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How good are you at DIY?
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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And no I don't mean the right hand kind of DIY, or the left hand for you lefties.
I mean the home improvements kind of DIY.
And where did you learn? We're you taught by a parent?
And if you're no good do you wish you were?
And finally, what handy tips would give for others?
T |
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By *humper.Man
over a year ago
northumberland/scotland |
When the extension went on my house it was just a shell. Quickly learned how to erect walls, insulate, plasterboard, instal skirting, doors, cills etc. Build wardrobes, kids desks, even made a couple of beds. (Plus all the decorating but, I do that fir a living) Since then, I put down decking in the garden, made raised beds, summerhouse... just learn by doing.
And Google. Lots and lots of Google haha |
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By *bi HaiveMan
over a year ago
Forum Mod Cheeseville, Somerset |
"YouTube is a godsend 
Hey guys so today we are going to learn how to… "
This.
Sod paying anyone else to do something you can try and learn yourself from a bloke called Dave in Cleethorpes.
Obviously when you've royally fucked it you'll get a professional in but until then......... 
A |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I’ve learnt so much from YouTube. Well, I say ‘so much’ but that’s in relation to my previous zero knowledge. I’ve partially boarded my attic, no cuts mind. Also removed and put back a vanity unit to change the floor. Putting taps back in genuinely made me almost cry though just feeling helpless and wanting an adult to help me. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"YouTube is a godsend
Hey guys so today we are going to learn how to… "
You tube is so handy, I agree. I learned a few things from it.
(PS you do play hard to get don't you. I can't even fab your pics. Dam you!)
T |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"When the extension went on my house it was just a shell. Quickly learned how to erect walls, insulate, plasterboard, instal skirting, doors, cills etc. Build wardrobes, kids desks, even made a couple of beds. (Plus all the decorating but, I do that fir a living) Since then, I put down decking in the garden, made raised beds, summerhouse... just learn by doing.
And Google. Lots and lots of Google haha "
That's impressive
T |
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Fuckin useless..I think my dad knew I wasn't worth teaching.. when I was about aged 5 or 6 he was mixing some polyfilla.. left the room for a second when he came back I'd poured the rest of the water from the milk bottle he was using all over it |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Learnt from my dad, he taught me basic household diy and decorating etc. I do draw the line at plumbing though....that is definately something I am not good at.  Anything I can't do gets left until he is over visiting. |
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By *humper.Man
over a year ago
northumberland/scotland |
"When the extension went on my house it was just a shell. Quickly learned how to erect walls, insulate, plasterboard, instal skirting, doors, cills etc. Build wardrobes, kids desks, even made a couple of beds. (Plus all the decorating but, I do that fir a living) Since then, I put down decking in the garden, made raised beds, summerhouse... just learn by doing.
And Google. Lots and lots of Google haha
That's impressive
T"
Thanks  |
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By *humper.Man
over a year ago
northumberland/scotland |
"Learnt from my dad, he taught me basic household diy and decorating etc. I do draw the line at plumbing though....that is definately something I am not good at. Anything I can't do gets left until he is over visiting. "
Attractive AND does DIY. erm.. hi  |
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I'm self taught and do most things that need doing within reason. If I'm not confident I'll pay someone to do it.
I lost my dad when I was fairly young and even though he was an electrician I didn't follow in his footsteps or take up a trade but I know all the basics.
A little electrical and plumbing and lots of decorating and woodwork. |
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"And no I don't mean the right hand kind of DIY, or the left hand for you lefties.
I mean the home improvements kind of DIY.
And where did you learn? We're you taught by a parent?
And if you're no good do you wish you were?
And finally, what handy tips would give for others?
T"
Good. At pretty much everything apart from plastering.
Mostly learned from my dad.
Tips...
dont rush.
Ask for help if you need it.
Use the right tools and materials.
Do it right once and don't bodge it.
Do it safe. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"And no I don't mean the right hand kind of DIY, or the left hand for you lefties.
I mean the home improvements kind of DIY.
And where did you learn? We're you taught by a parent?
And if you're no good do you wish you were?
And finally, what handy tips would give for others?
T"
Tip : watch and learn
I love design , I been working on site since 16 yo .
Everything I see I absorb skills n tricks .
Yes . I love DIY n my own designs .
Favourite : convert a motorhome from scratch |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Learnt from my dad, he taught me basic household diy and decorating etc. I do draw the line at plumbing though....that is definately something I am not good at. Anything I can't do gets left until he is over visiting.
Attractive AND does DIY. erm.. hi "
Hi. 
I belive that being independent is a very attractive attribute to have. |
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I fem do any DIY around the house. Painting, decorating, laid all the laminate flooring (4 rooms) in the house. The only stuff I won't touch is electrics (obv) and plumbing.
I'm a crafter, knitting, sewing ect. So just self taught diy. Skills transfer. - Yes Mr dose do too, but if he's at work. I do it. |
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By *oodmessMan
over a year ago
yumsville |
I once hit a wall with a chisel and hit a gas pipe.
