I have, over the years, developed quite the DIY vocabulary list. Most of my terms are somewhat technical sounding and I have decided to share some of them with you. Bear in mind, I had no brothers growing up and was dads gopher for much of my early years. Lord knows he tried to teach me right, but I just didn't grasp the correct name for some of the tools I had to go get for him. To this day, I call things by the wrong name but I can tell you what they are, what they are used for, and I usually use them correctly. There is still the occasion a screw driver will make due when a hammer isn't within arms reach.
DIY: Simple term meaning-Do it yourself. You do the work. You save the money and if all else fails, you call a friend who has the skills.
Whatcha-ma-thingie: A part that is left over after an installation. Mystery part that even though it wasn't used, does not affect the function of the item.
Do-Flotchie: Term used when you can't remember what something is called. (see also: Whatcha-ma-thingie)
Star Screw Driver: Technical term for a Phillips Head Screw Driver.
Straight Screw Driver: Technical term for Standard Flat Head Head Screw Driver.
The Jabby Think With A Handle: That ice picky looking thing. Correct definition: Awl- A pointed tool for making or marking/starting holes in wood or leather.
Destruction Sheet: The paper that comes with the product that you put in a safe place so you will have it when you need it.....but then can't find when you start the project!
Correct definition: Instruction Sheet: Step by step paper for installation or assembly of what you bought.
Measurey Thing: That thing in a metal case that you pull out to measure long things.
Correct definition: Tape Measure-A tape measure or measuring tape is a flexible form of ruler. It consists of a ribbon of cloth, plastic, fiber glass, or metal strip with linear-measurement markings.
Tape Measurer: A person that measures pieces of tape? (I was corrected many times by my dad using this little gem) Correct defintion: Tape Measurer: A person that measures tape! (Not to be confused with a tape measure which is also known as the Measurey Thing.)
Plastic Gauge Thing With Wires: The black thing that you use to see if there is a electric current. (Much safer than sticking your tongue on a 9 volt battery terminal like dad tricked me into doing when I was a kid).
Correct definition: Ohm meter-used to find electrical malfunctions in your home.
The Angle Cutting Thing: The yellow plastic thing that has cuts all over it.
Correct definition: Miter box-A box used to make manual miter/angled edges in woodworking
. The Persuader: Any type of pounding device used to convince two parts to fit together or into one space. (Not recommended nor should you ever implement the use of...when there is a warranty issue) Correct definition: Hammer These are just a few of the "Donna-isms" I use when I'm doing a DIY project. Do you have any "isms" you would like to share? I would love to hear your comments. Yes, I am still working on my "
Mess to Managed Projects" and have another installment for the OVISonline.com Blog, just about ready to publish. Please share your projects before and after pictures with me. I have posted all my ugly before and fabulous afters for everyone to comment on. Now, you show me yours! I may use your images in a future blog article.