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20 Home and Auto Repairs Every Man Should Be Able to Do

In today’s fast-paced world, being handy around the house and knowledgeable about basic car repairs is a valuable skill for everyone, regardless of gender. While the title suggests these skills are reserved for men, they are essential for everyone who owns a home or a car. Here are 20 home and auto repairs that can save you time and money while enhancing your self-sufficiency and confidence.

1. Changing a Flat Tire

One of the most fundamental repairs that everyone should know about is changing a flat tire. It’s not only about replacing the tire; it also involves knowing how to locate and safely use the car jack, remove the hubcap, and use a lug wrench to loosen and tighten the lug nuts.

Understanding the correct tire pressure and how to use a tire gauge can help you maintain proper inflation, preventing future flats. Always remember to check your spare tire’s condition periodically to ensure it’s ready for use when needed.

2. Replacing Spark Plugs

Replacing spark plugs goes beyond just removal and installation. Understanding the specific type and gap requirements for your vehicle’s spark plugs is crucial for optimal engine performance. Regularly checking and replacing spark plug wires, if applicable, can also ensure efficient ignition and prevent misfires. Learning to read your spark plugs can provide valuable insights into your engine’s overall health, helping you diagnose potential issues early.

3. Unclogging a Sink Drain

When unclogging a sink drain, it’s essential to know not only how to use a plunger but also how to dismantle and clean the sink’s P-trap, a common location for blockages. In some cases, you may need to invest in a drain snake or auger to reach deeper clogs.

Using a combination of natural remedies, like baking soda and vinegar, and enzyme-based drain cleaners can help maintain clear pipes and prevent future clogs. Remember to wear gloves and take precautions to avoid splashes and contact with drain-cleaning chemicals.

4. Changing Engine Oil

Changing engine oil is a straightforward process, but it involves more than just draining and refilling. Understanding the correct oil viscosity and oil filter for your vehicle is essential to ensure optimal engine protection and performance.

Ensuring you properly dispose of used oil and filters in an environmentally friendly way is equally crucial. Also, knowing how to check your car’s oil level and monitor oil changes can help detect potential engine issues early.

5. Fixing a Leaky Faucet

Fixing a leaky faucet often requires identifying the type of faucet you have, whether it’s a compression, ball, cartridge, or ceramic disk faucet. Each type has its unique repair process. Additionally, being familiar with the various types of washers and O-rings used in faucet repairs can help you choose the right replacement parts. Don’t forget to turn off the water supply before starting any faucet repair and ensure you have the necessary tools, such as an adjustable wrench and pipe tape, on hand.

6. Jump-Starting a Car Battery

When jump-starting a car battery, it’s essential to understand the correct order of connecting the jumper cables, usually starting with the dead battery’s positive terminal and ending with the live battery’s negative terminal.

Recognize the signs of a failing battery, such as slow cranking or dim headlights, can help you address potential battery issues before they leave you stranded. Carrying a portable jump starter can provide a convenient alternative to relying on another vehicle in emergencies.

7. Patching Drywall Holes

Accidents happen, and holes in your drywall are almost inevitable. Knowing how to patch these holes with spackle or joint compound and sanding them smoothly can help maintain the aesthetics of your home. Patching drywall holes involves more than just applying spackle or joint compound. You should also learn the art of feathering to achieve a smooth and seamless finish.

Knowing the various types of patching materials available, like mesh tape or patch kits, can help you choose the right solution for different-sized holes. Additionally, sanding the patched area and applying primer before painting ensures a professional-looking result.

8. Replacing Brake Pads

When replacing brake pads, it’s crucial to comprehend the different types of brake pads available, such as organic, semi-metallic, or ceramic, and their pros and cons. Being aware of the signs of brake wear, like squeaking or reduced braking performance, can help you recognize when it’s time for replacement. Learning how to properly bleed your brake system to remove air bubbles and ensure optimal braking performance is another advanced skill worth mastering.

9. Fixing a Running Toilet

To fix a running toilet, you should also know how to adjust the water level in the tank using the float mechanism or fill valve. Furthermore, understanding the role of the flapper valve and how to replace it if it’s worn or damaged can help eliminate common toilet running issues. By cleaning the toilet’s tank and bowl components can prevent mineral buildup and extend the lifespan of your toilet.

10. Changing Air Filters

Replacing air filters not only enhances air quality but also impacts your HVAC system’s efficiency. Knowing how to choose the right type of filter for your specific needs, whether it’s fiberglass, pleated, or HEPA filters, is essential. Read your car manual to see how frequently you should change filters based on factors like allergies, pets, or location can optimize your inside air quality.

