I am totally hopeless at D.I.Y !

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manjinder

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Hi folks

I am in my mid 40s and totally hopeless at DIY. I have problems even changing a light bulb!

The reason for being 'totally hopeless' is in fact because I am partially disabled. It is a type of invisible disability in that I cannot hold DIY tools properly (I have a slight problem in hand coordination). Therefore, ever since I was young, whenever there is a mention of any DIY that needs to be done around the house, I get a feeling of nervousness & fear, let alone the fact that I would be able to carry out the work!!

Up until present, I have been living with my parents, and for personal reasons (I have just got married & wife is expecting) I now need to find a place of my own, or rather, our own. Obviously if I do manage to get a place, I will have to do some sort of DIY for general maintenance of the place.

My question is - Do you think I should enrol on some kind of DIY course which would help me gain knowledge and perhaps practical skills in general DIY around the house, or do you think that would not be a good idea, since I may not be able to operate the tools effectively, anyway.

Finally, are there not any tools at local retailers that are designed for easy use - i.e. for disabled people?

Thanks in advance for your response.
 
Not sure about the courses for DIY or special tools, but if it will make you feel better, my OH is in his 50s, doesn't have disability of any kind and still is hopeless at DIY :D It's not a problem, really, I can do plumbing, wiring, tiling, building and all sorts; he does the things that require brute force and ignorance and leaves the technical bits to me :)
 
If you have a big B&Q in shouting distance, they run regular 'how to change a tap washer/tile a kitchen/hang wallpaper' type courses.

I wouldn't worry though, with this recession you should easily be able to employ someone competent (ask for recommendations locally) to do the DIY. And you're not alone, my big brother is hopeless at DIY, he couldn't even change a lightbulb in his car! Also don't dismiss your wife's competence - I love doing DIY but sadly OH is an absolute wizz at it and a complete perfectionist so I tend to just have to let him do it!
 
Hi there I am sure you are not hopeless, I am disabled as well, I lost my leg above the knee and I have my girl on a farm, and at first it was very hard to do anything with my horse let alone all the daily duties of mucking out ect, but in time it does get easier. You just have to find you own way of doing things, it might not be the way that most other people do it, and it will prob take you ten times longer as it does me, I can not stand up to muck out, so I sit down with a pair of gloves on and my poo bucket it takes a long time but I get there as I am sure you will do with time and practice I was able bodied till in my mid forties so its hard now not to be able to do the things i have done all my life but just keep trying and I am sure you will get there if i can be of any further help or if you just want to talk to some one else with a disability then please pm me and perhaps we can come up with some ideas together take care
 
There are usually ways round doing things, which may not be the 'right' way, but which still work :) I have a lovely collection of power tools, mainly bought for me as presents by my Dad, who has always made sure that I knew how to use them. The biggest problem I have is that they are all made for men with 'normal' man sized hands, I have sillyly small womens hands (match my size four feet). So often have to use them two handed, when they are designed to be use in one hand. Just give it a go and you will find a way to work things, making your own allowances for your problems and it will work out I am sure. :) Good luck
 
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