100 Skills Every Man Should Know

Popular Mechanics ^ | October 2008 | The Editors

[Vigilanteman]

This is a humbling list of skills where I can score only about 70%. On the other hand, that leaves me only 30% to learn.

I wonder what your average Librard scores on this list? BO specifically?

[libh8er]

It left out tantra.

[SJSAMPLE]

At least it's from "Popular Mechanics" this time.

The last posted list came from GQ.
Go figure.

[JoeProBono]

So what about womenz?

[Sybeck1]

Where’s the one hand over the shoulder boulder holder release?

[Vigilanteman]

Damn. I missed that list. But I probably wouldn't score 30% on it. I always thought GQ was for girly men and any skills learned from such sources ("Put down the toilet seat after urinating") were only because the Mrs. taught me. :->

[Mac from Cleveland]

“How to Vote” had better be on there....

[KarlInOhio]

4. Replace fan belt.

Cut off the old belt with a knife. Inspect for possible causes of failure, such as misaligned pulleys, rubber buildup in the grooves or a worn-out tensioner spring. If everything checks out, install the new belt by unloading the idler pulley and slipping it into place. (Check the owner’s manual; the belt routing can be complex.)

4a. Learn that you should figure out the route of the belt before cutting off the old one because the belt's routing can be complex.

[Nervous Tick]

I looked through the first 1/2 of ‘em. I’m at about 90% - 95%. In fact, I bet I have done 25 of the first 50 at least once in the last six months. And as for the Heimlich maneuver (#10 I think) — I’d be happy to practice that one (on her) even if she wasn’t choking.

[Shimmer1]

good point!

[nascarnation]

A great compilation.
Between my Dad (RIP), scouts, and working in a “gas station” as a teen I think I picked up most of them by voting age.

[Joe 6-pack]

4b. Buy a car with a good little sticker or dataplate diagram in the engine compartment that shows the belt path. When doing routine maintenance, ensure that it remains clean and legible.

[ctdonath2]

“A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.” R.A.Heinlein

[WayneS]

Here’s one not on the list:

Handle a blowout... of the FRONT tire on a motorcycle traveling at 125 mph.

[SZonian]

That one’s easy, pray. ;-p

[Rick_Michael]

Yeah, I have about 60-70 of those under my belt....some libs might do okay, while others might not have a clue and need the government to help them.

[ctdonath2]

76%. Not bad, remaining is doable.

[mnehring]

Great list, I have some to work on. I never ran rapids or touched a sewing machine.

I think driving on snow should be drive on snow/ice as the latter is a whole other ballgame, especially down here when you can get a half-inch of ice on the roads but never see snow.

[Jeff Chandler]

90. But we all knew I’d score high.

[WayneS]

RE: #80 - Ditch your hard drive.

“Drilling” holes in it is for “city folk”.

Where I live, we put holes in our old computer equipment the old fashioned way... with a large caliber single action revolver.