In days gone by, they were life skills passed from one generation to another. But now the vast majority of young people can't manage the most basic DIY.
According to a survey, only eight per cent of 18 to 25-year-olds say they could confidently rewire a plug without help or instruction.
And only five per cent would be confident unblocking a sink, while only six per cent said they would be happy to bleed a radiator.
Just 17 per cent said they wouldn't even be confident hanging a picture, with only 12 per cent saying there were capable of using a power drill. Just four per cent said they could put up wallpaper, and more than a fifth doubted their own ability to assemble flat-pack furniture.
A spokesperson from NetVoucherCodes.co.uk, who conducted the survey, said: "In the past electrical goods came without a plug attached so it was necessary to know how to wire one.
"Now though our toasters and TVs come with the plugs already fitted so it seems wiring one is becoming something of a lost skill.
"Let's hope future generations don't lose the skills their fathers and grandfathers took for granted."
One young man who took part in the survey said: "I still have to ring up my dad for DIY help. I can just about manage to put a bookshelf together, but for anything more complicated I need his help."
A woman who took part commented: "It's very unattractive in a man not to be able to do simple jobs round the house."
Another said: "It's not the end of the world that I'm unable to do certain DIY tasks, I mean, if it weren't for people like me there'd be no work for plumbers and electricians."