(Part 2) Best do-it-youself home improvement books according to redditors
We found 458 Reddit comments discussing the best do-it-youself home improvement books. We ranked the 190 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 21-40. You can also go back to the previous section.
How Your House Works: A Visual Guide to Understanding and Maintaining Your Home
What's a Homeowner to Do?
This should be your first purchase
I just finished How to Build a High-Performance Mazda Miata MX-5 and it might be the kind of books to look for. It’s a book for people who know virtually nothing about cars but feel advanced as its specialized on one car.
A 2001 NB Miata was my first car!
It's cheap to maintain and run, and very easy to work on if you intend to learn how to maintain a car. There's a ton of space in the engine bay and the regular maintenance parts are placed in easily accessible parts of the engine.
This book got me into wrenching my own car. The title is a bit misleading, the book is pretty much Miata Maintenance For Dummies with complete tool lists and step by step instructions on regular maintenance tasks, complete with pictures!
https://www.amazon.com/Mazda-Performance-Projects-Motorbooks-Workshop/dp/0760316201
The combination of this car and book completely redefined car ownership for me. Go for it.
I'm an electronic engineer, so I'm pretty confident around electricity and mechanical loads, and have realised I can compensate for lack of skill with vast amounts of planning and good design.
Plus I have this book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Collins-Complete-Manual-Albert-Jackson-x/dp/0007425953 which covers pretty much everything, and an emergency fund that makes me feel secure in the knowledge that if I really mess it up I can call in an expert.
How to Modify Your Nissan & Datsun OHC Engine
by Frank Honsowetz
https://www.amazon.com/Modify-Your-Nissan-Datsun-Engine/dp/1931128049
Welcome to the cult. How many miles do you have and what are your plans for the car at this point? I don't know how much you have gotten into it but may I recommend some books:
Also some useful websites (which you probably already know):
I'm obviously a bit of a Flyin' Miata fan and a Tanner Buff.
Be aware you are working with the lowest end of the miatas. We don't have the fancy engines and differentials of the 1.8s (94+) or the improved structural bits here and there (92+). With the age of the car I would suggest doing a suspension bushing change; poly sets are cheap, easy, and give you a nice feel. Maybe some structural stiffening to make it feel like new again. Other than that just make sure you are good on maintenance and have fun.
This is the book that I used for 3 years of Automotive Tech and it is 1200 pages of goodness. It goes into deep detail about the systems and how they work then the following chapter is all about how to repair or service them. You can get used copies for under $50 now but it is super informative. Otherwise check Facebook for local car clubs and join in. Most people are super friendly and willing to help or show you things.
Do not bother getting copies of the old keys made. Plan on rekeying or replacing the locks the day you close. Even good people sometimes lose keys or lend one to somebody they shouldn't.
This brings me to the other must have: a basic tool set and one of those big books of home repairs. You may well eventually want to get a cordless drill/screwdriver; you'll be shocked how handy one can be.
Start Here. It's a dated book, but the technology behind the 350 hasn't changed much in the last 15 years. So much of the information is still good.
Long story short - tuning a carburetor is dialing in your various jets and needles to match the fuel demands at whichever throttle position. In some cases it's as simple as turning a screw, in others you have to begin swapping jets and pumps. It all depends on the carburetor you're working on.
You got this. Ask questions here and on thesamba when you need to. Pick up this book, and this one.
https://www.amazon.com/Build-Your-Own-Sports-Car/dp/1844253910/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1540663040&sr=8-1&keywords=how+to+build+your+own+sports+car
http://www.locostusa.com/forums/index.php
Zinn is a crazy person! Don't get that book! you want The Bicycling Guide to Complete Bicycle Maintenance and Repair: For Road and Mountain Bikes
Wow that is a great kit. Also consider getting a bike maintenance book. Here is a decent example.
https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Bike-Owners-Manual/dp/1465459154?ref_=Oct_CABSellerC_16545_2&pf_rd_r=HSR1AN0G98QET40EVR1J&pf_rd_p=53ee4204-2f57-54a2-82db-ef70eff332e6&pf_rd_s=mobile-hybrid-5&pf_rd_t=30901&pf_rd_i=16545&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER
He can supplement with Youtube videos, but a book can tie it all together for him.
By the way this post makes me happy for him that he is interested and you that you care about his hobby!
Two budgets.
Collins Complete DIY Manual https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0007425953/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ZE-RBbG8FS60W
The Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1621452018/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ZF-RBbRYDBZ5W
This kind of depends on a few things. What kind of car(s)? What kind(s) of engine? One book that helps one enthusiast might be useless to another kind of enthusiast.
