The education of a fixer-upper
Not to argue with the experts; you can learn by watching those who have mastered the craft. However, after watching a certain number of episodes of “Canada’s Worst Handyman“, there are alternative paths to excellence.
Far too many homeowners (I’d raise my hand, but typing with the other is really slow) have limited opportunity to do some of the things demonstrated during the program. I’ve not had to cut any glass in the last quarter century. Ditto for welding a garden bench, or designing my own furniture. Not that I couldn’t. After all, within every North American Male dwells a handyman. Seriously.
There are tools in the basement that I haven’t used – yet. Who knows when I’ll have to hang a picture, or change a loose wall socket. Better to have a hundred screwdrivers that never get used, than to lack the one you need on that day that will come. If I have six hammers, then one of them will drive a nail.
Forget the proverb about “when you have a hammer, everything looks like a nail”. Not true; instead, everything looks like a nail driven only half-way home. Subtle difference.
The coach on CWH does a really good job of avoiding arterial bleedouts. Yes, there are bloodstains here and there, but only the gang from CSI will care. For the average guy on a mission, blood just marks progress. I appreciate knowing that one shouldn’t point a sharpened chisel in the direction of viscera. That could save a life, some day.
