0
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DIY
Dec 23, 2013 14:35:49 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Dec 23, 2013 14:35:49 GMT -5
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motherto2
Well-Known Member
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 15:42:27 GMT -5
Posts: 1,719
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Post by motherto2 on Dec 23, 2013 21:13:08 GMT -5
I'm handy enough, but wish I could do a few more things. I don't like getting on the roof very often because I have vertigo and I also have numerous roof lines. But I have been on it a few times. I've installed a couple of dishwashers, done some light electric work, redid my bathroom several years ago, laid tile, paint, stain, small drywall work, stained my very large cement patio. Pulled up carpet, constantly working on my pond and pond pump, replaced light fixtures, designed some cabinetry and helped install it. Built a shed with the ex, built sidewalks, pulled out fencing from my old house and installed it here at this house, did all of my landscaping with large rocks, a ton of pea gravel, large slate pieces. Built privacy fences around gas tank, ac units, trash cans, a couple of arbors. Changed out all the locks and door knobs to bronze. Also the outlets and light switches. Just lots of little things. I'd love to lay hardwood floors upstairs, but I really suck at measuring, and my house is a contemporary style, so several of the doors are on angles. I just don't feel like trying to figure out the measuring. But mostly because I don't feel like moving crap around to lay the floors. And since I don't plan on staying here after I retire, I figure it's not worth the expense.
Always the bridesmaid, never the bride. I was going to ask for Apple's hand also, but Milee beat me to it
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Deleted
Joined: Oct 8, 2024 1:43:54 GMT -5
Posts: 0
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DIY
Dec 23, 2013 21:37:59 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Dec 23, 2013 21:37:59 GMT -5
I reuse to pay a repairman to do something I can theoretically do myself.
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Deleted
Joined: Oct 8, 2024 1:43:54 GMT -5
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Dec 23, 2013 22:10:34 GMT -5
My car has something wrong with it. I think the thermostat is stuck on it. So, off to YouTube today and I think I can fix the problem. DS is getting me the part and tomorrow I am going to dive in...
Okay, who mentioned DIY projects and made my car break? LOL
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msventoux
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 12, 2011 22:32:37 GMT -5
Posts: 3,037
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DIY
Dec 23, 2013 23:47:07 GMT -5
Post by msventoux on Dec 23, 2013 23:47:07 GMT -5
I'm not nearly as handy as I'd like to be. I refuse to touch anything to do with electricity. My grandfather died from electrocution and I've seen my dad and uncles make some pretty spectacular spark shows, so we're just genetically programed to screw up when it comes to electricity. I'll try my hand at a certain amount of plumbing and other home repairs and improvements. I figure if it's something that probably won't kill me and won't cause thousands of dollars of damage if I screw it up, I'll give it a shot.
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milee
Senior Associate
Joined: Jan 17, 2012 13:20:00 GMT -5
Posts: 12,344
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DIY
Dec 24, 2013 6:20:25 GMT -5
Post by milee on Dec 24, 2013 6:20:25 GMT -5
I'm not nearly as handy as I'd like to be. I refuse to touch anything to do with electricity. My grandfather died from electrocution and I've seen my dad and uncles make some pretty spectacular spark shows, so we're just genetically programed to screw up when it comes to electricity. I'll try my hand at a certain amount of plumbing and other home repairs and improvements. I figure if it's something that probably won't kill me and won't cause thousands of dollars of damage if I screw it up, I'll give it a shot. Your approach with electricity is similar to my approach with gas lines. I'm a decent plumber, can repair existing plumbing and even ran all the new copper plumbing when we did a big house addition including bathroom and kitchen. So plumbing doesn't scare me, but I won't touch gas lines. Yes, it's the same theory, but if I mess up the regular plumbing all that happens is I get a little wet, but if I mess up the gas plumbing the house explodes. No, thanks.
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