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A great way to save money on buying things or repairing them is to DIY them. All it takes is a bit of creativity, a few tools and materials, and perhaps a Youtube tutorial on your phone. Crafting up a trendy headboard or a garden bed can also be therapeutic and helps us to let out our emotions, reducing stress and anxiety. 

However, today we’re taking DIYing to the next level with the "Red Neck Engineering" subreddit. This community enjoys sharing quite unorthodox crafts and fixer-uppers, from ceiling fans in cars to patching up roofs with vinyl records. Scroll down to find more examples, and don’t forget to upvote the ones you wish you had thought of yourself.

While you're at it, be sure to check out a conversation with experienced home DIYer and content writer at Hardy Home DIY Solutions, John Coleman, who kindly agreed to tell us when we should think twice about DIYing something.

#1

Needed A Place To Wash My Hands In Detached Garage

Needed A Place To Wash My Hands In Detached Garage

TeamOilDrop Report

#2

French Unions Have Designed Special Barbecues That Fit In Tram Tracks, So They Can Grill Sausages While They March

French Unions Have Designed Special Barbecues That Fit In Tram Tracks, So They Can Grill Sausages While They March

standardkillchain Report

"I think many people use [the redneck engineering] term when they see a project that utilizes materials, tools, or methods in ways other than they were originally intended to be used," says experienced home DIYer and content writer at Hardy Home DIY Solutions, John Coleman to Bored Panda.

"I am appreciative of the thought, creativity, and effort that goes into coming up with these unconventional solutions. However, I think it all comes down to the quality, durability, and visual appeal of the finished project," he notes.

#4

Cut A Nerve And Lost 1/3 Mobility In My Finger. This Frankenstein Prosthetic My Dad And I Made Helps Me Regain Most Of It Back

Cut A Nerve And Lost 1/3 Mobility In My Finger. This Frankenstein Prosthetic My Dad And I Made Helps Me Regain Most Of It Back

ReaperOne Report

#5

Introducing The Stroopwafelholdenator 1000

Introducing The Stroopwafelholdenator 1000

GreenEggPage Report

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#6

Kept Burning My Neck So I Duct-Taped A Ripped Glove To My Helmet

Kept Burning My Neck So I Duct-Taped A Ripped Glove To My Helmet

Itchy-Ad-4314 Report

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Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
Community Member
10 hours ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Overhead welding is real pain in the neck. Trust me, I've done it and have the scars to prove it.

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When he tackles a DIY project that is related to home maintenance and improvement, he does his best to research methods and find tools and materials made specifically for the task at hand.

"I want it to be safe and last as long as possible," Coleman explains.

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However, not everything can be DIYed, especially when we lack skills for it and Coleman seems to agree. "I think it is better to think twice before tackling a DIY project if you have no prior experience related to the project or have not researched the topic thoroughly. It is also important to consider what could happen if you mess up or if something goes wrong. Could significant damage be caused that is too costly to fix? Could you or someone else potentially get hurt?"

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#10

Found This In A Store In Texas

Found This In A Store In Texas

DirtyRatLicker Report

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Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
Community Member
10 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But if you really want to get Texans to buy into solar energy, you need to invent a solar powered gun.

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#11

Someone On Marketplace Is Selling A Picnic Table Boat

Someone On Marketplace Is Selling A Picnic Table Boat

Rough_Community_1439 Report

#12

His And Hers Dui Special

His And Hers Dui Special

KingCodyBill Report

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GREYNOOK
Community Member
9 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

yeah we have this locally, bikes attached with a side seat to prevent the driver running through main roads & small alleys if he has done something wrong

Even with over 20 years of experience doing home DIY projects and everyday maintenance tasks, there have been cases when he thought better of tackling a project. "I had reservations about my skill set or I had an uneasy feeling about it. I ended up hiring a professional and felt confident with the results when the project was completed," he shared.

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The DIY tasks (if the person doesn't have the skills for it) that Coleman advises to skip altogether are electrical projects or structure-altering projects. "If electrical projects are not wired correctly, it could either not work, cause a fire, or result in an injury. Altering a structure, such as removing walls or cutting joists, could compromise the stability of the whole structure," he warns.

#16

No Cup Holders? Got The Solution

No Cup Holders? Got The Solution

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zims
Community Member
11 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In an accident everything not bolted or buckled down becomes a projectile.

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#18

My Son's Library Book Got Wet. Here's My Attempt At Drying It Out. Is Getting The Pages Flat Again Even A Thing?

My Son's Library Book Got Wet. Here's My Attempt At Drying It Out. Is Getting The Pages Flat Again Even A Thing?

arryripper Report

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Glen Ellyn
Community Member
10 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The comb makes sense to separate the pages, but you can just stand the book up, open the covers and then use the comb. I've only had to dry a book once and that's how I did it. Plus, I put the book on the floor in front of my refrigerator so that the "exhaust" air that exited from the bottom of the fridge would gently blow on the pages. The book actually dried in just a couple of hours.

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Coleman also agreed to provide us with a few tips on fixing things on the budget so it doesn't turn out to be another case of redneck engineering. "The top tip I can offer is to be thorough with project planning. It is important to set a budget that allows for unexpected costs and then stick to it."

