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The following is a guest post. If interested in submitting a guest post please read our guest posting policy and then contact us. Jay Preston is blogger and Brand Manager for ToolHQ, Australia’s premiere source for power tools. He enjoys writing about DIY projects, tools and anything guy related.
Okay, so you don’t need to wear flannel shirts and rock a big Grizzly Adams beard in order to be good at fixing things. You don’t need to act like Tim Allen on Home Improvement, but having basic knowledge of how to use and take care of power tools is an important part of being an adult male. Recently at work I was talking about a new cordless power tool that I had just purchased and my younger coworker said to me, “What’s that for?” And I thought for a minute to myself, is he just asking why I needed a new drill or does he not actually know what they are used for? I wasn’t sure at first. I am always surprised when meeting younger colleagues and friends at how little they know about building and repairing; things that I would think were basic knowledge.
But then I think of when I was growing up and not having a Dad around to teach me those things and not knowing these skills until learning them on the job. I wasn’t born with the knowledge, I had to learn it and I had to have the experiences myself. If that meant messing up, then so be it. It has been made light of and even poked fun at, having to have these abilities around power tools. But when it comes to making repairs around the house, whether on the house itself or on a vehicle, it does make a difference.
It’s not politically incorrect to know how to fix things
I know it many people want to make it sound politically incorrect to take on the manly responsibilities around the house, but it is an important part of being a man. It is a way to prove to yourself that you have the skills to get the job done, but it is also an important part of a relationship. Your girlfriend or wife wants to know that when it comes down to it, on a basic, primal level, that you can take care of her. She might not always say that out loud, but it’s true.
It’s not about just impressing your girlfriend
Its about trusting yourself with the responsibility. If you have a light switch or power outlet that needs to be replaced, do you have to call in reinforcements or can you shut the power off and take care of it? What if there is a leak under the sink, do you know where to start? What if you have to change out a ceiling fan or the deadbolt on the front door, are you confident that you can take care of it? These are some of the things that I learned working in the construction field for several years. Now, even if I am not sure I know how to do something, I have the confidence that I can learn about it, figure it out and use the tools necessary to get it done. And if somebody that I know needs some help, I am happy to lend a hand and show then what I know.
Start small and be safe
The bottom line is that everybody should know the basics when working with power tools and being handy around the house. It’s about being safe, and even if most of us guys don’t like it, you have to read the owner’s manual. You remember the shop teacher in high school with only three fingers; you don’t want to be that guy. It’s about not being afraid to do the things that you might not be comfortable doing at the moment. It’s about growing, not only your capabilities, but your knowledge and confidence.
[Tool Icons image credit: http://dribbble.com/nicholaspetersen]
[Bunyan image credit: http://dribbble.com/judelandry]
Good post! I am not a terribly “handy” man by skill, but owning your own house does give plenty of opportunity. I have managed to teach myself a number of things that I never thought I’d be able to do and it feels great to accomplish fixing or installing something.
Yep, my pops taught himself almost everything he knows out of necessity, and that fact that he didn’t want to pay someone else to do it!
Great post! Right on, man, right on!
Ha I knew you’d love it! We really do need more posts on this consider it’s a “men’s” site!
Good thought provoking post! I’ve got a long way to go, but I think I can handle basic repair jobs…Although, I’m not sure my wife would agree.
Jacob
Ha, well I’m sure she likes the free labor!
Great points about responsibility. Great post!
I wouldn’t deem myself a handyman but when we had our home built I refused to pay $1200 for a ceiling fan. Long story short I decided to buy the fans and install them myself. It was one of the most rewarding things I’ve done in regards to fixing things around the house.
It’s true, and I’m sure just doing that bit expanded your horizons on what you believe you can knock out!
I pride myself on being able to fix things around the house and in the garage. That is important to me, plus it saves me a lot of money in the long run. I think people have started to just have the “replace it” mentality, when things can usually be fixed.
That’s somewhat of the mentality I have with cars. I know it’s a bigger expenditure, but I’d rather replace things than maintain then–that way I’m certain it’s reliable.
Mmmmm, power tools. I love power tools.
and you tube. Together, they can be a great combination.
Youtube is the pinnacle of education!! 🙂