11. Repairing a Scratched Paint Job

Minor scratches on your car’s paint can be an eyesore. Learning to buff out or touch up these scratches can keep your car looking its best and prevent rust from forming. To effectively address paint scratches, it’s essential to understand the correct paint color and type for your vehicle’s make and model.

Familiarizing yourself with proper sanding, priming, and buffing techniques ensures a seamless and professional-looking repair. Moreover, mastering advanced techniques such as wet sanding and paint blending can help achieve a flawless finish, even for larger scratches.

12. Fixing a Stuck Garbage Disposal

A jammed garbage disposal can be a headache in the kitchen. Knowing how to safely unjam the disposal and reset it can save you from calling a plumber.

Tackling stuck garbage disposal requires knowledge of the disposal’s reset button and how to safely utilize an Allen wrench to free the motor if it’s jammed. Being aware of preventing future jams by avoiding hard or fibrous materials can prolong your disposal’s lifespan.

Furthermore, understanding the significance of regular maintenance, such as cleaning the disposal with ice cubes and citrus peels, can keep it running smoothly.

13. Patching a Roof Leak

When resolving roof leaks, it’s crucial to be familiar with different roofing materials and employ appropriate patching methods for each, whether it’s asphalt shingles, metal, or tile. Additionally, pinpointing the source of the leak, such as damaged flashing or deteriorated seals, is vital for a lasting repair. Becoming adept at installing roof underlayment and flashing properly can help prevent future leaks and extend the life of your roof.

14. Replacing a Light Fixture

Upgrading a light fixture also entails understanding electrical safety, such as turning off the circuit breaker and utilizing a voltage tester to ensure wires are not live. Proficiency in identifying the correct wire connections for your new fixture, including hot, neutral, and ground wires, is essential. Moreover, exploring the installation of a ceiling fan or dimmer switch can provide advanced lighting options for your home.

15. Recharging an Air Conditioning System

Recharging an air conditioning system requires an understanding of the correct refrigerant type and employing a manifold gauge set for accurate pressure readings. Knowing how to locate and repair minor leaks in the A/C system with UV dye and sealant can extend its lifespan.

Recognizing the importance of regular maintenance, such as cleaning the condenser coils and checking the evaporator coils, ensures efficient cooling during hot summer months.

16. Unclogging a Toilet

A clogged toilet can be a messy problem, but it’s one you can handle yourself. With a plunger and some patience, you can usually clear the blockage without professional help. Clearing a toilet blockage should involve knowing how to operate a toilet auger or snake for more stubborn clogs.

Reviewing the anatomy of your toilet, including the trap and drain, can help pinpoint the clog’s location. Furthermore, implementing preventative measures such as avoiding excessive toilet paper or flushing foreign objects can save you from future plumbing headaches.

18. Changing Wiper Blades

Proper visibility is crucial for safe driving. Replacing worn-out wiper blades is a simple task that can significantly improve your visibility during rainy or snowy weather. When it comes to replacing wiper blades, understanding the various types available, such as traditional frame-style or beam-style blades, can help you choose the best fit for your vehicle.

It’s important to inspect the condition of your wiper blades for signs of wear, like streaking or skipping, which can ensure optimal visibility during inclement weather. Learning how to adjust the wiper arm tension and clean the wiper blade rubber can extend their lifespan and improve their performance.

19. Replacing a Door Lock

Enhancing home security goes beyond just replacing a door lock. Familiarizing yourself with different types of locks, such as deadbolts or smart locks, can help you choose the most suitable option for each entry point in your home.

Teaching yourself how to reinforce door frames and install security strike plates can further improve your home’s resistance to forced entry. By learning about security system options, including cameras and motion detectors, you can provide an extra layer of protection for your property.

20. Sealing Window Drafts

Drafty windows can lead to energy loss and higher heating bills. Learning how to identify and seal these drafts with caulk or weatherstripping can improve your home’s energy efficiency.

Home And Auto Repair Essentials

These 20 home and auto repairs are essential skills that everyone should possess, irrespective of gender. Being able to perform these tasks can save you money, enhance your self-reliance, and improve your overall quality of life. So, take the time to learn and practice these skills, and you’ll be better prepared for the challenges life throws your way.

Max Erkiletian

Max K. Erkiletian began writing for newspapers while still in high school. He went on to become an award-winning journalist and co-founder of the print magazine Free Bird. He has written for a wide range of regional and national publications as well as many on-line publications. That has afforded him the opportunity to interview a variety of prominent figures from former Chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank Paul Volker to Blues musicians Muddy Waters and B. B. King. Max lives in Springfield, MO with his wife Karen and their two cats. He spends as much time as possible with his kids, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.