FabSwingers.com forum: How are your DIY skills?

By *bi Haive OP Man
Forum Mod
44 weeks ago

Cheeseville, Somerset

When it's something you've never attempted before?

Good? Average at best? Positively mediocre?

So you do things properly or cut corners?

Ask advice from a professional or just watch on YouTube video and think 'yeah, I've got this' and crack on?

I mean, what could possibly go wrong.......

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By *2000ManMan
44 weeks ago

Worthing

When it's something you've never attempted before? I research as much as possible. My Dad was a builder so he is always first for advice source.

Good? Average at best? Positively mediocre? The jobs I do always seem to turn out well. I know my limits.

So you do things properly or cut corners? Prep is the key here. Get that right and the actual job is much easier and finishes better.

Ask advice from a professional or just watch on YouTube video and think 'yeah, I've got this' and crack on? Yes I have consulted youtube but Dad and a friend of mine are also good advice.

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By *parkle1974Woman
44 weeks ago

Leeds

I'll give anything a go...sometimes it's worked out, other times not so good

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By *ora the explorerWoman
44 weeks ago

Paradise, Herts

Phone my dad

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By *elshcouple18Couple
44 weeks ago

Cardiff

Hubby a kitchen fitter so good with his hands can do pretty much everything around the house..

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By *naswingdressWoman
44 weeks ago

Manchester (she/her)

Better than I thought. A couple of years ago I would have said nope, can't do it, no way, I'll end up chopping my arm off.

I often need a bit of a nudge and some reassurance, but no limbs have been lost in some fairly major (for an amateur) work.

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By *bi Haive OP Man
Forum Mod
44 weeks ago

Cheeseville, Somerset

"Phone my dad "

What's his number?

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By (user no longer on site)
44 weeks ago

Apparently I cut corners with IKEA furniture as I always have bits left over. But with DIY I'm meticulous, attention to detail is key. Most things I can turn my hand to once I have someone that can read out instructions or measurements to me, I'm dyslexic and had a few disastrous results from my attempts without an assistant.

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By *onningtonplumberMan
44 weeks ago

Donnington

I'll YouTube it then I'm pretty good always try to do it 100% right

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By *orny-DJMan
44 weeks ago

Leigh-on-Sea

Pretty good

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By *ay234400Man
44 weeks ago

corby

It’s my job as a general builder so I’d say good and professional never cut corners

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By (user no longer on site)
44 weeks ago

I put furniture together and it stays together?? As long as there aren't any hinges.

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By *he Silver FuxMan
44 weeks ago

Uttoxeter

"When it's something you've never attempted before?

Good? Average at best? Positively mediocre?

So you do things properly or cut corners?

Ask advice from a professional or just watch on YouTube video and think 'yeah, I've got this' and crack on?

I mean, what could possibly go wrong.......

If you are fitting skirting board or coving you absolutely must cut corners

YouTube is an amazing resource, I’ve learned a great deal from some amazing people who have made time to teach, explain, offer advice.

My plastering skills all developed from following a YouTube channel. I can now plaster a wall to a better standard than the ‘pro’ plasterer that did a room for a friend. I’m slower but I care more about the results and the finish being truly paint ready.

Problems I was having laying very large format floor tiles were solved with a 5 minute vid where I saw a tool I didn’t even know existed.

My TIG welding problems I was having - YouTube. The master welder patiently teaching a technique that I was struggling with - the camera work was amazing allowing me to see his movements in detail. There would have been no way I would have ever have had an opportunity to attend a class or trade school to have learned from this incredible master craftsman.

Truly standing on the shoulders of giants.

There are also some total fuckwits - fucking do one with your ‘hacks’

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By *elix SightedMan
44 weeks ago

Cloud 8

I don’t even go shopping for myself or wash my own car. I have people. DIY?! No way Pedro.

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By (user no longer on site)
44 weeks ago

"I don’t even go shopping for myself or wash my own car. I have people. DIY?! No way Pedro. "

Which underling types your Fab comments whilst your grapes are being peeled?

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By *elix SightedMan
44 weeks ago

Cloud 8

"I don’t even go shopping for myself or wash my own car. I have people. DIY?! No way Pedro.

Which underling types your Fab comments whilst your grapes are being peeled?"

Haha that’s one of my personal services that aren’t delegated. Same as giving a right good poundin. Some things are too much fun!

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By *heGateKeeperMan
44 weeks ago

Stratford

Terrible but I do plan to get better over the next 18-24 months.

But also the cost of me researching, prepping, making and correcting mistakes and the time it would take to do all that it’s typically quicker and more efficient to hire a professional

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By *inaTitzTV/TS
44 weeks ago

Titz Towers, North Notts

I'm supremely gifted in creating more problems than I solve whenever I attempt DIY. It's almost uncanny just how badly even the smallest of jobs go.

I get in someone who knows what they are doing to come and do it properly.

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By *a LunaWoman
44 weeks ago

South Wales

I watch You Tube videos but I only attempt basic stuff pertaining to decorating or putting up shelves. Anything involving a ladder is a no go as I’m scared of heights.