Coming from my experience with muscle-era cars, I've found these to be valuable:
Haynes or Chiltons manual for your particular car: Nothing too advanced here, but it gives you most of the general stuff like fluid volumes and, most importantly, torque values for the various fasteners.
Small-block Chevy Engines:
"How to Build Maximum Performance Small Blocks on a Budget" by David Vizard. This was my bible for a while. Tons of straight-forward, no-BS information, engine theory, and data on stock and aftermarket parts and how to get the most out of them. It obviously focuses on SBCs, but lots of the stuff is applicable to other engines, too. The link above goes to the edition I own, this one seems to be the one currently in print.
"How to Rebuild Your Chevy Small Block" is like a Haynes but for the SBC engine: Step-by-step instructions on how to disassemble and reassemble the engine with everything you ever needed to know included, with some performance and money-saving tips along the way.
I highly recommend this book. This is also a very useful one, because it goes through a lot of other ways to bypass locks besides picking or bumping. As far as tools, you need a few picks and a few rakes (snake rake is a must) and 3 or 4 tension wrenches. I think it's better to have a few different tension wrenches then a large number of picks and only one tension wrench. Keep this in mind when selecting a kit.
There are tons of helpful videos on youtube also.
You should be able to find several books on Amazon, check out this one- http://www.amazon.com/Build-Chevy-Small-Blocks-Budget-Performance/dp/1932494847/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1377614427&sr=1-2&keywords=small+block+chevy
I've read several books from that series and they are very helpful.
This book is very useful. The author also wrote How to Restore Your Motorcycle. It's geared towards British bikes, but has a lot of practical info for all makes.
Get a hybrid bike. If you're in a big bikey city like Austin you can easily craigslist something. Here in New Orleans it's all $1000 triathlon bikes or Wal-Mart specials.
A lower end Trek Hybrid would be fine. Try for something with a little front suspension and index shifters (where you push a button to shift instead of twisting a grip). If you buy it new the shop will tune it for you for free, but you can get a much better deal on something used.
Bikes aren't hard to tune, a $15 book will show you how to keep it up. If you don't want to mess with it, just get something new.
Looking at the Trek's on their website, yikes. Used to be you could get all that for $350 new, now it's $600. An older Trek 7200 or something similar would be fine. My first decent bike was a Miyata Triplecross, which was a Cyclocross frame (mentioned elsewhere in this thread) built like a hybrid with flat bars and slightly larger tires. It was built in the 80's, a steel frame, and worked fantastically.
Now, I happen to think my 2000 Rans Rocket is The Jam, craigslisted for $500 very used, but easily tuned. Pedaling a recumbent is like pedaling a couch, which is nice, but short wheelbase ones like that are difficult to get used to steering. A long wheelbase recumbent like a Sun EZ would be easier to start on, and reasonably common used (a ripoff new).
Otherwise, an easy answer is get a decent mountain bike (easier to find used, anything like a Trek 3700 or Specialized Hardrock or any major brand) and replace the tires with these babies. BAM, instant hybrid, and a frame that'll last you forever. You'll need new tubes too, those are thinner than standard tires. Get a pump if you don't have one and keep the PSI up, those like to be about 80 psi, too low and you'll get pinch flats jumping curbs or hitting potholes.
If you feel like it, post what city you're in and people can suggest used craigslist bikes that seem to be good deals.
This is a good book to have for overall know-how and tips and tricks and stuff. When you find a bike just look for a Clymer manual for the bike, there are other companys that make the manuals as well. If you want to make your headache as minimal as possible, try not to tear into the engine if you don't have to. Make sure that when you try and use the kick starter that the pistons actually move up and down and aren't frozen. Start off with simple projects with it. Try not to tear the whole thing down at once or you will get overwhelmed like crazy. Good luck and try not to spend too much money :)
http://www.amazon.com/Build-High-Performance-Mazda-Motorbooks-Workshop/dp/0760337055
It's kind of cheesy, but I have been really happy with books like this and this and this and this.
Yeah, the way I learned most of what I know is from having handy friends who were patient and willing to teach me. I actually still don't know how to do a lot of it because my ex-husband pretty much did it all. There are handy books on the subject; this is the one I have.
I'm a visual person, so I found this very helpful:
http://www.amazon.com/Your-House-Works-Understanding-ebook/dp/B007U91PBC/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid=
But, the pictures in the Kindle version aren't very big. I had trouble on my 5" phone screen. Otherwise, its really helpful for the big picture stuff over just following step by step instructions, especially with plumbing.
Check this out too:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004ROI4JO/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3VF06KPXKETLC&coliid=I3P2VUHQUZG5SC
You can get a used one on Amazon for $10. IMO, it's worth it to have to paper copy so that you can look at it while working - you don't have to worry about getting your computer dirty.
