Popular Mechanics When Duct Tape Just Isn't Enough: Quick Fixes for Everyday Disasters [Spiral-bound]

C. J. Petersen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2007 | Series: Popular Mechanics

Popular Mechanics knows: there are two types of people in the world—those able to fix whatever goes bust, and those who beg the first group for help when something goes wrong. But it doesn’t have to be that way, because this easy-to-follow guide will give anyone the basics to tackle those frustrating (and sometimes nerve-wracking) quandaries that crop up around the house: plumbing problems, electrical snafus, appliance failures, computer and electronics breakdowns, pest infestations, and furniture in need of renewal. They range from the serious to the merely annoying, but every one is cause for concern. So, whether the issue is a fast repair for a running toilet or a leaking pipe, or a simple, inexpensive way to keep deer from pillaging the garden, it’s all in here.

Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 216 pages
• Publisher: Hearst (November 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1588165655
• ISBN-13: 978-1588165657
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 6.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #544,857 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for the not so handy man!, December 10, 2007

By 

tiffany lynn "Tiffany" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Popular Mechanics When Duct Tape Just Isn't Enough: Quick Fixes for Everyday Disasters (Spiral-bound)

This little guide is practical, concise and even a little funny. It covers a wide range of topics from plumbing, to painting, to getting out red wine and pet stains. It really does have it all! A perfect litttle gift for all those men (or women) in your life who need a little help doing those things that handy people seem to "just know" how to do.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, well-organized guide for the mechanically-challenged, January 25, 2008

By 

R. P. Spretnak (Las Vegas, Nevada USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Popular Mechanics When Duct Tape Just Isn't Enough: Quick Fixes for Everyday Disasters (Spiral-bound)

Nicely organized, succinctly written guide to home repairs aimed at the mechanically-UNinclined. I especially like the fact that each problem is broken down into three categories: repair yourself, repair with a professional, and throw out and buy a new one. And the spiral binding is excellent for having the book beside you when attempting one of the amateur-appropriate repairs.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good book. Kind of a "Hints from Heloise", March 18, 2008

By 

GAT - See all my reviews

This review is from: Popular Mechanics When Duct Tape Just Isn't Enough: Quick Fixes for Everyday Disasters (Spiral-bound)

This is a very good book, with lots of practical hints.

However, for more serious home improvement projects, I have purchased the following books and found them to be very helpful to me:

Do It Yourself Home Improvement: Step by Step Guide to Home Improvement;

Ultimate Guide to Home Repair & Improvement (Ultimate Guide);

New Complete Guide to Home Repair & Improvement (Better Homes & Gardens);

Encyclopedia of Home Maintenance & Repair - This is a black & white book, but has very good explanations, especially of electrical.