To ask if you do your own DIY and can you help me please?

[UncleBunclesHouse]

After a blazing row this morning with DH who has yet again said ‘yes’ to doing a DIY type task I’ve asked him to do and then doing absolutely nothing about it (then having the nerve to say I’m ‘going on at him’ for getting annoyed) I have decided I’m done, I’m not asking anymore and I’m going to learn to do it myself.

I’m really not naturally good at practical things in general and when I say DIY it’s probably not really - things like changing spotlight bulbs, changing inner tubes/tyres on the buggy etc etc.

If anyone does this stuff and is ok at it, could you give me some tips? What are the basic things I need and where can I learn ‘for dummies’ style? Have tried watching a few you tube videos before but they often seem to assume a basic level of knowledge which I don’t have...TIA

...and please stick to DIY help not LTB, as I’ll still need to learn to do it myself if I did that anyway!

You can get manuals for “dummies”. Haines manuals I think they are called

Or do as you mentioned, watch YouTube videos. You do not need testicles to do these tasks and you can learn practical methods.

You can do this!

Your learn by your own mistakes and the more you do, the better at it you get.

I'd say get yourself a good set of basic tools. I have no prior experience whatsoever but manage to fix dishwashers, washing machines, cooker fans, boilers all from you tube videos and looking at instruction manuals drawn from the internet. So long as you can read, you can usually work it out.

YouTube.

I’ve become reasonable at DIY and learned everything I needed to from YouTube.

I’m not great but I put up curtain poles, assemble stuff, repair holes, fix stuff on walls etc.

What is it you need to do?

You can find everything on You Tube.

Of course I have always done DIY. Both me and DH. Most things are fairly straightforward. YouTube will help if you are unsure, there will be many videos so keep looking until you find a basic one or google what you are unsure of maybe? Whats the job you need doing?

I do most of the diy stuff, DH isn’t interested/rushes things and makes it worse so I’d rather do it myself, and I lived on my own for ages before we got together so I just taught myself

Anyway... do you have a basic set of tools? Screw drivers, a drill with a set of bits etc? That’s a good starting point, although there’s still sometimes things that come up and I need something new.

YouTube videos are good, when things are back open again B&Q used to do basic diy training sessions, you could look at doing one? I think a lot of it is having the confidence to try, so start small and you’ll get there

I was going to suggest you tube. I guess your strategy should be to Google anything you don't understand/have as your basic knowledge. And although it's useful to see someone else doing it, I find step by step written instructions much more useful because you can go through them at your own pace.

Please know you are well capable of this and the more you do, the better you'll get.

There’s a DIY board on MN. If you have a specific question you can ask it there.

Have you looked at the property/DIY section?

Maybe ask this thread to be moved if you don't want AIBU drama about your introductory paragraph.

It's all on YouTube. Check out the channel 'Dad, how do I?' The guy makes videos on anything and everything that you'd normally ask your dad how to do.

I find that when I start doing it myself, that’s when he comes and takes over 😉

What task do you need to do first off op?

Changing a spotlight bulb is very easy, just push up and twist, it comes out.

Changing spotlight bulbs is pretty easy. You need a sucker thing, usually black plastic or rubber, that you push onto the bulb. Press in slightly and turn and the bulb comes out. Then make sure you line up the metal prongs on the new bulb with the holes in the socket and put the new bulb in, press slightly and turn the other way. If the bulb lights up when you turn the switch it is done. The hard part is remembering where you put the black sucker thing....

I'm all honesty i would just Google it or YouTube it every time you have a specific task. Much easier to figure things out bit by bit as you need it and you are more likely to remember it then.

Yes to tools. I also have an impact driver but I can't find the battery which is very useful. Screwdriver set (including mini set which is used the most), Stanley knife, silicon gun etc.

I am far from an expert but I do manage. Having the right tools is key. When I'm about to tackle a job, I spend ages reading (online) and watching videos. I've recently laid a vinyl tile floor, hung curtain poles and done lots of decorating. I need to try and learn how to cut and hang a door. As I am sick to the back teeth of not having door upstairs. But I know deep down this job is way way beyond my capabilities and I need to live with it or get an expert in. Don't be afraid to realise that!

Spotlights can be a pain. www.youtube.com/watch/q7TSIE-djjQ This seemed a reasonably straight forward video. And this one

I've learnt all my DIY from you tube, asking people who know and 'annoying' professionals with a thousand questions when they are here to do another job (generally they seem very happy to answer questions!)

If he says he will do it, he will, no need to remind him every 6 months I do a lot of DIY, if I waited for DP the house would fall apart. I have my own toolkit and google how to get stuff done. YouTube and Wikihow are great too.

Brilliant thanks so much everyone - and never knew there was a DIY board, will look there.

We have a drill but I know there are two different types (for screwing things in and for making holes) but I’m not sure which this is? We have piles of bits and bobs in the garage but it’s all a jumbled mess and I dont even know what most of it is.

Things on my current list:

• our garden gate is falling apart, I need to get a new one and attach it to the plank thing which is on the brick wall, new fitting for the bolt to go in etc
• drum seems unbalanced on washing machine and it’s making a lot of noise
• buggy tyres frequently going flat and I can’t sort it out (out n about Nipper)
• Christmas decorations need to go back in loft (this is more a being very pregnant and fat issue as not DIY but involves pulling a ladder down from the hatch in the ceiling - will maybe use a step ladder as being more sturdy)

I’m sure I’ll think of more!

As others have said, get some basic tools, a screwdriver set, including phillips and flat head. A 16 oz curved claw hammer. Pliers. An adjustable wrench set. A utility knife, you can also get cut resistant work gloves. A tape measure. A torch. A toolbox to put them all in. You might also need a variety of tapes, like masking tape, duct tape etc. Assorted nails and screws, many places sell boxes of various assortments. You might need wall plugs, and an electric drill. You will need a pair of safety glasses, a few dust masks, and possibly ear protectors.

Watch youtube videos, on how how to use the tools. Safety is first. Full concentration, like when you are driving a car, injuries only take a momentary lapse in concentration.

If you are taking something apart, take photos at each stage, and have a clear surface to place parts.

Familiarise yourself with where your water stop valve is.

If in doubt, ask.

Be careful when drilling walls, do not drill in any straight line above below or to the sides of any electrical socket.
www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/house-and-homes-blog/2011/nov/16/toolbox-tips-drilling-fixing

Think beforehand what you might need to do the job. Preparation is important, take your time to think, before you start rather than while doing it, if possible.

You will be surprised how much you can achieve, you can quickly pick up the skills as you go along, but don't rush anything.

Get a DIY book.

I recommend you watch some of seejanedrill

m.youtube.com/user/seejanedrill

@BrendasBlessed @LegendDairy thanks for the links they are great!

And thanks everyone for the words of support and encouragement!

Thanks @babapaul this is really helpful

There is a youtube channel "Dad, how do I".

I second youtube suggestions above. I learned lit from there.

Tbh neither of us knows how to balance adrum. But I know good company with lovely tradesman who cover these things😁

To identify tools and bits you have, maybe google lens can help

Be careful when drilling walls, do not drill in any straight line above below or to the sides of any electrical socket.

Good luck with that if you live in an old house.

In ours, lines directly above, below and to the sides of the sockets are probably the safest places to drill.

Regarding the noisy washing machine, you might try an inflatable washing machine pad