I'm late to this thread but I thought I'd mention a great book I've been using for around-the-house repairs and other projects: Dare to Repair! It's geared towards women but I think it's very useful for people of all genders who are just starting out with learning how to fix things. The authors also wrote an edition for replacing and renovating things in your home, and another one for maintaining and understanding your car. I haven't read those two yet but I want to.
Hope this helps! Good luck!
I'm not sure what 2 pack is but 2k means 2 component. The primer and the hardener. Same thing with paint. If the paint/clear is in good shape then you can scuff and respray.
Check out SWRNC on YouTube. He's a good resource, he also has a channel called diyautoachool.
Also check out the refinish network and collision hub.
I also bought a few books off Amazon on how to repaint your car. I'll go track them down and post some links for you
How to Paint Your Car on a Budget (Cartech) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1932494227/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_R68wzbHG79CEQ
How to Paint Your Car (Motorbooks Workshop) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0760315833/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_678wzbRQSC94Z
The Haynes Automotive Body Repair & Painting Manual https://www.amazon.com/dp/1850104794/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_M98wzbRDWH7D4
Advanced Custom Painting Techniques https://www.amazon.com/dp/1929133146/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_t-8wzbD3QD1JW
Pro Paint & Body HP1563 https://www.amazon.com/dp/155788563X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_S-8wzb8BRY3TQ
How Your House Works - Charlie Wing
It’s pretty basic but covers the basics of how things around the house work. Good if something is going wrong to understand what needs fixing. The YouTube can tell you how to actually fix it.
Amazon Link
It's Mazda Miata MX-5 Performance Projects by Keith Tanner, who works for Flyin' Miata. He's one of the most knowledgeable people out there when it comes to Miatae. If you're looking for a good time waster his website has lots of good photos and documentation of all of his projects: Slow Car Fast
I will say that the book has a good amount of general information, but because it is written to cover multiple revisions of the car it can be a bit difficult to follow at times.
How Your House Works by Charlie Wing is an amazing resource for this kind of “101” stuff.
How Your House Works: A Visual Guide to Understanding and Maintaining Your Home (RSMeans) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1119467616/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_lHjnDbVRQQ9CN
I've been using an older version of this book, and it's never let me down. It's also incredibly cheap to buy online.
Sure, sorry, was at work....
The paint was done by a pro, to match BMW original codes.
I did paint first, engine second... but looking back, I should probably have gone the other way.
My tank was so bad I had to have it welded up, needed a pro to do that.
The biggest thing is to decide how deep you want to get into it... to do what i did was expensive, more than the bike is worth if I sold it. I found this book was a help in putting some structure around the overwhelming number of things you need to do.
This is a lot of sound advice, much more than I expected to get, thank you for this!
The thing that stuck out the most for me was the Haynes repair manual, I googled it and I've found a lot of books on Ebay under that name, although they appear to be vehicle specific (Like Honda Civic 2001 Thru 2010 and CR-V 2002 Thru 2009)
Is there a book by Haynes that covers the basics of maintaining and repairing your car, or are there only brand specific books that I need to buy depending on the vehicle I go for?
No kids yet... But having a spare pair of hands would be helpful.
I think that's a bit high. My mechanic charged me 800 to diagnose a oil leak, replace the timing cover and my water pump on my 01 Silverado. I had just replaced my clutch and oil pan gasket and ended up having an oil leak, which I couldn't track down. He found a crack in my timing cover and my water pump was relatively easy for him to do at the same time.
O4 Civic with front wheel drive might be a bit more of a chore than a full size truck. I suspect you'd need to move the fan, and a few other components as well as draining the fluid out of the vehicle, 800 might be steep, but it's not blatant theft. I would get a Chilton's or Haynes manual to see exactly what would be involved. I recommend having one for each car you own. Might be a life saver if you get stuck on the side of the road one day.
A great book on the subject
This is the bible for all new home owners.
Get a Haynes repair manual for your car. AutoZone/Orieleys/AAP sell them as well as Amazon. You'll be able to take your entire car apart with that book. They're like $20 and the best investment you can make if you want to work on your car.
I've had one for every car I've owned (except for my Cruze) and did stuff as small as brake line bleeding, to a full blown axel repair on my old 03 Corolla.
This is all dependent on your access to tools and your mechanical prowess, however. I was lucky and had damn near every tool known to man in my old mans garage back home, as well as a very inept dad to help me and teach me. Like said before, this ain't a small undertaking, but it is doable. Best of luck!
Haynes Civic Repair Manual
You could read this book.
EDIT: And this one, too!
EDIT: Man, I made myself laugh so hard this morning. I guess no one else thought it was funny. Or maybe they just didn't notice that I linked to the Dare to Repair Do-it-Herself guides. Yeah, that must be it.
