Pay attention here ladies. Brains and charm are fine, but a real guy needs to know how to do real stuff.
After months of debate among Popular Mechanic’s expert editors, here’s our lineup of essential skills, broken down in 10 categories for the competent man — plus 20 tools you need to own.
Did we leave anything out — or included a skill you don’t think is worthy? Take Popular Mechanic’s interactive Do-It-Yourself quiz to see how you measure up!
Automotive
1. Handle a blowout
2. Drive in snow
3. Check trouble codes
4. Replace fan belt
5. Wax a car
6. Conquer an off-road obstacle
7. Use a stick welder
8. Hitch up a trailer
9. Jump start a car
Handling Emergencies
10. Perform the Heimlich
11. Reverse hypothermia
12. Perform hands-only CPR
13. Escape a sinking car