I have wielded a reciprocating saw and nearly took someones arm off
I've broken a sledge hammer
I've driven a digger and near smashed gas pipes, garages, dug it in, taken its tracks off, and busted it's door
Whatever I cut ends on the wonk
I am a reasonable liability but will have a go |
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I’d consider myself a ‘learned’ diy’er. I’ve mastered lots of things from putting up shelves ( in walls like granite !) to re pointing brickwork and even restoring decorative oak fascia’s sky high on scaffolding …. If I can do it I will. My tool kit is quite impressive now … not bragging …. Wait …. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Generally quite shit. But I have built a garden bar (prior to the lockdowns I may add), using only hand tools. Don't have any electrical ones unfortunately. |
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"Engineer by trade so do everything myself except plastering that is a dark art lol. Wiring, plumbing, joinery, brickwork no problem but plastering is left to someone who knows what they’re doing I do have a leather tool belt too lol "
Bosh bosh shoom shoom |
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By *arkjackMan
over a year ago
West Cork |
So I getting more DIY and I recommend the old "Fine Homebuilding on ..." magazine series, this and Fine Woodworking is gold.
I'd like to build a full workshop someday. For now I'm renovating a small chalet I'm renting, building a dog run, clothesline, shed and hope to build doors/windows, countertops and beds
There is literally zero support for men who want to do construction stuff, at least where I live. I helped build a Tiny House recently, on my return trip my property solicitor neighbour updated me this became illegal that very week. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Not too bad. I've done most stuff in our house apart from rebuilding the chimney for the wood stove.
Did the van build for our camper.
YouTube taught me everything. |
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By *ad NannaWoman
over a year ago
East London |
I used to be ok at fixing stuff.
Blocked toilets and u-bends were my responsibility.
Any electrical appliances I fixed, if possible.
Anything needing putting together, I did (except for the kitchen units-I read the instructions and instructed the men).
I painted before I got married then my ex did it; if he could be bothered.
I fixed wonky unit doors and broken doors.
I put a new battery in the car.
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"Engineer by trade so do everything myself except plastering that is a dark art lol. Wiring, plumbing, joinery, brickwork no problem but plastering is left to someone who knows what they’re doing I do have a leather tool belt too lol
Bosh bosh shoom shoom"
 ?? |
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I'm good at it. I do all the decorating, wallpapering, tiling etc. Have installed a whole new bathroom, changed the taps etc, done electrics etc. Won't touch anything to do with gas though. My dad taught me. Done a lot of work on my older cars too. |
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I'm a carpenter and a ceiling fixer sub contractor. I also have a handyman business. There is very little i cant do in the world of construction. A few things i dont enjoy doing though so i pick and chose the work i do.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Pretty good at DIY and basic mechanics, plumbing, etc.
I'd like to do a proper bricklaying course sometime, but I've always been able to turn my hand to most things without any formal training. Reading instructions and youtube helps! |
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Pretty good at most stuff. I Learnt some things from my dad, but got a good grounding in woodwork through my apprenticeship and the job I did for 15 years before changing careers.
I’ll have a go at most things except gas and mains electrics.
I completely gutted my 1st house and spent a year fixing it up, before moving in. Which included a complete new kitchen and a new bathroom |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Served may carpentry apprenticeship after school in Ireland , one to London excelled in carpentry naturally progressed into PM and now run my own building firm. Not too bad I suppose |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Most of it is about the right tools and materials and knowing where to buy them from at the right price.
Generally speaking alot of jobs can work out the same price using a tradesman than paying through the nose at DIY stores then doing the job yourself.
That said I worked with my old man on building sites as a teenager and got the gist of most stuff so will have a go. My preference is to do the lightweight jobs like plumbing and electrics as you don't get as dirty or worn out hands. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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I can do some stuff but find I lack the oomph for some things and need a stringer person to help or tighten things.
Currently want to hang some panels which is a tricky job. Needs perfect alignment.
T |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"I can do some stuff but find I lack the oomph for some things and need a stringer person to help or tighten things.
Currently want to hang some panels which is a tricky job. Needs perfect alignment.
T"
*stronger, I'm bloody useless at typing. |
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By *ukaMan
over a year ago
Chester |
"I can do some stuff but find I lack the oomph for some things and need a stringer person to help or tighten things.
Currently want to hang some panels which is a tricky job. Needs perfect alignment.
T"
What sort of panels are they, we can guide you through it. What size and roughly how heavy? |
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Fucking amazing tbh.
Self taught.
Re-wired, re-plumbed and installed oil-fired heating in our 130 y/o hovel, replaced doors and windows and several parts of roof.
Common sense and the interwebs. Wonderful. |
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Only thing i don't really do is boilers, not something you want to do and get wrong.
Apart from that, i've done most things.
Full rewires (apart from the dizzy, not got the right ticket for that so got a mate to fit it and sign everything off). Rebuilt a bathroom, back to bare walls, replumb, new window, fit the wet wear and do everything but tile it as i wanted a pukka job, so hired a master tiler.
After that, removed a wall and built an ensuite off the back of it- complete with a couple of built in wardrobes while i was knocking up the partition walling for the ensuite.