Aah the Pontiac head mix and match game. Unless you want to keep it stock there's a lot to know. If you want to keep it stock be careful - the compression ratios from the late 60's may not run on today's gas. Here's a link to head castings There's a lot of information out there Classical Pontiac is another source. The Jim Hand book is invaluable for both theory and practical info The heads from most Pontiac V8s will interchange readily. Some combos are great others not so much. Heads from a 326,350.389,400-428 and 455 all will mix and match
There are still a fair number of heads kicking around. People are willing to sell. Look on Craigslist and the classified sections of CP and PY
Since someone wanted a pic of a 69 Here's mine....
I'm old fashioned. I bought a book. Wish me luck.
I don't actually know what modern books are best--I learned from books that were old when I read them many years ago--but this one has great reviews and is titled Complete Bike Owners Manual
miata book 1
miata book 2
i really dont think you should get him any mods/parts
www.jeepforum.com and www.cherokeeforum.com are great resources for mods, repairs, etc...
Buy a Chilton or Haynes repair manual too. Ive linked one below on amazon but can also be purchased at your local parts store. These are AMAZING resources for repairing your XJ including pictures and detailed directions. Once you've tackled a few minor repairs yourself, you'll feel like you can repair anything with the right tools and patience.
https://www.amazon.com/Jeep-Cherokee-Wagoneer-Comanche-Manuals/dp/1563925400/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473791814&sr=8-1&keywords=jeep+cherokee+XJ+manual
https://www.amazon.com/How-Build-Performance-Pontiac-Design/dp/1884089674
Since you're new to painting, I'd like to recommend a book I read a few years back. I felt it had a lot of good information for a beginner. http://www.amazon.com/How-Paint-Your-Budget-Cartech/dp/1932494227/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1453735120&sr=8-2&keywords=how+to+paint+your+car
I've had luck in the past painting with PPG shopline and restoration shop paints from TCP Global. The TCP Global single stage urethane was really affordable and has held up well on a daily driven 1973 MGB GT. http://www.tcpglobal.com/Automotive-Paint/Restoration-Shop/
As for some of the other posts, Rustoleum paint jobs aren't the way to go. In five or ten years you won't be thanking yourself for rolling on oil based enamel all over your car.
In addition to the book by John Muir, which is very good and easy to understand, you should also consider purchasing the Haynes manual which is somewhat more technically organized. Like the Muir book, it can be found on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Beetle-Karmann-through-Models-Haynes/dp/1850107297/ref=pd_bxgy_14_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1850107297&pd_rd_r=KHVFJ8WT10F35VFAVHAV&pd_rd_w=DqtqG&pd_rd_wg=6ksIa&psc=1&refRID=KHVFJ8WT10F35VFAVHAV
EDIT: and you might find the SAMBA website useful: www.thesamba.com
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0060959843
Hell, PM me your mom's address and I'll send it to her.
This book.
The Complete Book of Locks & Locksmithing is a good reference book & How to Pick Locks with Improvised Tools has a bunch of info on the theory of lockpicking so you can imporvise.
"I'm like Miles Davis with a 12-guage." - Gunther
Want to learn everything about a car in one shot (well, not really, but mostly!)?
http://www.amazon.com/Build-Your-Own-Sports-Car/dp/1844253910/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_1
Build one from scratch, or look at how it's built from scratch. I've started on my Locost (a scratch built lotus 7 replica), it's a long term project, but you can learn A LOT from the forums/book/ combination of both without actually building one. It'll show you how your car works on the most basic level. Once this understanding is in place you can fearlessly say, "yes, I want to make a mid-engined dual wishbone suspension honda civic" And mean it even.
http://www.locostusa.com/forums/
A lot of the guy on their only have a BASIC buzz box welder (i.e. cheap) and some harbor freight cutting/grinding tools and have made it happen. But even if you don't want to build a car from scratch, the ideas developed here can aid any "homebrew" car modder (i.e. broke).
https://www.amazon.com/Modify-Your-Nissan-Datsun-Engine/dp/1931128049
buy this, read this.
page 55, "Standard cylinder-head thickness-distance between top and bottom surfaces- is 4.218in"
see if VPM Company Inc, Tuscon Az has shims.
For books that won't show off the board at all I would recommend you to buy this one: https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Bike-Owners-Manual/dp/1465459154 The Complete Bike Owners Manual.
"The Complete Bike Owner's Manual is a complete reference of repairs and maintenance for the do-it-yourself bicycle owner. Check the diagnostic spreads, which go from symptom to solution and include a toolbox to show what equipment is needed for the repairs that will get your bike back on track."