I’m quite handy with a drill.

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By (user no longer on site)
44 weeks ago

"I don’t even go shopping for myself or wash my own car. I have people. DIY?! No way Pedro.

Which underling types your Fab comments whilst your grapes are being peeled?

Haha that’s one of my personal services that aren’t delegated. Same as giving a right good poundin. Some things are too much fun!"

Don't wear yourself out though!!

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By *obyn GravesTV/TS
44 weeks ago

1127 walnut avenue

If you mean... destroy it yourself... I'm an expert..

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By *olfandtazCouple
44 weeks ago

Bristol

I've rewired my flat completely with help from a few YouTube videos. I've also swapped light fittings out. Build all the flatpack furniture here.

DIY is as hard as you want to make it

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By (user no longer on site)
44 weeks ago

I’m ok at painting.

I start a carpentry course in a few months.

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By *naswingdressWoman
44 weeks ago

Manchester (she/her)

My dad has told me I'm doing his house when I come to visit.

I mean, it might be better than him doing it, but

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By (user no longer on site)
44 weeks ago

If it’s something I’ve never attempted I’ll research for ages until I’ve got it.

I did that when attempting to skim my bedroom and it worked great, my plasterer brother in law was very impressed! It encouraged me to do a ton of DIY around the house.

YouTube and TikTok are great for learning a new skill, also Reddit where you can ask professionals and enthusiasts.

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By *laytonAMan
44 weeks ago

Newport

I'm really good at DIY inmho. there are things I would prefer a professional to do as it takes me longer otherwise and i am less confident but I research if I don't know then plan and do. Apart from gas work and the type of stuff that requires certified professional I do everything. And I love doing it too.

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By *ickyKlungespeareMan
44 weeks ago

St Leonards

I do it. It ends up being quite nice.

But it's tragicomic in how fucked up a way I get there, and how long it takes.

People pull their eyes out watching me, and I feel their pain throughout.

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By *ittlebirdWoman
44 weeks ago

The Big Smoke

Pretty good I think. I do most jobs myself and even have my own set of proper tools

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By *addad99Man
44 weeks ago

Rotherham /newquay

Generally I ask I'm lucky I have a lot of trade friends and family and I'm a trained mechanic so not much we can't cover I love DIY I'm pretty hands on.

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By (user no longer on site)
44 weeks ago

I’m alright.

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By *ong-leggedblondWoman
44 weeks ago

Next Door

I'm ok at DIY. It's usually lack of correct tools that lets me down, I have borrowed in the past.

Biggest project, was a large decking area and fencing.

Worst bit of DIY, replacing skirting boards.

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By *andyfloss2000Woman
44 weeks ago

ashford

Pretty good tbh! X

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By (user no longer on site)
44 weeks ago

Very poor.

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By *westUKguyMan
44 weeks ago

Southport

Excellent, put my hand to any diy job..bit of a perfectionist

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By *elliflousCouple
44 weeks ago

North West.

DIY is just cutting and sticking for grown ups. The more you do, the better you get.

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By *bi Haive OP Man
Forum Mod
44 weeks ago

Cheeseville, Somerset

Only a small amount of blood so far.

If I'd remembered I was DIYing today I'd not have bothered pricking my fingers Sunday doing the regular STD test kit.

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
44 weeks ago

East Sussex

We're bloomin good at DIY we've renovated the whole house together including building a conservatory, converting the garage, laying concrete, fitting a kitchen etc.

The expertise is mostly Mr N's but I can turn my hand to many things and have mixed many a load of cement (I have refused to ever do it again though).

The only thing we got someone else to do was fit the bathroom

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By *aulaxd2020TV/TS
44 weeks ago

dudley

If I’ve got something that’s knackered such has a washing machine I will take it apart and look what might be wrong sometimes I’ve managed a fix, same with my car, I don’t like paying someone £30 an hour to repair something I can do myself

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By *rHotNottsMan
44 weeks ago

Dubai & Nottingham

I’m pretty good with stuff whee you need patience preparing well & then the process itself is quite logical & easy. So things like decorating, tiling, flooring, restoring wooden kitchens, pointing and simple brick laying. I’m less good at fitting bathrooms, kitchens, plumbing, electrical and bigger projects.

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By *arker secrets 321Man
44 weeks ago

West Bromwich

Pretty good at most things but gas electric leave that 2 professional s .no not bodie and Doyle x

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By *ea monkeyMan
44 weeks ago

Manchester (he/him)

I put some shelves up and they didn’t fall down yet. I put some blinds up and only one fell down. Make of that what you will

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By (user no longer on site)
44 weeks ago

Pretty good actually. I’ll have a quick google or ask friends if it’s something new

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By *TG3Man
44 weeks ago

Dorchester

I'm very good and never cut corners

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By (user no longer on site)
44 weeks ago

I call my dad for help!

