Have any ladies learned how to use a drill, etc.?

MY DH says if we buy a fixer-upper that he'll be doing all the work because I 'don't know how to do anything'.

Actually, he's right. I can paint walls, but I can't hammer, drill, cut wood, tile, etc. I'd be a PITA!

Is anyone pretty handy? How did you learn? I am now determined not to be useless! Useless and clueless, not good!

Re: Have any ladies learned how to use a drill, etc.?

We are doing most of the work ourselves with the help of family and friends. it is actually kinda fun, but exhausting! You can do it!!!

Re: Have any ladies learned how to use a drill, etc.?

I agree! I exchanged my nicely manicured nails for a tool belt when we bought our house and have enjoyed every project that DH and I have done ourselves! It's easy to learn and Home Depot is such a great resource. Yes, I have made countless mistakes but that's half the fun. Now I know how to tile, grout, install a toilet, do minor plumbing, garden, build a shed, make curtains and use every tool we bought (even the router!)

I would highly reccommend at least trying it yourself before calling a professional. It has saved us so much money and I am so proud of what I've acomplished!

Good luck and have fun!

Re: Have any ladies learned how to use a drill, etc.?

i learned by trial and error....

Re: Have any ladies learned how to use a drill, etc.?

You guys are my HEROES!!!!!!!!!

I want to be helpful, and I'm not a complete klutz, so maybe I'll start with some books (I read about something before I do it - GEEK!) to get myself ready.

Re: Have any ladies learned how to use a drill, etc.?

Cluelessbride, you can do it!

I only knew how to paint (and badly). But, since meeting FH I've learned how to sheet rock, patch, drill, use a nail gun ( btw super fun!), spackle, tear down walls, run cables (a little) and the principals of roofing. This weekend I learned how to rip up tile and bust cement. Next weekend I'm going to learn how to float tile, install a shower and replace a toilet.

I insisted he teach me becuase I want to be a help not a hindrance, and also we're doing all this work so that I can move in with him. I'm not going to just sit back and let him kill himself while I watch TV!

It's a lot more fun to work together than wait for something to get done!

Re: Have any ladies learned how to use a drill, etc.?

I taught myself how to install a ceiling fan many years ago ... I did not electrocute myself and somehow was able to reach the ceiling on my tippy toes on a ladder!!


ETA: I actually own my own Makita

Re: Have any ladies learned how to use a drill, etc.?

I like being useless...hehe

I do the painting, he does everything else. His tools are like toys to him.

Re: Have any ladies learned how to use a drill, etc.?

DH and I just re-tiled our kitchen and dining room over the weekend. It was a fist for both of us. DH is an engineer and he has some handy-man smarts, but he has never done serious renovation. It's amazing what you can learn. It's hard work, but totally worth it!

Re: Have any ladies learned how to use a drill, etc.?

You can do it! I learned by taggin along with my father since I was little. I can use basically everything. It also helps that I have been in the apartment business for 2 years and have learned alot from my maintenance team. Ask questions! Hey doesn't Home depot have How to classes? Maybe you can sign up for some of their clinics?

Re: Have any ladies learned how to use a drill, etc.?

I am not handy at all, but I have learned to use alot. I have found I have to try by myself to learn. I cannot learn with some one telling me.