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#20

Friend Of Mine Sent Me This. Dual Purpose Drill Press

Friend Of Mine Sent Me This. Dual Purpose Drill Press

PanaxWolf Report

Before speeding to the hardware store and buying the materials, he recommends breaking the project into smaller parts. "Price everything needed for each phase of the plan and then compare it to the set budget. If the cost is over your budget, then go back and downsize the plan, consider correct but lower-cost materials, or delay completing the project until the budget can be increased."

#23

Why Isn't This A Thing?

Why Isn't This A Thing?

Axle_Geek_092 Report

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zims
Community Member
11 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If the spigot is on the side it won't let the dredges of the oil drain, leading to sludge at the bottom.

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#24

My DIY Outdoor Access Point

My DIY Outdoor Access Point

ScienceWasLove Report

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"Launching a DIY project without proper planning will likely result in going over budget," he adds. "Then, you will find yourself trying to decrease costs by any means necessary, such as cutting corners or considering cheaper methods to finish the job."

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#25

Loads Of Tree Business On The Ground This Time Of Year

Loads Of Tree Business On The Ground This Time Of Year

NotThatMat Report

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Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
Community Member
10 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can tell what it does but I can't figure out what it's for. It's basically a giant vacuum cleaner. Are there people who vacuum their entire lawn?

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#27

Grandbabies Wanted To Play In The Sprinkler. We Don’t Have A Sprinkler

Grandbabies Wanted To Play In The Sprinkler. We Don’t Have A Sprinkler

stump0331 Report

#30

I’m At A Loss For Words

I’m At A Loss For Words

Tjeerd001 Report

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Glen Ellyn
Community Member
10 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How the heck did they get it up there?? For Pete's sake, they've got a hitch on the back of the pickup truck. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

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#31

Them Bolts Ain’t Going Anywhere Any Time Soon

Them Bolts Ain’t Going Anywhere Any Time Soon

CFK_NL Report

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Barong
Community Member
10 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Aircraft bolts would be the way to go. Then it’s just a matter of getting the right torque and wiring the heads in the right direction so they don’t back out.

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#32

Where Else But A Walmart Parking Lot

Where Else But A Walmart Parking Lot

Jimmeh1313 Report

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zims
Community Member
11 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Van life on a budget. At least they know it's ridiculous, if they're encouraging people to sign it.

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#33

This Bus… Thing

This Bus… Thing

MythsBusted Report

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Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
Community Member
10 hours ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Those were common with the Forest Service when I was a kid back in the 80s. It's for fighting forest fires. Crew in the front, gear in the back. That's the original crew cab.

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#35

Footballs To Increase Payload On My Economy Car

Footballs To Increase Payload On My Economy Car

grundlemon Report

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Yellow dot
Community Member
10 hours ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't understand what its for and what COULD go wrong because frankly, I dont know what I'm looking at.

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#37

A Magnet Placed In Just The Right Spot Will Stop The High Pitched Coil Whine On An Old Power Adapter

A Magnet Placed In Just The Right Spot Will Stop The High Pitched Coil Whine On An Old Power Adapter

strangebutalsogood Report

#39

New Use For Pallets

New Use For Pallets

OlderNerd Report

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Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
Community Member
10 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There's a Chep Pallet up three from the bottom. Chep is a pallet company who leases pallets and paints them all blue to mark them and make sure they come back. They started out at the end of WWII and I read way too much Wikipedia.

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#40

The Custom Shower Head

The Custom Shower Head

slappywhite55 Report

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Justanotherpanda
Community Member
4 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's not stupid if it works. Not sure if this is cheaper than buying a cheap showerhead though.

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#42

Got Annoyed Shuffling The Vac Around The Table I’m Sanding

Got Annoyed Shuffling The Vac Around The Table I’m Sanding

YeetusMyDiabeetus Report

#43

That’s One Way To Do It I Guess?

That’s One Way To Do It I Guess?

SirZanee Report

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Rafael
Community Member
9 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unfortunately they will degrade with sun, become brittle and snap due to tension. How I know this is left as an exercise for the reader.

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#46

This Is Brilliant. Even Retains Dome Light Function

This Is Brilliant. Even Retains Dome Light Function

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#47

Neighbors Cut Down A Tree In The Backyard And Decorated The Front With It

Neighbors Cut Down A Tree In The Backyard And Decorated The Front With It

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#48

Is This Technically Safe ?

Is This Technically Safe ?

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Glen Ellyn
Community Member
9 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't think so. That mower doesn't look heavy enough to offset the weight of the baby. Not to mention putting a baby that close to spinning blades. It's just asking for a disaster of some kind.

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#50

I Refuse To Buy 'Unitasker' Kitchen Gadgets So I Made This Cherry Pitter

I Refuse To Buy 'Unitasker' Kitchen Gadgets So I Made This Cherry Pitter

mbhudson1 Report

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Tiger
Community Member
7 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hate on unitasker kitchen gadgets all you want but I absolutely love my apple corer and garlic press. They make my life easier.

