Top Ten Home Improvement Skills
This Old House recently published what they call the Top Ten Home Improvement Skills that a DIYer needs.
1.) No Splinter Sawing
2.) Using a Tourniquet clamp
3.) Clean Caulking
4.) Making clean cuts in glass
5.) Fixing loose Hinge holes
6.) Smooth Paint Brushwork on wood
7.) Freeing stuck nuts
8.) Fitting Tiles around corners
9.) Drilling pilot holes
10.) Removing headless nails
I will admit that as I read through the list Quite a few of the made me say, “Huh, really?”
I would definitely replace making clean cuts in glass (item 4) with taping drywall. Having to replace broken glass in our original windows, we discovered that it is hardly more expensive to have the glass cutter do it. And then for just a few dollars more he will even put the glass IN the window frame if we bring it down to the shop. However, we have hung more sheetrock than I can even begin to count.
I would replace using a tourniquet clamp (Item 2) with simple wiring like changing a light switch, plug, or fixture. For the record I have never, NOT ONCE, needed a tourniquet clamp in over 12 years of home renovations. I have, however, replaced countless outlets, fixtures, and switches.
What do you think? Are there any others on the list that you would replace? Or is there anything that you would add to the list?
