It was a pastime and a point of pride among my high school friends to do our own car mechanical, electrical and body work, for the lowest cost, up to browsing through junkyards and buying dentpullers and Bondo.
I also had military jobs that involved maintaining and fixing various mechanical devices with engines, hydraulics, pumps, generators, etc.
I still do my own car work unless some expensive specialized tool or a lift is necessary. I always have a Chilton's manual for my car. I also do house repairs, some plumbing, appliance repair, etc. It's relaxing - most of the time.
Even specialists, i.e. mechanics, electricians and plumbers often don't know what they're doing. Some can't or won't read the fucking manual and can't troubleshoot. The good ones can and also have all that practical experience that I don't have.
To me, the most important practical skill is to be able to read a technical manual and translate it into action in three dimensions.
I also had military jobs that involved maintaining and fixing various mechanical devices with engines, hydraulics, pumps, generators, etc.
I still do my own car work unless some expensive specialized tool or a lift is necessary. I always have a Chilton's manual for my car. I also do house repairs, some plumbing, appliance repair, etc. It's relaxing - most of the time.
Even specialists, i.e. mechanics, electricians and plumbers often don't know what they're doing. Some can't or won't read the fucking manual and can't troubleshoot. The good ones can and also have all that practical experience that I don't have.
To me, the most important practical skill is to be able to read a technical manual and translate it into action in three dimensions.