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By *ichaelsmyMan
44 weeks ago

douglas

i can not wallpaper, a skill that i have never enjoyed.

nearly everything else pretty practical minded i guess

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By *hrista BellendWoman
44 weeks ago

surrounded by twinkly lights

I make him cups of tea as he loves it and who am I to deny him the pleasure, of my diy

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By *hloe_TTV/TS
44 weeks ago

Nottingham

Enjoy it, like most people said. Watch a load of YouTube tutorials first x i can do Most things now, its still expensive you always need to buy some new tool to do the job but atleast then you have the tool for next time and a new skill

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By *elix SightedMan
44 weeks ago

Cloud 8

"I put some shelves up and they didn’t fall down yet. I put some blinds up and only one fell down. Make of that what you will"

I think they prefer to be called sight impaired.

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By *nsatiable n baldCouple
44 weeks ago

somewhere only we know

I’m horrendous at DIY luckily I’ve got my very own Macgyver

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By *erry bull1Man
44 weeks ago

doncaster

I dare say I’m pretty good at DIY and had no complaints yet

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By *imson87Man
44 weeks ago

Rossendale

Handyman for a living so I would say I'm ok at most things hahaha

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By *uck-RogersMan
44 weeks ago

Tarka trail

"Phone my dad "
That's what dads are for.

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By *ascaIMan
44 weeks ago

Cheshire Liverpool Manchester

If anyone remembers the Simpsons episode where Homer attempts to build a barbecue pit kit.. that’s my level.

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By (user no longer on site)
44 weeks ago

Very good thanks haha

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By *ilk_TrayMan
44 weeks ago

South

Pretty decent.

I can build furniture, paint, change car tyre etc... Wanna learn how to tile at some point.

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By (user no longer on site)
44 weeks ago

I'm great at DIY. I DI Myself all the time. Infact! I DIY'd twice last night before bed, and then again in thr shower this morning.

I'll probably DIY in a minute aswell to be honest

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By *rsMistyPeaksWoman
44 weeks ago

Essex

I thought this was going to be about wanking.

I’m pretty good at both. I do only use a drill for one though

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By (user no longer on site)
44 weeks ago

"I thought this was going to be about wanking.

I’m pretty good at both. I do only use a drill for one though

Wait....its NOT about wanking?

...shit

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By *edeWoman
44 weeks ago

the abyss

[Removed by poster at 23/01/24 19:52:12]

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By *ookie46Woman
44 weeks ago

Deepest darkest Peru

I panelled a feature wall in my bedroom on my own

Did a pretty good job too

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By (user no longer on site)
44 weeks ago

"I panelled a feature wall in my bedroom on my own

Did a pretty good job too

I do this too in my bedroom. The hardest part was the maths!

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By *orbidden eastMan
44 weeks ago

london dodging electric scooters

I think I’m not too bad. But like most Men is all about just getting on with it and finishing it.

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By *bi Haive OP Man
Forum Mod
44 weeks ago

Cheeseville, Somerset

"[wallpaper Removed by poster at 23/01/24 19:52:12]"

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By *obilebottomMan
44 weeks ago

All over

Mine are not good but have lots of jobs doing so any offers gladly accepted

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By *atcherwankerMan
44 weeks ago

Birmingham

Moderate to poor, I'd say. I've improved in my dotage, but I'm still a child of divorce that never had a handy dad teaching me how to do stuff so I've had to figure it out myself.

I'll have a crack at most things, unless I've already established I'm no good at it. I'm happy enough with basic electrics - changing a light fitting/switch or socket, but I won't mess about with the consumer unit or rewiring - but I tend to struggle with plumbing for some reason. As someone before mentioned, I have a "household" tool kit, I don't have the right tools (or knowledge!) for a lot of more involved stuff!

I'll also have a crack at simple stuff on my car that doesn't involve ramps or axle stands. What's the worst that can happen, eh?

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By *otsossieMan
44 weeks ago

Chesterfield

I do OK, but I often think it’s “cheaper” to get someone in by the time I’ve bought tools, materials, and accounted for my precious spare time.

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By *LiamMan
44 weeks ago

Midlands

"I’m ok at painting.

I start a carpentry course in a few months. "
wouldn't bother, I done one in my teens.. you need too much ££££££ for tools

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By *ystevoMan
44 weeks ago

Pensarn

Try my best to not use trades, building is one I can't do and plastering but I can do basic electrics, plumbing, fitting stuff, painting (to a good standard) probably a few more bits too if I put my mind to it.

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By *LiamMan
44 weeks ago

Midlands

I'm great at DIY.

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By *aughtycouple1008Couple
44 weeks ago

west london

Call Daddy

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By *use and wolfCouple
44 weeks ago

angus

Used to be rubbish, couldn't saw straight for the life of me.

Then i worked for a Traditional Builder and Stone Mason, a few years of Roofing, Pointing, Building, Installing Velux Windows, Stonework, Joinery etc and i am considered semi skilled and can now learn most things if taught or watched on YT.

Having ADHD (for me) means having a fear of failure that can put me off starting but most things i try look harder than they are x

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