Common DIY Habits That Stick Around
Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, certain habits just won’t go away. Whether you're a seasoned mechanic or just someone who likes to tinker with cars on the weekends, there are a few behaviors that tend to stick around. These habits might not always be bad, but they often reflect the way our minds and bodies adapt over time. Some of them are even useful, while others can be a bit frustrating. Let’s take a look at some of the most common DIY habits that people just can’t seem to kick.
The Art of Organizing Tools
One of the most common habits among car enthusiasts is the tendency to leave tools scattered around the garage. Many people find it difficult to put their tools back in their proper places after using them. This habit can lead to frustration when trying to find a specific tool later. However, some individuals have managed to break this cycle by making it a priority to return everything to its designated spot immediately after use. For example, Eddy Eckart used to struggle with keeping his tools organized, but he now makes sure everything goes back where it belongs. He even admits that if he doesn’t follow this rule, he ends up losing important items like a 4mm Allen wrench.
The Grease and Grime Problem
Another common issue among DIYers is the tendency to skip wearing gloves when working on a car. Despite having access to disposable gloves or proper mechanic’s mitts, many people forget to use them. This results in a lot of extra work later on, as they end up picking grease and grime out of their fingernails for days. Nik Berg is one such person who admits that he often forgets to wear gloves, leading to messy hands and a long cleanup process afterward.
The Disassembly Habit
Some people simply can’t resist taking things apart. Kyle Smith is one of those individuals who finds the process of disassembling a project exciting. He enjoys figuring out what went wrong and planning the next steps. However, this habit often leads to unfinished projects, as he tends to focus more on taking things apart than putting them back together. He jokes about how many projects are currently in pieces in his garage, and he wishes he had the same level of motivation to reassemble them as he does to dismantle them.
The Hammer Solution
For some, a hammer is the go-to tool for solving almost any problem. Chris Stark admits that he often uses brute force instead of following the proper procedures for removing stuck parts. While this isn’t the best practice, he finds that using a hammer saves him time and effort. He notes that when he tries to remove parts gingerly with heat, penetrating fluid, and patience, the job takes significantly longer. So, despite knowing it's not ideal, he keeps using the hammer.
The Quarter-Turn Back Habit
Sajeev Mehta has a peculiar habit when installing an oil filter. After torquing down the gasket, he always gives it a quarter-turn back. He’s not entirely sure why he does this, but he believes it might help prevent damage to the threads. Although he knows this step might be unnecessary, he still continues the habit, thinking it might be worth keeping.
The Messy Workspace
Not everyone has developed strong DIY habits, especially those who don’t work on projects frequently. Stefan Lombard admits that every time he starts a new project, it feels like his first time. This means he has little to no muscle memory and has to relearn everything each time. Additionally, he struggles with organizing his tools, often leaving them piled on the workbench. While this might seem chaotic to others, he manages to push through despite the disorganization.
The Food-Related Frustration
Grace Jarvis shares a similar sentiment, noting that she doesn’t do enough DIY work to develop strong habits. However, when she does get into a project, she often forgets to take breaks for food. She warns that ignoring hunger can negatively affect critical thinking and patience, which can make the project more challenging.
The Wire Brush Ritual
For those who live in areas with harsh weather conditions, like Michigan, rust is a constant battle. Sajeev Mehta, for instance, always uses a wire brush on a drill to clean out bolts and nuts before reinstalling them. This helps prevent thread damage and makes future removals easier. He admits that this habit can turn a one-hour project into a two-and-a-half-hour task, but he considers it worth the effort.
Conclusion
DIY habits can vary from person to person, and some are more beneficial than others. Whether it's organizing tools, using a hammer, or cleaning bolts, these habits often reflect the way individuals approach their projects. While some may want to change their habits, others find them so useful that they choose to keep them. No matter the case, these small rituals are part of the journey for anyone who loves working on cars.
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