The Handy Dame

The Handy Dame A handywoman with many years of experience doing all sorts of in-home projects. I come equipped with the tools needed to help you out! Call on me!

Need someone to replace, repair, or respond to a variety of work needed at your home or business?

Refreshed a tired and well meaning pond. A few days of hard and heavy work but it’s already attracting the birds and ho...
05/09/2026

Refreshed a tired and well meaning pond. A few days of hard and heavy work but it’s already attracting the birds and hopefully other little natural helpers!

Not a fun project but it was time to clean out the pond 🤮😭😳 a work in progress. Greenery for oxygen coming soon! Lovin...
03/29/2026

Not a fun project but it was time to clean out the pond 🤮😭😳 a work in progress. Greenery for oxygen coming soon! Loving the spring! These little guys were hearty this winter!

Today was the second part of the hood solar panel wiring. Fished 10 AWG wiring through the engine firewall gasket by pu...
03/28/2026

Today was the second part of the hood solar panel wiring. Fished 10 AWG wiring through the engine firewall gasket by puncturing through carefully after clearing vehicle cabin. Area, under passenger dash was tight and tricky. Removed glove box, peeled back some trim. Trimmed the ends of the wiring with MC4 connectors. Attached all connections and tested power bank. This solar power will be standby for any electrical needs. For those interested, look at www.lensunsolar.com!

Finished second half of stone grounds.
03/15/2026

Finished second half of stone grounds.

A few days ago I installed this “fandalier” for a new lovely client. It fit perfectly in her place!
03/15/2026

A few days ago I installed this “fandalier” for a new lovely client. It fit perfectly in her place!

It’s been a while since I’ve posted. Got so busy I just worked through projects and failed to photograph and share. Re...
03/01/2026

It’s been a while since I’ve posted. Got so busy I just worked through projects and failed to photograph and share. Recently, I have worked on my FJ Cruiser. Did the following:

Installed a front hitch receiver
Replaced skid plates
Repaired hood latch mechanism
Installed a hood solar panel

These projects tested my patience, courage, faith and life choices. In the end, I got them done.

What did I learn?

Watch what hardware your mechanic uses. Two very different bolts types, and metric sizes. Probably used a tap and die to budge it in which created a significant problem for me to extract

If your bolts are seized. Be patient, they will come out in the end using PB penetrating spray (my go-to) and the firm but gentle rocking of a breaker bar. While tightening may be counterintuitive, it somehow unlocks a frozen bolt and if repeated back and forth. Clockwise and counterclockwise, the action eventually wakes up the stuck bolt. Even if you think it’s too rounded.

When buying aftermarket parts, sometimes you have to modify to make it fit to get the job done.

Having an assortment of various sockets and ratchets are sometimes needed on the same bolt. Yes. How does that make sense? Take it from me. A change in equipment along the way is sometimes necessary.

I learned that I need one of those fancy sliding vinyl creepers.

Spending many hours under the belly of my vehicle sparked ideas for more projects and improvements.

Using my body to leverage a 35 pound hitch receiver to place from one end of the truck to another requires a special talent when working alone. On a YouTube video, the mechanic said two people were required to install. 😂. He was right. I’m just stubborn.

No pain, no gain. Forgot my thin mechanics glove and I probably need a tetanus shot now!

Okay. Enough for now. Photos to prove it happened or it doesn’t count! ✌🏼

I’m always very grateful when I can help fellow community members. In this particular case, I custom built four handrai...
03/21/2025

I’m always very grateful when I can help fellow community members. In this particular case, I custom built four handrails for an elderly couple. There was absolutely nothing helping them up the first landing which was shocking to me! I designed two then a return and another at the top of the landing. Significant care was taken to appropriately sand and soften edges for grasp and ease. The couple was so happy and immediately started showing off their new handrails. Even posing! 💕

Friends, Please notice a change to the name of my business. Formerly known as The DIY Dame, is now The Handy Dame, LLC....
03/17/2025

Friends,

Please notice a change to the name of my business. Formerly known as The DIY Dame, is now The Handy Dame, LLC. The new name more closely aligns with the work that I do. Your continued support is highly appreciated! Please share and spread the word!

Over time, I plan to build a website. Many don’t follow social media, so a website can reach an alternate audience.

The adventure of my work has been phenomenal and I’m enjoying it immensely. I continue to add more skills, and services to my repertoire, and for that I am grateful!

Thank you all once again, my heart is full and happy!

Monica - aka The Handy Dame 💕

Been working multiple projects at once. So much is weather dependent. Today was a great day for it. Final bits for a ...
03/14/2025

Been working multiple projects at once. So much is weather dependent. Today was a great day for it. Final bits for a stair rail set for a client. Finishing up a second cedar platform for a Little Free Library to replace former one, started working on black walnut for a future table, and delicately removed pallet wood planks for a future project.

Last year, The DIY Dame built a Little Free Library (LFL) for a wonderful client and her community. The temporary platf...
03/12/2025

Last year, The DIY Dame built a Little Free Library (LFL) for a wonderful client and her community. The temporary platform was replaced by a permanent handcrafted cedar wood one. This will hold up against outdoor elements. In addition, the base was reinforced with anchoring concrete. Overall, LFL’s are a passion project 💕

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Reston, VA
20194

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