I am one of the world’s unhandiest men (the image above is not my handiwork, but it could have been). It goes back to high school when I scored a 7 out of 100 on the Armed Forces Aptitude test for General Mechanical Ability. I’ve used that as an excuse not to fix anything for nearly 50 years.
My idea of fixing something is to basically ignore the problem and hope it fixes it itself. If it doesn’t, I eventually get to the point, usually several months later, when I realize something should probably be done. That’s when I go on the internet and start looking for someone to come fix the problem.
Anyway, our bathroom exhaust fan stopped working a couple of weeks ago, and true to my nature, I waited a few days and just hoped it would start working again. It didn’t, and so I let a few more days go by before I decided something needs to be done.
Over the years, several people have told me how useful they find YouTube for showing them how to repair something. Of course, I would just nod, and then say something about my score of 7 for Mechanical Ability.
But for some reason, this time I decided to take a look on YouTube, and see what I could find.
A quick search led me to the following video:
It seemed almost identical to what my exhaust fan looked like, it was less than five minutes long, and dare I say, it looked easy enough for me to give it a shot. In fact, since I was just replacing the motor, that part of the video was over in the first 70 seconds.
My son Pat helped me take the old motor and fan out (removing the cover was a bit challenging and time-consuming – much longer than the YouTube video made it appear – but nothing that a few silent curse words couldn’t help with.) We then took a few photos of what the motor and fan looked like and headed out to Lowes to get a new set.
Fortunately, Lowes only carried one replacement model; otherwise, I could have been stuck staring at the various options for quite some time. So I assumed it was something fairly universal, and we made our purchase.
We got back home, opened up the box, and it was just two parts, the fan and the motor. All I had to do was attach the motor to the fan (that involved just pressing a hole in the middle of the fan down onto a metal tube that stuck out of the motor), reattach the combined pieces to the metal plate, and pop it back up in the hole. Something that literally should have taken 30 seconds.
Well…
I thought I had to take some screws off of the new motor so that I would be able to reattach it to the metal plate. When I took the screws off, a couple of pieces fell to the ground.
So I spent the next 30 minutes trying to figure out how those two pieces went back on the motor. I thought I finally figured it out, so I attached the motor and fan to the metal plate, shoved the whole thing back up in its hole, and plugged it in to see if it worked.
Voila! It worked. The problem was when I tried to put the cover back on I realized that the motor was now sticking out about four inches below the ceiling. So I had to take it all apart and start from scratch to figure out how those two parts that fell to the floor should go back on the motor. Of course, that was nowhere in the instructions that came with the new motor, because there had been no need to take those two parts off.
I then went through several trials and errors. Each trial took several minutes since I had to remove two bolts each time from the end of the screws, figure out a new configuation, put the bolts back on, and try and put it back in its hole again. I was quite excited when one of my configurations enabled me to fit the new unit back up in its hole, but then the fan did not spin at all.
After about 60 minutes, I finally figured it out. (which means I essentially got the new motor back to the way it was when I first took it out of the box). Of course, when I finally got it correct, I realized that I had forgotten to put those two bolts back on, but it seemed as if the screws were still in there pretty tight without those bolts, so those two bolts ended up in our junk drawer.
It was then time to put the grill cover back on, which was once again a challenge. There are four clips that needed to be connected. After 15 minutes, I got three of the four in, and I thought, that’s good enough.
At this point, nearly two hours had gone by, but when I flipped the switch, the fan came on. What a wonderful feeling.
So how did WordPress help me with this repair?
As I was working on it, and getting quite frustrated, I thought “I could write a blog post about this, but only if I got it working”. So that thought kept me motivated, and here we are. A blog post.
In hindsight, the YouTube video was incredibly helpful, and the repair should have easily taken less than 15 minutes.
Given my experience, I think I will be more willing to try some repairs on my own if there is a YouTube video that makes it look easy.
But I am also really hoping that nothing ever breaks again in my house…
*image from FamilyMinded
I totally get every word of this. if I had taken that test I could perhaps be someone who scores in the negative range. this is exactly for every ‘quick and easy fix’ project goes for me. p.s. at least you got a great post out of it, which is my go to, when in a situation that does not go as planned.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I probably scored the 7 out of 100 based on some lucky guesses…
it is amazing how many “how to” videos are available.
and yes, knowing you have to write a blog post can serve as a good motivator!
