Les points to a Popular Mechanics article on 25 Skills Every Man Should Know.  How many of them do I know?  Let's see.

1. Patch a radiator hose - I've not done it.  I think I could do it, if it's of the nature I think it is.  I'm going to count it.
2. Protect your computer - Been there, done that.  Multiply.
3. Rescue a boater who has capsized - I believe I could do this.  Life preservers, life vest, rope, gaff sticks, or even just (I think) swimming.  Certainly I'd give it the old college try.
4. Frame a wall - I've done nearly the equivalent with our cabinet-making, so I think I could do tihs.
5. Retouch digital photos - I do it regularly.
6. Back up a trailer - Been there, KOAed that.
7. Build a campfire - And lay a good fireplace.
8. Fix a dead outlet - Done it.  Of course, I've also caused small electrical fires at times (though only with switches, not outlets).  I prefer not to, but if it's just a matter of replacing an outlet, I can do it.  In fact, I've done it many times in upgrading from traditional vs. Decora outlets around the house.
9. Navigate with a map and compass - Get around in a car?  Yeah.  We talking being out in a field with a topo map and a compass?  Been quite some time, but I think I could get there alive.
10. Use a torque wrench - Frequently.
11. Sharpen a knife - Done that.
12. Perform CPR - I've trained, but it's been a while.  I could be coached, but I'm not sure I could do it.
13. Fillet a fish - I wouldn't trust any fish I filleted. Fortunately, it's not a circumstance I've ever found myself in or think I will be.
14. Maneuver a car out of a skid - I've done that, successfully and unsuccessfully.  I'll count that as a win.
15. Get a car unstuck - Done it, and aware of the basic principles and tactics.
16. Back up data - Do it in various ways -- not as often as I should (who does?).
17. Paint a room - Done it.
18. Mix concrete - I've done it in small batches for fence foundations, and the fence is still up.  I'll take it as a win.
19. Clean a bolt-action rifle - I have no doubt I could do it, with instruction, but I wouldn't know how to start.
20. Change oil and filter - I've done it before.  Not for many years, and that by choice.  I would want some instructions, but ...
21. Hook up an HDTV - I'm pretty confident I could -- I've certainly screwed around with every other A/V configuration we've had.
22. Bleed brakes - No clue.  Nor would I trust a car I tried it with.
23. Paddle a canoe - I've done it, though not lately. 
24. Fix a bike flat - Done it before.
25. Extend your wireless network - Hell, I've been asked by friends to work on it for them.  Boo-yah!

So that's 21 of 25, making me 84% of a Manly Man, I guess.  Much handier (or claiming to be) than I would have guessed.

Filed under :: Cars :: Home Improvement :: Personal Q&A

Do you bathe with Irish Spring? ;)

Yes, but I like it, too!