# 25 Skills Every Man Should Know **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [September 13, 2007, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/25-skills-every-man-should-know/419000 "2007-09-13T01:35:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2007, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/25-skills-every-man-should-know/419000/61 "2007-09-13T15:48:48Z")
[QUOTE=OtakuLoki] I’m astonished that the only skill in the OP’s list that touches on food preparation is “knowing how to fillet a fish.” Cooking, and presenting, an edible, and appetizing meal seems much more important to me than being able to set up HDTV. [/QUOTE] Word up. A guy has to know how to cook. And most men I know do. I know lots of women that don’t. They proclaim “I DON’T cook!” They tend to say this as if they’re proud of it. Honey, it ain’t something to brag about. ---
**Author:** ![Gangster\_Octopus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a8b319/32.png) [@Gangster\_Octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gangster_Octopus)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2007, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/25-skills-every-man-should-know/419000/62 "2007-09-13T15:57:39Z")
I know how to use a phone and a credit card, ergo I know how to do all those things. ---
**Author:** ![gytalf2000](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ac91a4/32.png) [@gytalf2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gytalf2000)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2007, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/25-skills-every-man-should-know/419000/63 "2007-09-13T16:16:02Z")
I can only do two items on the list (sharpen a knife and paint a room). I have never really felt like a “man”, I am more comfortable with the term “guy”. To me, a “man” is a male who is responsible for a family – wife, kids, dog, etc. I never cared to be responsible for any one besides myself! ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2007, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/25-skills-every-man-should-know/419000/64 "2007-09-13T16:29:02Z")
1. Protect your computer 2. Rescue a boater who was capsized 3. Retouch digital photos 4. Build a campfire 5. Navigate with a map and compass 6. Use a torque wrench 7. Sharpen a knife 8. Maneuver a car out of a skid 9. Get a car unstuck 10. Back up data 11. Paint a room 12. Change oil and filter 13. Paddle a canoe 14. Fix a bike flat 15. Extend your wireless network Girl here, and I can be kind of a girly girl sometimes. I can do the above ones. I don’t do all of them, that’s why there’s these nice people down at the car shop, but I could. And I’ve been meaning to take a CPR course for some time. Some of them I don’t know but I could do if I had to. I just never had a reason. Why do I need to know how to set up HDTV if I don’t own one? I’m sure I could do the rifle thing, too, but I’d need to own one first! And I’ve never driven a trailer but I can parallel park most anything and am good at driving big trucks, so I think I could master it with a litle practice. If I go my whole life without learning to patch a stupid radiator hose, though, I’d be happy. :rolleyes: Oh, and I have driven a stick before. It’s been a while, but I’m sure I could do it again. ---
**Author:** ![Waverly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/57b2e6/32.png) [@Waverly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Waverly)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2007, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/25-skills-every-man-should-know/419000/65 "2007-09-13T16:35:39Z")
[QUOTE=enipla] Not this back yard mechanic. I’d replace it. [/QUOTE] You carry one around with you? That’s… being well prepared, I guess. ---
**Author:** ![Waverly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/57b2e6/32.png) [@Waverly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Waverly)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2007, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/25-skills-every-man-should-know/419000/66 "2007-09-13T16:36:40Z")
[QUOTE=kelly5078] Unhook a bra should be number one.😃 [/QUOTE] I normally buy her a drink first. ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2007, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/25-skills-every-man-should-know/419000/67 "2007-09-13T16:40:54Z")
[QUOTE=Waverly] I normally buy her a drink first. [/QUOTE] Pussy. ---
**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2007, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/25-skills-every-man-should-know/419000/68 "2007-09-13T16:43:55Z")
1. Patch a radiator hose - Never done it. Bet I could, though. 2. Protect your computer - Simple. 3. Rescue a boater who as capsized - Never done it. Bet I could, though. 4. Frame a wall - Been paid to do it. 5. Retouch digital photos - Done that. 6. Back up a trailer - Done that. 7. Build a campfire - Done that on the job. 8. Fix a dead outlet - Been paid to do it. 9. Navigate with a map and compass - Done that on the job. 10. Use a torque wrench - Done that on the job. 11. Sharpen a knife - Done that on the job. 12. Perform CPR - Certified to do it. 13. Fillet a fish - Done it. 14. Maneuver a car out of a skid - Formally trained to do it. 15. Get a car unstuck - Done it. 16. Back up data - Done it. 17. Paint a room - Been paid to do it. 18. Mix concrete - Been paid to do it. 19. Clean a bolt-action rifle - Been paid to do it. And done it on the job. 20. Change oil and filter - Done it. 21. Hook up an HDTV - Done it. 22. Bleed brakes - Never done it. Not really sure how to do it, but I have an idea. 23. Paddle a canoe - Done it on the job. 24. Fix a bike flat - Done it. 25. Extend your wireless network - Done it. Damn. Most of these things I’ve either been paid directly to do, or I’ve done it as part of–or while in the performance of–my job. Stupid list, though. ---