LikeLiked by 1 person
and the videos only serve to confuse me more and have more people say “it’s so easy, there’s a video to show you how…”
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes, some handymen/women can be so haughty π
LikeLiked by 1 person
I use Youtube for pretty much any repair. The only thing I do differently is I will watch a couple of different videos to see if one mentions something the other doesn’t. Your guy was very interesting and not condescending and appeared to have covered everything though. Good job!
LikeLiked by 1 person
these how-to videos are new to me, but they seem to be quite popular. I also thought the one video I used was well done and easy to follow.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Youβve discovered a whole new world ! Keep going. Check out my channel , just for fun. Itβs called How To by John and Paula. We arenβt super serious about it.
LikeLike
I jsut watched your video on making ice cream witht he frozen bananas, stawberries, and chocolate chips. Looked quite tasty!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just looked up sample questions on the aptitude the and I got like 5 out of 7 correct. But, they weren’t all mechanical. I love tests like that!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Next time I have something that needs to be fixed – I know who to ask! π
LikeLike
Everyone needs a good βfanβ in the audience.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s useful to take photos before your remove bolts and screws. Glad you fixed it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
now you tell me… π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good job! I also hope that nothing else ever breaks in your house!
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks, and fingers crossed!
LikeLike
If you couldn’t fix it, I think you’d have still been inspired to write a post about it.
When we had no money, I tried to fix everything. That was always a crapshoot. If I managed to fix something, it took three times longer than it should have. Now I’m much more likely to give up and call a repairman. Maybe it doesn’t say much about me, but it does save me a lot of aggravation.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think you’re right; a blog post was going to happen no matter the outcome π
it is much easier to just call someone!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for this post Jim, I’m a rarity in that I’m a white collar worker who lives in a blue collar town (even my barber used to be a brick layer), so I often feel shamed that I can’t just pick up any problem tinker around and have a fix!
Your adventures going to the store, using YouTube, and having something not go according to poor instructions, while trying not get so frustrated I want to throw the problem out the window, also where very familiar!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I guess I should have paid more attention while growing up. My dad was quite adept at fixing most things…
LikeLike
I think this success story may move you up to an 8 or 9 on the scale!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m getting close to where changing a light bulb might be part of my repertoire…
LikeLiked by 1 person
At least when changing a light bulb there is little chance you will have parts leftover!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like the positive outlook!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s amazing what you can manage once you get started. My highlight was putting up window blinds in my new home after my divorce.
LikeLiked by 1 person
that’s pretty impressive!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I thought so. Not sure I could do it now π¦
LikeLiked by 1 person
But at least you did it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not bad for a 7-out-of-100 level mechanic. I’ll bet if you took that aptitude test today, you’d probably score much higher, after this experience. How much do you charge per hour? And do you fix thing-a-ma-bobs?
LikeLiked by 2 people
I charge based on my score. So right now I’m pretty cheap. I think I need a score of at least 20 to tackle thing-a-ma-bobs…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations! Your persistence in getting the material for your blog post is admirable. I once looked at YouTube for videos to help me repair something, I can’t recall what. They were very helpful: they made me realise that my best course of action would be to buy a new one of whatever it was. So I did: problem solved. I just forgot to blog about it afterwards. Bugger!
LikeLiked by 2 people
So the YouTube videos are educational in more ways than one!
Glad you got your fan fixed, Jim, can’t wait to see how you score now on the Armed Forces Aptitude test for General Mechanical Ability, and welcome back to WordPress, you were missed π
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m sure over hte years my mechanical ability has declined. this repair may have brought it back to where it was. and thanks; it’s good to be back…
LikeLike
thanks, Clive. I’m sure my next attempt at fixing something will bring me back to reality…
LikeLiked by 1 person
As long as it doesnβt end up with a pair of broken wrists π
LikeLiked by 1 person
I forgot I could use that as an excuse as well!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bravo! As a one who is not mechanically inclined, I applaud your work. The video and your post sound too confusing and complicated to me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think I complicated things unnecessarily π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Or as one of my colleagues once told me: “I’ve learned that everything takes forever.”
