Difference Between How-To and DIY

[@MecanoDeLaCave]

Props for getting started! Lots of people just stay in the "I don't know phase". Which is a shame, it has never been so easy to learn new stuff. I was in a similar situation (minus the car, the garage and the tools, I had none of those) a year ago. Decided to just get started, buy whatever I need, learn whatever I need, and it's been great fun! You will likely get a few mean comments that assume you're bad because you don't know X or didn't do Y. Ignore the mean part and take it as a learning opportunity. I get great feedback that way that would otherwise need to actually pay someone to teach you. I got to say though, you're already starting in a great place: you have a garage, a car that you can mess with without much repercussion if you break something, and already a sizeable collection of tools. P.S.: I got a channel showcasing what I do, but since my spoken English is terrible, it's unfortunately in French.

[@rattlingaroundthegarage]

Thanks, though it has taken me half a century to finally get to the point where I'm able to push past my fears and get my hands dirty. :) Also, with very, very few exceptions, I don't get mean comments. We're all part of the same tribe--folks trying to learn, grow, and self-actualize through our passion projects. Hard to be mean in that head-space! Et d’ailleurs, le français n’est pas un problème. Je parle français, alors envoyez-moi votre showcase !

[@Rockingruvin]

I agree somewhat... yeah, you have a learning and inefficiency curve, but you save on the labor and frequently the parts too. Plus there's the time and hassle of scheduling the work and having to either take your car/appliance in, or have someone in your house. And if you've done certain jobs before, you can do it just as quickly as the pros. But yea, without experience it is absolutely inefficient.

[@rattlingaroundthegarage]

Really good points. I'm often willing to do something myself just to save myself the hassle of arranging someone else to do it. Avoiding that bother has a value and therefore adds to the efficiency of the task. Also, if you have more time than money then investing the time is a more efficient use of your resources than hiring out. Yep, you're right!

[@jeffdieringer1]

I'm totally down with your approach and perspective. Your "method" makes room for the adventure of discovery. I do a lot of boat stuff and a large part of the fun is NOT knowing how. Cheers!

[@rattlingaroundthegarage]

Oh I really like how you put that, the "adventure of discovery"! Very well put. I came across another perspective I liked that went something like, Never wait until you have the skills to start a project. Your project will teach you the skills. Loved that, too!

[@kimfixesthings]

I enjoy your world view. I am also a DIY channel.

[@rattlingaroundthegarage]

A kindred spirit!

[@rattlingaroundthegarage]

Just checked and and subscribed through my personal account. Great channel you have. I often think I should have gone MOPAR before British so it could be easier to get the parts. I still feel like there's a '69 Camero in my future.

[@kimfixesthings]

@@rattlingaroundthegarage I recently bought a Triumph Spitfire that is in poor condition, but 90% complete. It's on my project list. Very much like your MGB in character. We only live once, buy that dream car and enjoy the heck out of it.

[@rattlingaroundthegarage]

@@kimfixesthings I'll be curious to hear yout take on the Triump. These British sports cars are sexy but a pain.

[@cdoublejj]

guess that makes me a DI guy this might not be my channel but, props to anyone who gets thier hands dirty!!!!!

[@rattlingaroundthegarage]

Yes!! Make something (other than excuses)!

[@bradellison1345]

You can't even spell experience! LOL I am a big DIY guy and I learn best when I make mistakes. I am in. Subscribed.

[@rattlingaroundthegarage]

Holy cow, did I misspell experience somewhere?! That would be so me!! I'm like the king of typos. Oh the stories I could tell! Great to have you aboard, fellow maker of the most excellent and illuminating mistakes!

[@rattlingaroundthegarage]

YOU'RE RIGHT!!! I'M BUSTING UP! 🤣🤣🤣

[@anthonyarrigo2202]

Laughed at this one.

[@rattlingaroundthegarage]

Happy the play the role of the garage fool as I muddle through this!

[@BigBear--]

I get where you're coming from, and all the "definitions" might apply to your take on DIY, or as it applies to you. But I'd be careful applying at least the top two in the DIY as generalized standard defintions of DIY, that apply to everyone across the board. Personally I specifically DIY BECAUSE usually I can achieve much higher quality than paying someone else to do it for me. From painting the deck, to fixing my car, to tiling a bathroom, etc. Generally almost no one will put in as much care and attention as I will. That doesn't mean things don't go wrong, but when they do you learn how to fix them, and still achieve/strive for, high quality. Effeciency not being part of DIY is another point I disagree with completely. Sometimes that's the goal in of itself, particularly for regular or repeated tasks. Not always the case, true, but never ignored completely, and often the point. Basically making mistakes or not knowing what your doing when you get started are not always mutually exclusive of achieving high quality or being efficient.

[@rattlingaroundthegarage]

That is an excellent point! A couple years ago I redid my kitchen and while it took me nine months (not efficient), and I had never done anything like that before (not even close), I feel like the quality was much higher than if I had hired the job out. There were many instances in which I had to really think through an obstacle and make fine adjustments to get exactly what I wanted. I doubt a contractor would have done that. They would have just thrown it all together and called it good. So yes, I completely agree with you!

[@reoproedros]

where is the booze ?

[@rattlingaroundthegarage]

Fair point. What's a DIY without libations?! 🤣