Growing up I always found an excuse NOT to learn handy skills from my dad. It’s something I regret.
Are there any places/content you guys go to learn how to be handy? I’m good with mechanics (aircraft mechanic by trade), I’m looking more for building things/house projects. Any area I should start? I appreciate any input.
ALSO, if I’ve got the money for tools, what tools should a guy invest in and what brand? Dewalt? Milkwaukee? Makita?
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You could learn on your own. I did so. And as much as people will disagree with me. I use the cheapest tools. I’m like why am I gonna spend $300+ on a dewalt battery powered Brad nailer that I’ll use only a handful of times in my life? You know? When I can just get a $30 one online that’s corded?
Milwaukee tools are awesome!
I would start with some small projects and look at videos online. See if you have any local maker’s spaces that you could join. Go look for a local furniture maker and follow them. I learned most of my skills by watching old timers.
Many community colleges have programs for construction/mechanical trades.
If you’re an aircraft mechanic, you only need to hire people to do the handy stuff. You can try to patch drywall or do some basic rewiring, but you probably make enough to not need to. That’s the trick. No one needs to be “handy” they just need to have a good income.
Man, YouTube has been a constant with any and all home repairs. I’ve watched so many just for practical reasons that I’ve found certain content creators coming up on the feed and just watch those sometimes out of curiosity. There used to be guys like bob villa( sp?) on TV and it was great. Just zone out to some episodes of This Old House and you just learn as you go. I’ve worked a bit of construction and I can tell you that confidence has a big part in getting the odd job done. Making your plan and executing it. Knowing a little bit about a ton of different smaller things makes that easier.
Unless you plan to get a low level job on a construction site and learn as you go like I did, I would suggest that you
practice on your own house. Pick something you think you want to learn and take a swing at it. Hit the internet to get tips. YouTube is your friend.
As for tools, they always get better as you get better. You probably didn’t buy top of the line tools to start as a mechanic.
You may end up with a bunch of unused and expensive wall hangers if you start buying specific construction tools.
A hammer, pencil, utility knife, levels, cordless drills, skil saw, and a tape measure are always a good start. You will pick up more as you go and try to justify to your significant other why you NEED another tool.
Pick a project and give it a try. Good luck.