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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.

#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

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#3

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

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"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.

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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

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Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
Community Member
1 day 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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#12

Someone On Marketplace Is Selling A Picnic Table Boat

Someone On Marketplace Is Selling A Picnic Table Boat

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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.

#13

Found This In A Store In Texas

Found This In A Store In Texas

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Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
Community Member
1 day 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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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

His And Hers Dui Special

His And Hers Dui Special

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GREYNOOK
Community Member
1 day 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

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#17

I’m At A Loss For Words

I’m At A Loss For Words

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Glen Ellyn
Community Member
1 day 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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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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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

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?

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Glen Ellyn
Community Member
1 day 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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#24

No Cup Holders? Got The Solution

No Cup Holders? Got The Solution

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zims
Community Member
1 day 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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"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."

#25

Friend Of Mine Sent Me This. Dual Purpose Drill Press

Friend Of Mine Sent Me This. Dual Purpose Drill Press

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#26

The Custom Shower Head

The Custom Shower Head

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Justanotherpanda
Community Member
1 day 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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#27

Why Isn't This A Thing?

Why Isn't This A Thing?

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zims
Community Member
1 day 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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#29

My Way Of Heating A Pool

My Way Of Heating A Pool

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Christopher Crockett
Community Member
1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He's drawing water from the pool using one hose, then routing it through coils of black hose on a dark table and back into the pool. The black hose and dark table will heat the water as it passes through. Just make sure to use a slower pump so the water has time to heat on the way.

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

If the goal is a whole pool of warm water, the speed of the pump makes very little difference

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Melinda Flick
Community Member
1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I knew a man who did that black hose trick on his rooftop in Southern California. In ground pool. I can attest that his pool got TOASTY warm. It got hot enough that he didn't have to run the pump to circulate the water for long before the pool was warm enough. It looked horrible, but it worked really well.

Shelby Moonheart
Community Member
1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My friends did something like this. They ran water over a black plastic panel that was tilted into the swimming pool.

Jeremy Klaxon
Community Member
16 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Having a black lined pool would work much better (way much light caught) and free

Hoi-Polloi
Community Member
1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wonder if it would've worked just to toss the black hose into the pool.

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

5/8 black hose curled up on the black platform, 5/8 hose supply and return, small pump to move it.

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#31

Where Else But A Walmart Parking Lot

Where Else But A Walmart Parking Lot

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zims
Community Member
1 day 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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#32

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

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Ali H M Salehuddin
Community Member
1 day 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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#33

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

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#34

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

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

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#35

Them Bolts Ain’t Going Anywhere Any Time Soon

Them Bolts Ain’t Going Anywhere Any Time Soon

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Barong
Community Member
1 day 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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#39

Loads Of Tree Business On The Ground This Time Of Year

Loads Of Tree Business On The Ground This Time Of Year

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Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
Community Member
1 day 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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#42

I Got A Hundred Buck That Says This Is Gulf Coast

I Got A Hundred Buck That Says This Is Gulf Coast

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#43

Oh Facebook… Never Change… (Or Do Idc)

Oh Facebook… Never Change… (Or Do Idc)

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#44

That’s One Way To Do It I Guess?

That’s One Way To Do It I Guess?

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Rafael
Community Member
1 day 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 Bus… Thing

This Bus… Thing

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Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
Community Member
1 day 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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#47

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
1 day 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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#48

Needed To Borrow My Dad’s Belt Sander. How I Found It

Needed To Borrow My Dad’s Belt Sander. How I Found It

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Tracy J
Community Member
1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The spray foam will hold it upside down so it can be used as a table belt sander.

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#49

New Use For Pallets

New Use For Pallets

OlderNerd Report

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Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
Community Member
1 day 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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#50

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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Note: this post originally had 80 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.