**Author:** ![Waverly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/57b2e6/32.png) [@Waverly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Waverly)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2007, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/25-skills-every-man-should-know/419000/69 "2007-09-13T16:44:46Z")
[QUOTE=KneadToKnow] Pussy. [/QUOTE] _::runs crying from the thread::_ ---
**Author:** ![Silver\_Tyger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/fbc32d/32.png) [@Silver\_Tyger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silver_Tyger)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2007, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/25-skills-every-man-should-know/419000/70 "2007-09-13T16:47:13Z")
[QUOTE=danceswithcats] 1. Protect your computer 2. Rescue a boater who as capsized 3. Retouch digital photos 4. Build a campfire 5. Navigate with a map and compass 6. Sharpen a knife 7. Perform CPR 8. Back up data 9. Paint a room 10. Mix concrete 11. Hook up an HDTV 12. Paddle a canoe 13. Fix a bike flat [/QUOTE] I can do 2, 5, 7 (mmm fire! safe fire dammit!), 11, 16, 17, 23 and probably could do the rest above. (and of the additions, I drive a stick shift, can do 11 off the Heinlein’s list [which is rather idealistic, as much as I love the guy], and most of the other touchy-feely ones ) What about chopping wood? Putting out the fire? splicing wire? building a computer? building stuff? (at least a bookshelf!) unclogging a toilet without vomiting? Taking someone to the hospital? The list’s bullshit. Men can specialize in different areas. ---
**Author:** ![TheLoadedDog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/35a633/32.png) [@TheLoadedDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheLoadedDog)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2007, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/25-skills-every-man-should-know/419000/71 "2007-09-13T16:48:56Z")
[QUOTE=KneadToKnow] Pussy. [/QUOTE] Yair, fuck it. Cut to the chase. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Litoris](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/9f8e36/32.png) [@Litoris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Litoris)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2007, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/25-skills-every-man-should-know/419000/72 "2007-09-13T16:57:57Z")
The List: How to… 1. Patch a radiator hose – check 2. Protect your computer – check 3. Rescue a boater who as capsized – check 4. Frame a wall – check 5. Retouch digital photos – check 6. Back up a trailer – never tried, wouldn’t feel comfortable doing it, though I can drive a forklift, several types in fact 7. Build a campfire – check 8. Fix a dead outlet – never tried 9. Navigate with a map and compass – check 10. Use a torque wrench – check 11. Sharpen a knife – check 12. Perform CPR – check 13. Fillet a fish – ICK, but check 14. Maneuver a car out of a skid – check 15. Get a car unstuck – check 16. Back up data – check 17. Paint a room – check 18. Mix concrete – check 19. Clean a bolt-action rifle – never have, but I would only need to be shown once 20. Change oil and filter – I know how, but haven’t actually done it 21. Hook up an HDTV – check 22. Bleed brakes – never done it 23. Paddle a canoe – check 24. Fix a bike flat – not check, can’t ride a bike, why should I know how to maintain one? 25. Extend your wireless network – check I would make a pretty good man, I guess. ---
**Author:** ![Uncommon\_Sense](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Uncommon\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uncommon_Sense)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2007, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/25-skills-every-man-should-know/419000/73 "2007-09-13T17:39:59Z")
Check, got 'em all. ---
**Author:** ![Bobotheoptimist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/919ad9/32.png) [@Bobotheoptimist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bobotheoptimist)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2007, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/25-skills-every-man-should-know/419000/74 "2007-09-13T17:55:37Z")
[QUOTE=Waverly] I normally buy her a drink first. [/QUOTE] “Good. Nibbling the ear. Kneading the buttocks, and so on and so forth. So we have all these possibilities before we stampede towards the clitoris, Watson.” ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2007, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/25-skills-every-man-should-know/419000/75 "2007-09-13T19:43:15Z")