Congrats on persisting!
Home maintenance is SO stressful if you don’t know a good handyman to call.
I finally donated my Reader’s Digest Guide to Home Repairs … youtube videos or googling How To articles seems quicker/more accurate in 2022.
That doesn’t mean I do it!
I have ceiling light fixtures that I can’t /haven’t changed the bulb in in YEARS because I can’t figure out how to get into them without making some kinda huge mess I can’t fix.
But you’ve inspired me.
I will report back. (It may still be a while π but when/if I do suceed, you will be the first to know.
Missed your blogs, so glad you’re back at it! (I was going to suggest is daily is too much you could set a goal of weekly … 52 blogs a year is still a great accomplishment.
I tried for 1 a month… only 12 a year, but fell way short… being so busy with home repairs and such π
LikeLike
thanks, Susan! It’s good to hear from you. I would get someone else to change a high light fixture, especially if it involves standing on a ladder.
It’s ncie to be back to blogging; the plan is to try Monday through Friday, but hopefully I won’t become obsessed about it again
and yes, those home repairs can take a lot of time π
LikeLiked by 1 person
So completely relatable!!! I, too, βfeel your painβ, as whenever my husband and I attempt a DIY project, it is nothing short of disastrous! We almost went into divorce court, over trying to hang a painting with a molly!! Kudos to you for your courage and tenacity; you give hope to all!!! π
LikeLiked by 1 person
not surprisingly, I don’t know what a molly is!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Too funny!!! Itβs one of those plastic casings (over a screw you put into a beam in wall). Donβt be fooled! I know βwhat it is, not βhowβ to use it!!! π
LikeLiked by 1 person
ahh, yes. now I know what you are referring to. I try to avoid using anything that complicated!
LikeLike
π
LikeLiked by 1 person
So happy you were able to successfully complete the repair! I’m the least handy person in such situations so I’m extremely impressed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
it seems like bloggers aren’t too handy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
No we absolutely are not!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You tube has helped my husband on many occasions, and it always takes much longer than the video but without it, a lot of things never would have been done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
that makes me feel better!
LikeLiked by 1 person
ππ You did it!!! Good job ! Youβre officially a handyman! YouTube is the greatest invention since books . My husband uses it almost daily . Heβs a mechanic and very handy , but he still learns things .
LikeLiked by 1 person
that’s good to know that even mechanics watch youtube how-to videos!
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL!! Glad you got it fixed, in spite of you making it harder than it should have been. I am good that and I am sure that my score would have been even lower on the mechanical test, like in the negative numbers. My husband has used YouTube before to fix things and had good results. It can come in handy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
it seems like many bloggers aren’t the handy type!
LikeLike
Thats why we write instead. π
LikeLiked by 1 person
that will be my new excuse!
LikeLike
Hey thats my excuse for not being organized. You gotta make it work for ypu. π Creativjty and organization do not go ‘together. LOL!
LikeLike
but creativity and accounting don’t go together either… or at least they shouldn’t π
LikeLike
True! π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Now all you have to do is go out and buy yourself a roll of duct tape and a can of WD-40 and you can open your very own handyman business! Glad you were able to fix the problem and get a post out of it at the same time! Mona
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would probably make things worth with some duct tape and WD-40 π
but I could probably get a post out of it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s always good to have a well-rounded set of skills!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree; I just wish I knew what my skills were!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I couldnβt follow after Lowes. So used to an other taking over and giving me respite from everyday home issues. May you come out of the bathroom and crawl space unscathed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Usually I calls omeone to take over!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Too funny. I love the excuse. I’m a musician so I try to use any excuse I can.
LikeLiked by 1 person
well you can’t hurt your hands, so you’ve got a good excuse!
LikeLike
Great job! I like tinkering with things, mechanical or otherwise. I often do the maintenance work to fans, but I have not worked on exhaust fans before. If it stops working or the fan speed starts slowing down, it may need some lubrication. The worst thing that can happen is a burnt out motor, which may lead to a fire.