Installed a kitchen, built my own conservatory, designed and built several lots of decking and a shed, installed fencing and gates, built a path, installed CCTV and a full Cat 6 network system with ability to transmit my sky signal to any other TV in any room with a network point.
Laid acres of flooring and carpets, replaced gutters, repainted an entire rendered house, replaced the water mains to the house then gravelled the whole drive (6 tonnes- nearly killed me barrowing that to position) and up next, after decorating a couple of rooms over winter, is to build a large garden room with solar power, move the pond and replace it with seating area as i have a shit tonne of cobbles spare and demolish my wood store so i can rebuild it big enough to stand up in the bugger and store a years worth of logs and 'just in case' timber.
Like others have said, if you have the aptitude but don't know exactly how- a few youtube vids and dedicated forums with give you enough knowledge to complete most jobs |
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I try and do what I can myself, felt rather proud sorting the oven myself when the heating element went 
I’ve built flat pack stuff, put a heavy dinner table together. I paint rooms myself and get my dad to sort wallpaper
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Oh I got a new wardrobe from Ikea and did it myself...
...ended up with a pretty nice bookshelf.
And a footstool.
.
PS - I have this this special thing for DIY. Its called "DAD" lol |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"And no I don't mean the right hand kind of DIY, or the left hand for you lefties.
I mean the home improvements kind of DIY.
And where did you learn? We're you taught by a parent?
And if you're no good do you wish you were?
And finally, what handy tips would give for others?
T"
Love what l do , l am a tradesman, handy tips ? Take your time , love what you do , Job satisfaction . |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Amazing that some people train for years to do work they could have learned in a few hours off youtube !
It's not really true, you can get to amateur level but there are limits."
I did a 5 year apprenticeship in carpentry and joinery you tube is no substitute for those hard earned skills! |
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"Amazing that some people train for years to do work they could have learned in a few hours off youtube !
It's not really true, you can get to amateur level but there are limits."
Tell that to 2 unlimited |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Amazing that some people train for years to do work they could have learned in a few hours off youtube !
It's not really true, you can get to amateur level but there are limits.
I did a 5 year apprenticeship in carpentry and joinery you tube is no substitute for those hard earned skills!"
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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My dad taught me about cars and I had two older brothers, one a carpenter and the other a painter/ decorator , never touch electrical or gas , that’s way to dodgy |
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I'm absolutely clueless. My parents are both excellent at DIY, but never bothered to teach us anything. I tend to save up little jobs (like putting up shelves, putting up blinds etc) and then hire someone to come round and do them all at once. |
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By *an1978Woman
over a year ago
GONE/TIMEOUT (No DMs please) |
I can do flat pack but that's about it.
I wish I had paid more attention while my dad was alive.
He could do anything around the house, electrics, plumbing, plastering etc.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I can do DIY just picked it up as I went along. Working with wood is what I like best. I have a work shop in the garden I spend a lot of time in there making things and if it’s warm enough I’m naked even though 2 of the neighbours can see me |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I can hang a picture on a wall but when mr is fixing something I some how become a pro at diy from the sidelines 
I'm sure he appreciates the... erm, encouragement? "
Always….through gritted teeth  |
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"And no I don't mean the right hand kind of DIY, or the left hand for you lefties.
I mean the home improvements kind of DIY.
And where did you learn? We're you taught by a parent?
And if you're no good do you wish you were?
And finally, what handy tips would give for others?
T"
never use a hand saw when you have a festo |
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"And no I don't mean the right hand kind of DIY, or the left hand for you lefties.
I mean the home improvements kind of DIY.
And where did you learn? We're you taught by a parent?
And if you're no good do you wish you were?
And finally, what handy tips would give for others?
T"
what do you need is more to point? |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Bring a tradesman I’m quite good at DIY , you just need a lot of patience and take pride on what your doing. If anyone needs help I’m willing to lend you a hand. |
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I wouldn't even try, in the same way I wouldn't attempt brain surgery. Get in a quality, trained professional, specify the job clearly without constantly changing parameters, pay them well. Joinery, plumbing, electrical work are valuable technical skills. It's sheer arrogance to think I can do a better job.
I've never understood the British obsession with DIY. |
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By *xydadbodMan
over a year ago
Milton keynes |
I'm absolutely shit at it.. takes me ages to assemble a cupboard from IKEA as it is lol
But as they say, it's never too late to learn hence why I love my weekend job helping my friend out with his private work.. we do renovations inside and outside clients homes and I love it.. and been learning loads. I'm still surprise he hasn't told me to fuck off yet with so many questions I keep asking him |
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By *lecom1Couple
over a year ago
Stornoway |
Yes manage most jobs round the house. Plumbing so easy these days with the push fit fittings. Learnt not to skimp on tools. Pair of good grips for all brass fittings, good quality power tools. A decent set of spanners and screwdrivers. |
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I like trying…..the majority of the time I make lots of mistakes and learn from them…I’m pretty bad though! Woops! My dad tried teaching me when I was growing up but I didn’t like him so much and now if I ask him he ends up going on tangents and giving me lectures haha! It is one thing I wish I’d paid more attention to!
One tip he taught me that stuck was measure twice cut once! |
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