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#54

I Got A Hundred Buck That Says This Is Gulf Coast

I Got A Hundred Buck That Says This Is Gulf Coast

TheNextBitcoin Report

#55

Wife Needed A Cap For A Spray Can Before Packing In Luggage

Wife Needed A Cap For A Spray Can Before Packing In Luggage

ItsAChainReactionWOO Report

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#57

Oh Facebook… Never Change… (Or Do Idc)

Oh Facebook… Never Change… (Or Do Idc)

sc4tterbr4ined Report

#58

Using A Cymbal As An Air Filter Lid “It Ain't Stupid If It Works.”

Using A Cymbal As An Air Filter Lid “It Ain't Stupid If It Works.”

R3DD1T0RR3NT Report

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Shaggy
Community Member
9 minutes ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Had a Pie Pan on my Fiat back in the day... Not sure if today's version would be hefty enough...

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#59

I Genuinely Don’t Know What I’m Looking At

I Genuinely Don’t Know What I’m Looking At

ThillyGooths Report

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Geoffrey Scott
Community Member
3 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Truck's too light (1/2 ton) for application...needs at least a 2500 3/4 ton

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#60

No Replacement Available

No Replacement Available

longlostwalker Report

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zims
Community Member
11 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is fine, the straps are holding it in place while the glue dries, and the bottles are cushions. It's sustainable recycling.

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#61

Got Any Idea What Jim Bob Is Trying To Accomplish Here? Other Than Cleaning 3 Hardware Stores Out Of Washers?

Got Any Idea What Jim Bob Is Trying To Accomplish Here? Other Than Cleaning 3 Hardware Stores Out Of Washers?

KingCodyBill Report

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Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
Community Member
10 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's a good way to lose your boat on the highway. A few speed bumps would break that.

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#63

Having Some Doubts About This Tire Place

Having Some Doubts About This Tire Place

HippieSexCult Report

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Rafael
Community Member
9 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know this is probably not the case, but wouldn't it be funny if those are fake welds made with bondo, just to scare thieves?

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#64

Pls Rate My Glorious Invention So My Parent's Can't Just Walk In (Yes The Door Is Only Openenbel With A Pair Of Pliers)

Pls Rate My Glorious Invention So My Parent's Can't Just Walk In (Yes The Door Is Only Openenbel With A Pair Of Pliers)

slavikperson Report

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#67

It's Quite Basic, But I'm Proud Of It

It's Quite Basic, But I'm Proud Of It

I'm in a hotel, and there is only 1 socket that I can use to charge my phone. However, it's quite worn out, and the charger kept moving down and not charging. I propped it up with and empty water bottle on the mounted hair dryer, and then held it up with my gf's hair band. I know it's simple and stupid, but I'm proud of it

Crane_Train Report

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Ali H M Salehuddin
Community Member
9 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm guessing every single one of us here has done something similar to this at one point or another in our life.

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#69

My Dad Made A New Dash For His Truck

My Dad Made A New Dash For His Truck

d4v3k7 Report

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Tiger
Community Member
7 hours ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is the “before” image - click on the grey username “d4v3k7” on the left side below the image to see the “after” - it’s actually not too shabby!

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#72

I Don't Even Like Looking The Photo Of This, Much Less Using It

I Don't Even Like Looking The Photo Of This, Much Less Using It

TheNextBitcoin Report

#73

Looks Like This Communication Tower Panel Was Overheating. Engineers Back At Corporate Would Have Spent 6 Months On A Solution. Seen In Slc

Looks Like This Communication Tower Panel Was Overheating. Engineers Back At Corporate Would Have Spent 6 Months On A Solution. Seen In Slc

Sloberstinky Report

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#75

Ok, Which One Of You Did This?

Ok, Which One Of You Did This?

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#76

Gotta Be Like A Meat Locker!

Gotta Be Like A Meat Locker!

Desperate_Set_7708 Report

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#77

When You're Not Made Out Of Money

When You're Not Made Out Of Money

FatFuckinPieceOfShit Report

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Barong
Community Member
10 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or you are OK with risking a blowout and causing an accident that can injure or kill yourself and others.

#78

Brace On Container Ship's Failed Transformer That Caused The Baltimore Bridge Crash Earlier This Year

Brace On Container Ship's Failed Transformer That Caused The Baltimore Bridge Crash Earlier This Year

poodlestroopwafel Report

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#79

Used Heat Reflector To Jump My Watt Input

Used Heat Reflector To Jump My Watt Input

g_master_b Report

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WindySwede
Community Member
9 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wrong image! https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpreview.redd.it%2Fused-heat-reflector-to-jump-my-watt-input-v0-n0e8pvpvvcid1.jpg%3Fwidth%3D640%26crop%3Dsmart%26auto%3Dwebp%26s%3D22730e434e54da88837fc4096f869fdbfc86fb63

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#80

A Shotgun Concealed In The Hood Of A Car Rigged To Fire From A Switch Located In The Passenger Area

A Shotgun Concealed In The Hood Of A Car Rigged To Fire From A Switch Located In The Passenger Area

-Gavin- Report

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Barong
Community Member
10 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People be crazy. This person fantasizes about violence and a scenario where they think they will need this.

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