Some people build fences or plant flowers in their backyards. Others build contraptions that raise more questions than answers. Whether it’s a trash can full of sweet tea, a DIY pool wrapped in caution tape, or footballs used as makeshift suspension, these wildly creative solutions show what happens when duct tape, overconfidence, and boredom collide. Here are 20 examples of backyard engineering that technically work but probably shouldn’t.
1. “Footballs to increase the payload on my economy car.”
“Air ride suspension.” – u/tpars
“Okay, I see the thought process. Might work for some time.” – u/bernpfenn
1. “My dad was quoted $1,200 to fix the AC. This was his ‘no cost’ solution.”
“He is about to have the original $1,200 bill for the AC, a sky-high electric bill, spoiled food and a new fridge to buy. Big brain energy.” – u/Royal-Bicycle-8147
3. “When the Airbnb locks the AC.”
“Bag of ice on the thermostat seems simpler.” – u/chadlavi
“That fire alarm is like 20 years past its useful date. That’s the real issue.” – u/Myzyri
4. “Got to love that sweet tea.”
“Hey, waiter, I ordered a large, but this seems to be a medium.” – u/evil_timmy
“Just a tad bit concerned that it took me a moment to spot what’s unusual in this photo.” – u/JustrousRestoriation
5. “Neighbor didn’t want to pay the electric bill.”
“So that’s how you jump start a motor home.” – u/laiyenha
“At least they didn’t just run an extension cord from their neighbor’s lot.” – u/404Dw
Trending on The Scroller
6. “Autofilling my pool with an old diesel handle.”
“Brilliant. Just hope that the auto shutoff still works.” – u/crm006
“Water color does make me wonder if the old diesel handle isn’t still connected to an old diesel tank.” – u/marsincharge
7. “Loads of tree business on the ground this time of year.”
“That is the most amazing shopvac that I’ve ever seen.” – u/notapreppie
“This may be a Hall of Fame moment right here.” – u/nak00010
8. “I can’t quite put my finger on what’s missing here.”
“It’s a Smart Truck.” – u/michigician
“I don’t hate it as much as I feel like I should.” – u/clockwerxs
Sign up for our newsletter
9. “Hoping to get one more winter out of my snow boots.”
“Just dip your feet in silicone and forget about the boots altogether.” – u/FoldyH
“Bro, talk to Santa.” – u/rfb724
10. “Big brain time.”
“Finally, a use for that CD player.” – u/yParticle
“One turn and the CD is pulled out with your phone on the floor.” – u/kingbuz100013
11. “If it works, it works.”
“SpongeBob and Patrick.” – u/unofficial67
“Water hose works much better.” – u/3771507
12. “Hockey puck that keeps my CPU cooler seated.”
“I’ve made motor mounts for car engines from them as well.” – u/jwhaler17
“This must be Canadian engineering.” – u/HFSafblge
13. “That’ll do, Pig.”
“I want one so bad.” – u/grrodon2
“That looks like so much fun.” – u/hoosierfan20
14. “Got tired of missing out on all the conditioner.”
“Waste by design.” – u/sqlot
“This is actually amazing.” – u/destroio
15. “Getting that extra reach with a few leftover adapters.”
“So, how to keep your local fire department busy with one simple trick.” – u/crankybot0201
“This is the dumbest thing I’ve ever seen.” – u/just-do-it01
16. “My buddy’s pool.”
“The electric lights dangling precariously along the top are the chef’s kiss.” – u/NoFleassz
“Your buddy seems cool.” – u/buddy010982
17. “Transferring air.”
“I approve.” – u/nearfarmenear
“There is nothing more permanent than a temporary solution.” – u/andr3y2000
18. “My wife wants a new dryer; it works fine.”
“Or steal a knob off a washing machine in a showroom.” – u/Universalsupporter
“You can 3D print a knob.” – u/sidgupssa
19. “Now that thing is ready to mow some grass.”
“That front brake caliper has seen some things.” – u/Thkuskal
“Cuts lawn, carries brawn.” – u/Booillka
20. “6 people have their own lock, and each person can open the gate with their own.”
More Wild and Questionable Creativity
If you enjoyed these feats of backyard brilliance, check out these other examples of chaotic ingenuity:
