Being handy and being innovative are opposite sides of the same coin. Every so often you’ll encounter someone with one skill but not the other, and this list takes a look at the innovators who need to use more rudimentary ways to create their grand ideas.
They’re working with what they have, and we ought to respect that, as they do provide some hilarious examples of redneck engineering at its finest.
“The U pipe under my kitchen sink refuses to stay connected. A ten pound dumbbell solved the problem.”
Calling this problem ‘solved’ is a bit of a stretch, I think. If it needs supports to stay on, that is not a fix that holds up over time, pun not intended. Okay, pun kind of intended, but the point stands!
“Behold, my homemade pontoon boat.”
Okay, this is actually so impressive. Sure, it’s a little…pieced together, but you till made a whole boat by yourself! And presumably it works otherwise you wouldn’t be posting it so proudly!
The umbrellas are a great touch. Floating in style.
“When in doubt, add another ladder.”
I’m confused about why that many ladders are needed in the first place. Can they not walk along the roof once they’re up there? This looks way less safe than just trotting around would be. Then again, what do I know, I’ve never been up a ladder in my life.
“My father built his own observatory.”
This radiates ‘it may not be much, but it’s mine’ type energies, and it’s honestly very sweet! He made a whole building to pursue a hobby of his, which is a lot more than most people do, even for the things they love most. Kudos!
“It ain’t stupid if it works…”
Ehh, sure, the creation itself may not be stupid if it works as intended, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t look stupid. Phone grips are what, $10? That price is worth avoiding the effort of drilling holes into your phone case.
“[This] hammer was repaired in my work today.”
Can you honestly look at this and say it was ‘repaired’ in good conscience? Also, what is it with zip ties? People use them like they’re a replacement for actual glues and other bonding methods. Sure they’re strong, but not that strong!
“Punkin carvin tools.”
If carving pumpkins had difficulty levels, this would be expert mode. I’m sure it works just fine, but the awkwardness of the tools would be a hindrance, especially if you’re going for finer details. Though, if you get by carving with these, you’ll have mastered the craft!
“Trash Can Broke. Buy A New One? Never.”
Do you have some sort of emotional attachment to this garbage can? I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone put this much investment into such a mundane item. Have other garbage cans hurt you before? Are you afraid to try new things?
“Who needs a tool belt when you have a used duct tape roll and zip ties.”
This one is fine, actually. It’s for a specific job, it’s cheap, it doesn’t affect the integrity of the tool, and given how much space that roll gives, it might even be easier to use than a regular tool belt loop.
“This brand new ‘cigarette holder’ at a corner grocery store.”
Wow! It’s rare to see a regular store with amenities such as this, they really want to make their customers feel valued!
All it needs it a cupholder installed next to it and they’ll be set.
“I don’t own a hand mixer and wanted some whipped cream.”
I can understand doing this if you’re having a spur-of-the-moment craving and you want some whipped cream right here right now, but please don’t ever bake with this. It’s not worth it. Hand mixers are $15 at Walmart.
“I built a (hopefully) cat proof printer cage.”
That’s what you’re seeing, anyway. Your cat is seeing a new challenge. A test he can learn, study, overcome, and conquer. You will hear the yowls of failed attempts ringing through your home until there is silence. That’s how you’ll know he’s bested you yet again.
“[Finished] fixing the light boss.”
“I did say to put a new bulb in it, but you had to know I didn’t mean any bulb you felt like. This probably took you longer than if you’d done it the right way. I just might fire you for this one.”
Quite the contraption.
The story behind this particular photo was explained in the original title, which reads, “So instead of renting a pole saw to cut the root that was in the way [of] their drilled shaft they decided to duct tape a chainsaw to a 4×4. That also means duct taping the throttle wide open along with duct taping the deadman switch.”
“Small apartment – it was either no microwave, or no countertop. So I built a stand so I could still have both.”
Does that stand have a lean to it, or are my eyes deceiving me? I appreciate the ingenuity as someone else who had to choose between counter space or a microwave, but seeing as that thing could potentially pop off if you close the door too hard makes me nervous.
“[Does] this count?”
I know someone currently in my real life who has something like this going on. He didn’t need the wooden bracket, thankfully, but he’s just taped a small mirror into the frame and is pretending it’s fine. It’s not fine.
“Solar thermal collector.”
This is actually really smart. It’s a simple idea that was constructed effectively, efficiently, and probably pretty cheaply. It’s a great way to recycle old bottles and get some actual use out of them, so it has the potential to be pretty green too!
“My [brother’s] microphone stand (the white is a desk lamp).”
Microphone arms can be expensive, and this one at least has a second function to it! Though, if any one of those bands snap, it’s going to make a simply awful sound in the recording. That seems to be a risk he’s willing to take.
“We all know the feeling.”
I’ve had this feeling while sitting at home with a fan already on me at full blast, let alone at work! There has to be a better way. Can they make full jackets out of those squishy ice packs? Rotate a few in a freezer and stay cold all day long.
“I forgot to buy a door handle, so…”
Your other option was going out and buying a door handle. Doing this to yourself feels cruel, it feels neglectful. You deserve nicer things than a handle made out of a chopped-up wire. Get yourself a nice handle. Maybe a new door entirely while you’re at it.
