Handywoman Course

Lesson 1 • Workshop Organization and Storage

Covers tool storage systems, workbench setup, and clutter-free workflow design. An organized workspace reduces accidents and speeds up every project.

Lesson 2 • Personal Safety Fundamentals

Covers PPE selection, hazard recognition, and safe work habits before touching any tool. Establishes the safety mindset that underpins every subsequent chapter.

Lesson 3 • Hand Tool Identification and Use

Introduces hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, and measuring tools with correct grip and technique. Proper hand tool use prevents injury and improves work quality.

Lesson 4 • Power Tool Basics

Introduces corded and cordless drills, circular saws, and sanders with startup, operation, and shutdown procedures. Safe power tool habits prevent the most common workshop injuries.

Lesson 1 • Screw and Bolt Selection

Explains thread types, head styles, coatings, and length-to-material ratios for wood, metal, and plastic. Correct fastener choice prevents pull-out failure and surface damage.

Lesson 2 • Adhesives and Sealants

Introduces construction adhesive, epoxy, contact cement, and silicone sealant with surface prep and cure time requirements. Adhesive selection determines bond strength and flexibility.

Lesson 3 • Nailing Techniques

Covers nail types, hand-nailing angles, and pneumatic nailer operation for framing and finish work. Proper nailing technique maximizes holding strength without splitting wood.

Lesson 1 • Finishing and Texture Matching

Covers priming repaired surfaces and replicating orange peel, knockdown, and smooth textures. Texture matching makes repairs invisible after painting.

Lesson 2 • Corner Bead and Edge Repair

Teaches metal and vinyl corner bead installation, crimping, and mudding for outside corners. Straight, durable corners are a hallmark of professional drywall finishing.

Lesson 3 • Assessing Drywall Damage

Teaches damage classification by size and cause, including moisture, impact, and settling cracks. Accurate assessment determines the correct repair method and prevents recurring failure.

Lesson 4 • Small Hole and Crack Repair

Covers spackling, mesh patch kits, and California patch methods for holes up to six inches. These techniques restore surface integrity with minimal material and drying time.

Lesson 1 • Brush and Roller Techniques

Teaches cutting in with a brush, loading and rolling walls, and maintaining a wet edge to eliminate lap marks. Consistent technique produces smooth, even coverage on every surface.

Lesson 2 • Primer Selection and Application

Explains water-based, oil-based, and shellac primers and their uses on stains, new drywall, and bare wood. The right primer seals the substrate and ensures uniform topcoat color.

Lesson 3 • Surface Preparation Techniques

Covers cleaning, deglossing, filling imperfections, and sanding surfaces before any paint is applied. Thorough prep is the single greatest factor in paint adhesion and longevity.

Lesson 4 • Trim, Cabinet, and Specialty Finishes

Addresses semi-gloss and gloss application on trim, cabinet painting with minimal brush marks, and faux finish basics. High-sheen surfaces require specific prep and application discipline.

Lesson 1 • Clearing Clogs and Drain Maintenance

Covers plunger technique, drain snake use, and P-trap cleaning for sinks, tubs, and toilets. Mechanical clog removal avoids chemical damage to pipes and fixtures.

Lesson 2 • Plumbing System Overview

Maps supply, drain-waste-vent, and shutoff systems so students understand water flow before making any repair. System literacy prevents accidental flooding and guides correct diagnosis.

Lesson 3 • Toilet Repairs

Teaches flapper, fill valve, and flush valve replacement to stop running toilets and weak flushes. Toilet repairs are among the highest-impact DIY fixes for water conservation.

Lesson 4 • Fixing Dripping Faucets

Covers compression, ball, cartridge, and ceramic-disc faucet disassembly, part replacement, and reassembly. Stopping drips eliminates water waste and prevents fixture corrosion.

Lesson 1 • Troubleshooting Electrical Problems

Teaches multimeter use, tripped breaker diagnosis, and identifying loose connections causing dead outlets or flickering lights. Systematic troubleshooting isolates faults without unnecessary part replacement.

Lesson 2 • Electrical Safety and Circuit Basics

Covers voltage, current, circuit breakers, GFCI protection, and lockout procedures before any wiring work begins. Safety protocols prevent shock, fire, and code violations.

Lesson 3 • Outlet and Switch Replacement

Teaches wire identification, terminal connections, and GFCI outlet installation for standard and tamper-resistant devices. Correct wiring prevents shock hazards and tripped breakers.

Lesson 4 • Ceiling Fan Installation

Guides fan-rated box installation, downrod assembly, blade attachment, and remote or wall-control wiring. Ceiling fans require specific mounting hardware to handle dynamic loads safely.

Lesson 1 • Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Work

Covers backer board installation, thinset mixing, tile layout, cutting, and grouting for floors and backsplashes. Tile work demands precision in layout and consistent mortar coverage.

Lesson 2 • Subfloor Assessment and Preparation

Covers flatness testing, squeaky subfloor repair, moisture testing, and underlayment selection before any flooring is laid. A sound subfloor prevents premature flooring failure.

Lesson 3 • Hardwood Floor Repair

Teaches replacing damaged boards, filling gaps, and spot-sanding to blend repairs into existing hardwood floors. Targeted repairs extend floor life without full refinishing.

Lesson 4 • Floor Refinishing Basics

Guides drum and edge sander operation, stain application, and polyurethane topcoat for full hardwood refinishing. Refinishing restores worn floors to like-new condition at a fraction of replacement cost.

Lesson 1 • Gutter Cleaning and Repair

Covers safe ladder use, gutter flushing, leak sealing, hanger replacement, and downspout unclogging. Functional gutters protect foundations, siding, and landscaping from water damage.

Lesson 2 • Deck Inspection and Board Replacement

Teaches probing for rot, replacing damaged decking boards, tightening fasteners, and inspecting ledger and post connections. Structural deck maintenance prevents collapse and costly full replacement.

Lesson 3 • Caulking and Sealing Gaps

Covers caulk type selection, old caulk removal, surface prep, and bead application around windows, doors, and penetrations. Proper caulking is the most cost-effective weatherproofing measure available.

Lesson 4 • Exterior Wood Staining and Sealing

Covers pressure washing, sanding, stain type selection, and application technique for decks, fences, and siding. Proper sealing prevents UV degradation, cracking, and moisture penetration in exterior wood.