Why is it I always make a right mess of just about anything I try to hang, nail, glue or generally put together?
I get so frustrated it drives me mad & my Mrs won't talk to me for hours!!!!
2006-11-18 22:36:48 · 24 answers · asked by Richard E 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Nope, but we all excel in different area's, that's why everyone has a specialty. My husband cannot hammer a nail in straight. My neighbor who is good at that kind of thing was making fun of him one day. I reminded the neighbor when his car broke down and he was lucky to figure out how to open the hood...my husband came to the rescue and had his car up and running in no time. Everyone has their own niche in life. I'm sure their are things your wife cannot do that other women can. No sense in getting mad about it, life's to short.
2006-11-19 16:33:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No offense meant at all, and there is no twelve step program for this, but certainly support is at hand with the WWW.
You aren't alone of course, and it's not a genetic defect. I've been "DOING" for many years, but didn't begin my trades work as an expert. I've had many a black thumb nail. Hmm there's a thought,,, for you maybe? Start a support group of like individuals, with occasional meeting with speakers/demonstartors/ joiners/contractors, willing to help, or advise. You might even call it "The Royal Order of the Black Thumb Nail" and have a crest?
On a more serious note, I have to believe you're adept at something, and likely respected for that which you "can do" Some are just "challenged" in certain areas, or aspects of life. Without knowing your trade or profession, I'll give you an example. I've never attempted Welding. I have to believe if I ever do, I won't "do it" well in my initial attempts at least, and perhaps never be proficient at it. I might even be the welder you read about who's house burned to the ground under mysterious circumstances? Smiles..
Certainly another option is to show good faith, and a loving interest, obvious to your wife, and "Hire" the help you need. It is an acceptable alternative and may actually save money in the long term,,, or save the marriage.
Rev. Steven
2006-11-19 07:30:36 · answer #2 · answered by DIY Doc 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Are you my ex boyfriend? If not then no - you're not the only hopless case when it comes to DIY. I always used to have to go behind my ex and sort whatever mess he'd made and it caused a lot of arguments. Now my house is lovely, I do it all on my own and I've got nobody to thank for it.
Why don't you get one of those self help books that tell you the best way to go about doing household DIY? My dad has a few and they're great!
2006-11-19 06:48:31 · answer #3 · answered by Lost and found 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Start small, take it slowly, measure twice, cut once, use a spirit level always. MMy 'rule of thumb' to make things stay on walls, 1" into the brickwork, 1/2" plaster =1 1/2 screw minimum + however thick the thing is on the wall. If a screw is a bit hard to get home, a bit of vaseline (nice & greasy, slips in easy)
2006-11-20 18:08:25 · answer #4 · answered by johncob 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try buying yourself a good D.I.Y. book and good quality tools, before starting your project first have a good think about what you need to do ,everyone makes mistakes that's how you learn,
Alternatively let the Mrs get someone El's to do the job & foot the bill.
2006-11-20 14:27:27 · answer #5 · answered by falconety 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My daughter's boyfriend is also ham-fisted. He wants to do it, he tries to do it, and he gets it wrong all the time. Drives her mad - she would prefer that he left things alone. Then again, he's an accountant, works damned hard, is brilliant with her so what does it matter if he can't hang paper, put flat pack together.
Everyone has things that they excel at. Don't get frustrated, just dont do it. Is it your lack of DIY skills that annoys your wife, or is it because you get annoyed at yourself that she huffs.
Maybe you should leave it to your wife to do (well if she can't then why should she expect you to) while you do the housework or cook the tea - or get someone in.
2006-11-19 07:02:53 · answer #6 · answered by geminii_lady_in_fife 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I always had the notion that I could, potentially, be very good at DIY. I mean, I've seen all the TV shows and it looks very easy. If a great lummox like Tommy from groundforce can do it, how hard can it be?
Trouble is, all the really crap tools and materials I'm given to work with. It must be that, mustn't it?
2006-11-19 06:47:05 · answer #7 · answered by Avondrow 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry my brother couldn't saw his way out of a wet paper bag, on the other hand I am very good at it ( DIY that is ) so just whack in another nail and it will be all quiet for a while , if your Mrs doesn't speak.
2006-11-19 06:47:58 · answer #8 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So you're DIY challenged. Some can't fix canned soup. Some can't speak in public, and some need everyday help with eye hand coordiation. Let her ask her brothers, father, next door neighbor, (it will eliminates her rages about it) and everyone wants to be needed by somebody. Do what your good at, and leave the rest ... you should see me walk and chew gum at the same time!
2006-11-19 09:47:12 · answer #9 · answered by Diana P 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are not alone, my son has five thumbs on each hand,........well you'd think so if you saw the results of his EVERY attempt at diy. But he's excellent at what he does best, estate agency. (I can hear the boos and hisses from here, lol) Now there's going to be a lot of fellas thinking....mmm, if I mess up my diy, maybe MY mrs won't talk to ME for hours, worth a try.......:-)
2006-11-19 08:41:14 · answer #10 · answered by Dick s 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