r/prepping•
Mikki102

Recommended resources to gain a basic knowledge of how to fix things?

Question❓❓

Hi! I have gotten mildly into prepping. I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for resources I could use to gain basic knowledge of how these things work and how to fix basic issues/trouble-shoot:

  1. Water-how to fix leaks, replace faucets and other fixtures, maybe how to do basic checks on water heaters. I'd also like to know more about different things you can do with water if the power goes out, like how pressure works and how you need to arrange things to move water without a pump.

  2. Small engines-things like power washers, weed eaters, generators (with generators, how to know how much stuff I can hook up to it safely, how to troubleshoot if it's not starting) i also have access to some grungy old electric yard tools it'd be interesting to try and fix and get working again.

  3. Larger engines-cars (I knew how to do things like check transmission fluid and stuff at one point but I have forgotten and get really nervous doing anything with my car), gators, etc. Like how to figure out what the problem is, what is causing a noise, that sort of thing. Spark plugs? Basic car repair. I theoretically know how to replace my own oil but due to logistical situations I just get the shop to do it so I don't have to deal with disposing of the oil or crawling around on the ground in the heat.

  4. Propane heaters-how to hook them up safely, troubleshoot.

  5. Maybe basic electrics-i think it's a bad idea to try and learn off the internet how to do bigger things because I don't want to die, but I'd like to know a little more about how fuses work, maybe how to replace outlets, good safety practices, anything else you think a normal person could handle. How to fix an electric fence-we have a lot of them.

I'd appreciate really any recommendations. I'd be willing to take some sort of online course if it was not too expensive, but I'd also like YouTube videos and if you have any books that would be good resources in case I lose internet access that'd be appreciated too! Also interested in any other skills a random person could/should learn to DIY. Books on different types of shelters, how to set up a fire pit safely, etc.

Also I know people generally go to school for welding, but do you think I could learn how to do really basic things without going to school? It wouldn't be pretty but if I can I think it would be interesting and potentially useful to learn how to do quick repairs if we get in a pinch.

Posted Aug 27, 2026, 12:56 PM UTC

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