LikeLiked by 1 person
tinkering has never appealed to me π
fortunately, replacing the motor was relatively inexpensive and easy to do…
LikeLiked by 1 person
For financial reasons, I force myself to fix anything I reasonably can. I pretty much hate it. The last time I replaced an exhaust fan, I needed to make a bunch of modifications to the existing hole. I’d much rather be blogging.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad I didn’t have to do anything that drastic. At that point, it wouldhave been time to call a repairman…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think you are extremely handy. I would have spent much more time than you, never gotten the fan to work, and ended up with much of my ceiling on the bathroom floor.
LikeLiked by 1 person
well it’s not like I scored a 5 out of 100 for mechanical ability…
LikeLike
Hahaha, I share the same thought when going through unique experiences (mostly bad). I’ll tell myself that at least I’ll have something to blog about, and that helps me get through whatever I need to.
But the internet is a marvel, isn’t it? I’m very unhandy too, but just last month our downlights broke, and it requires actual rewiring, so I looked up so tutorials on YouTube and now I know how to change them should I need to.
LikeLiked by 1 person
it is strange how bloging can be a motivator to get things done!
and youa re brave taking on a wiring project – I wouldn’t even watch a video for something like that π
LikeLike
Give me a call… I’m weirdly handy. But since my body is failing, I’ll most likely only be able to play Foreman.
Congrats on sticking to it and getting it done!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks – and it’s good to know someone who is handy!
LikeLike
My fave was a friend who once had me drive 25 miles to connect his vcr cause he couldn’t figure it out. It was 1 wrong connection – took about 5 seconds.
He’d also been driving for months with no stereo or interior lights. It suddenly dawned on me to check the fuses… found the bad one and everything worked.
3rd time, he and an equally helpless friend were in my car when I suddenly remembered my brake lights were out, pulled into a PepBoys, bought the bulbs and replaced them… about $4. He didn’t know you could do it yourself and had recently paid $60 to replace ONE!
I thank gobs I was born with a strong “male side”, handy dad, and power of observation!
LikeLiked by 1 person
how lucky for your friend to have you around!
LikeLike
But good lawd… don’t go to HomeDepot with me… I “guy out” big time, shopping all the aisles just to see what I can find. And I LOVE power tools!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m the opposite – my goal is to be in and out as quick as possible…
LikeLike
I’m that way most everywhere else, except Daiso. I have soooo many power tools that have been used only once! Or nunce!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I find YouTube to be an absolute miracle when it comes to fixing cars.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I did watch a youtube video on how to replace a fuse in my car (the hardest part was just reaching the fuse box). as it turned out, it wasn’t the fuse, it was the phone adapter I was using. so there had been no point in changing the fuse…
other than that, I have no interest in learning how to fix anything in my car…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your car has no interest in learning how to fix anything in you…. which is probably just fine.
LikeLiked by 1 person
so my car and I have an understanding…
LikeLiked by 1 person
So you do.
LikeLiked by 1 person
π
LikeLike
This was so funny (to the reader, not to you). I think WP got you to the finish line. Yes, pray nothing else ever breaks. π
LikeLiked by 1 person
WP has helped me get a lot of thigs done π
LikeLiked by 1 person
π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amazing! YouTube comes through in the clutch . . . even better than Joe Montana running the two-minute drill in a Super Bowl. Jim, your story reminds me of the time I replaced the kitchen sink rinsing hose. Let’s just say I didn’t have a YouTube video to bail me out back in the pre-Internet days.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think I’d rather watch Joe Cool!
and you sound braver when it comes to repairs than I am!
LikeLike
LOL Jim. But seriously, Youtube has turned me into a handywoman. Best help there is for mostly anything! π
LikeLiked by 1 person
At least watching a YouTube video now gives me the option of whether I want to try and fix something! π
LikeLiked by 1 person
haha you sound like my husband! Before we moved into our home, he was the most unhandy man there ever was lol he did not know how to do anything but since buying our own home, he has either taught himself through YouTube or we’ve hired professionals to help install something and he’s watched over them (like their shadow) in order to learn how to do it in future! π Good for you though! I wish I was handier!
LikeLiked by 1 person