[QUOTE=TokyoPlayer] Carefull analysis shows that many of these skills are linked. 1. Back up a trailer –\> 15. Get a car unstuck 2. Sharpen a knife –\> 1. Patch a radiator hose 3. Use a torque wrench –\> 2. Protect your computer 4. Retouch digital photos –\> 4. Frame a wall 5. Perform CPR –\> 8. Fix a dead outlet [/QUOTE] Humor is not a manly skill. You fail. 😛 In all honesty, REAL men earn enough money to pay other people to do this sort of shit for them. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2007, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/25-skills-every-man-should-know/419000/76 "2007-09-13T21:19:05Z")
Frame a wall? “The wall did it! Look, the same fingerprints are on it as are at the crime scene!”. ---
**Author:** ![Bobotheoptimist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/919ad9/32.png) [@Bobotheoptimist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bobotheoptimist)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2007, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/25-skills-every-man-should-know/419000/77 "2007-09-13T21:23:43Z")
[QUOTE=JohnT] In all honesty, REAL men earn enough money to pay other people to do this sort of shit for them. 😉 [/QUOTE] But they _don’t_ pay people to do their dirty work, even if they can afford it. Snapping at immigrant labor because the lawn wasn’t combed is not manly. And by the time you pay someone to perform CPR, it’s probably too late. ---
**Author:** ![OtakuLoki](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/ac8455/32.png) [@OtakuLoki](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OtakuLoki)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2007, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/25-skills-every-man-should-know/419000/78 "2007-09-13T23:02:05Z")
[QUOTE=Bobotheoptimist] And by the time you pay someone to perform CPR, it’s probably too late. [/QUOTE] Well, unless you’re in an area with a completely volunteer\* EMS/Fire Deptartment, you’re paying to have someone available to perform CPR. \*and those are far rarer than people realize. Most of the “volunteer” departments I’ve known were actually “on call” where the people called from their regular lives did get paid for their work and time. ---
**Author:** ![dwc1970](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a183cd/32.png) [@dwc1970](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dwc1970)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2007, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/25-skills-every-man-should-know/419000/79 "2007-09-13T23:19:05Z")
I’m a guy. Here’s how I measure up: **1. Patch a radiator hose** - Never tried this. I’d probably make it worse. **2. Protect your computer** - Yes. **3. Rescue a boater who as capsized** - Maybe. **4. Frame a wall** - Couldn’t do it without help. **5. Retouch digital photos** - Yes. **6. Back up a trailer** - It would take me a few tries, but yeah, I’d get it eventually. **7. Build a campfire** - Yes. **8. Fix a dead outlet** - No, I’d call a professional or my handyman friend. **9. Navigate with a map and compass** - Yes. **10. Use a torque wrench** - Yes, for basic tasks. **11. Sharpen a knife** - Yes. **12. Perform CPR** - I wouldn’t know how to do this. **13. Fillet a fish** - Nope, the fish would be a mess of blood and guts if I attempted it. **14. Maneuver a car out of a skid** - I remember in driver’s ed to “turn into the skid”. Fortunately I’ve never had to practice this maneuver. **15. Get a car unstuck** - You mean like mud? Snow? Wedged between two trees? I’ve gotten stuck in snow and loose dirt, but getting unstuck was nerve-wracking each time since I wasn’t sure I would get unstuck and thought I was just digging myself in deeper in the process. **16. Back up data** - Yes. **17. Paint a room** - It would be a tad sloppy, but I could do it. **18. Mix concrete** - I’ve watched it done and could probably do it, but I’d need some guidance. **19. Clean a bolt-action rifle** - No way. I’ve never handled a gun beyond a .22. **20. Change oil and filter** - I know embarrassingly little about even the basic workings of a car’s engine. **21. Hook up an HDTV** - I could do it, no sweat. **22. Bleed brakes** - See response to #20. **23. Paddle a canoe** - I have the general idea for this one. **24. Fix a bike flat** - It’s a pain in the ass, but I’ve done it. **25. Extend your wireless network** - Haven’t had an opportunity to do this, but I could probably handle it. ---
**Author:** ![Max\_the\_Immortal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/6de8d8/32.png) [@Max\_the\_Immortal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_the_Immortal)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2007, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/25-skills-every-man-should-know/419000/80 "2007-09-14T00:06:08Z")
I learned how to perform CPR in school. Grade 6, in fact. Ooooh, real manly! Oh, and they have “navigate with a map and compass”, but not “find potable water in a variety of wilderness environments”? If you’re \*really \* stranded, that compass won’t do you too much good by day three if you’ve got nothing to drink. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/25-skills-every-man-should-know/419000.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/25-skills-every-man-should-know/419000.md?page=5)