8 Must-Know Fixes for Every Guy
8 Must-Know Fixes for Every Guy
Fellas, you’ve gotta have some basic fix-it skills under your belt. Whether it’s keeping the house in shape or saving a few bucks, knowing how to handle these common problems is a game-changer. From my own experience, I once saved a buddy’s BBQ by fixing a busted grill right before the big game—felt like a hero! Here’s a list of 8 things every guy needs to know how to fix to keep things running smooth.
1. Fix a Leaky Faucet
Nothing’s more annoying than that drip-drip-drip keeping you up at night. A leaky faucet usually comes from a worn-out washer or O-ring. Grab a wrench, turn off the water, and pop the faucet apart. Swap out the bad part—hardware stores got kits for cheap. Takes maybe 20 minutes, and you’ll feel like a plumbing pro.
2. Patch a Hole in Drywall
You accidentally put your fist through the wall watching the playoffs? Been there. Grab some spackle, a putty knife, and sandpaper. Slap on the spackle, smooth it out, sand it down, and paint over it. Looks good as new, and nobody’s gotta know you lost your cool.
3. Unclog a Drain
Hair, gunk, or who-knows-what clogging the sink? Skip the plumber. Get a plunger or a drain snake from the store. Plunge like you mean it or snake that crud out. Pro tip: pour some baking soda and vinegar down there first to loosen things up. Works like a charm.
4. Change a Car Tire
Flat tire on the side of the road? Don’t be that guy calling AAA. Jack up the car, loosen the lug nuts, swap the flat for the spare, and tighten ‘em back up. Check your trunk for a jack and wrench—most cars got ‘em. Practice once in your driveway so you ain’t sweating when it’s go-time.
5. Fix a Squeaky Door
Squeaky hinges make you feel like you’re living in a haunted house. Grab some WD-40 and spray those hinges good. Open and close the door a few times to work it in. If it’s still squeaking, try some grease or even a bar of soap in a pinch. Quiet door, happy wife.
6. Reset a Circuit Breaker
Power goes out in half the house? Don’t panic. Head to your breaker box—usually in the garage or basement. Look for a switch that’s flipped to “off” or in the middle. Flip it back on. If it keeps tripping, you might got a bigger issue, but this fixes most outages quick.
7. Fix a Running Toilet
Toilet won’t stop running? That’s your water bill crying. Lift the tank lid and check the flapper—that rubber thing at the bottom. If it’s worn out, replace it for like 10 bucks. Adjust the chain if it’s too tight or loose. I fixed mine last summer and felt like I cracked the Da Vinci code.
8. Patch a Torn Screen
Bugs getting in through a ripped window screen? Grab a screen patch kit from the hardware store. Cut a piece to fit, stick it on with adhesive, and press it firm. Takes 5 minutes, and you’ll keep the mosquitos out so you can enjoy that evening beer in peace.
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