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Handiness
TinkeringHandiness
A Sim in The Sims 3 improving their handiness skill by tinkering with an object.

For the similar skill in The Sims and The Sims 2, see Mechanical.

Handiness is a skill in The Sims 3 and The Sims 4, which replaces the mechanical skill from previous games. It allows Sims to fix and upgrade various objects.

The Sims 3[]

Balloon handy

In The Sims 3, handiness is augmented by the handy trait.

Statistics[]

  • Objects Repaired
  • Electrical Objects Repaired
  • Plumbing Objects Repaired
  • Objects Upgraded
  • Unique Upgrades Completed
  • Percent of Unique Upgrades Completed
  • Times Electrocuted

Challenges[]

Electrician
Electricians have repaired at least 10 electrical objects. The experience gained means they will never be electrocuted by an electrical object again.
Plumber
Plumbers have repaired at least 10 plumbing objects. They are so good at repairs that plumbing objects repaired by them never break again.
Tinkerer
Tinkerers have finished at least 10 unique upgrades on household items. Installing the "Unbreakable" upgrade on multiple objects only counts as one unique upgrade, so it helps to experiment with different upgrade options! Tinkerers never fail when upgrading objects.

Abilities[]

Sim will shock the sims 3

An electrocuted Sim

Level Ability Notes
1 Tinker Allows the Sim to tinker with an object to add a random upgrade
3 Upgrade (Self Cleaning) Cleanable objects can be made self-cleaning
4 Upgrade Features Fireproofing (Stove), Improved Speakers (Stereo), Silent Running (Dishwasher) Improved Jets (Hot Tub)
6 Upgrade (Unbreakable) Objects can be made unbreakable
7 Upgrade TV & Other Seems to unlock most of the remaining upgrades
10 Discount Objects in the Build Mode are cheaper

Upgrades[]

Lvl Upgrade Applicable Objects Difficulty Rating Function EP
0 Auto Refill[1] Juice keg Spanner The juice keg no longer needs to be refilled. &EP09
TS3UL Icon
1 Foghorn Helm SpannerSpannerSpannerSpanner &EP10
TS3IP Icon
2 Tech Level 2 Brain Enhancing Machine Spanner &EP09
TS3UL Icon
3 Auto Fill Water trough SpannerSpannerSpanner Automatically fills the horse's water trough. &EP05
TS3P Icon
3 Custom Doorbell Sound Door Spanner Changes the sound of the doorbell. &BG
TS3 Icon
3 Improve Speakers[2] Stereo Spanner Increases effect of "Enjoying Music" moodlet by 10. &BG
TS3 Icon
3 Self-Cleaning Plumbing, stove, all-in-one bathroom(lvl 8) Spanner This object will clean itself every time it's used. &BG
TS3 Icon
3 Silent Running Cheap dishwasher Spanner Makes the dishwasher run silently. &BG
TS3 Icon
3 Improve Speaker[2] Wall-mounted speaker SpannerSpannerSpanner &EP06
TS3ST Icon
3 Space Travel UFO SpannerSpannerSpanner Enables the ability to travel to the space with an alien's UFO. &EP08
TS3S Icon
3 Improved Jets Hot tub SpannerSpannerSpannerSpanner Changes the hot tubs' bubbles effect. &EP03
TS3LN Icon
3 Upgraded Extinguisher Fire extinguisher SpannerSpannerSpannerSpanner Requires level 5 in Firefighter profession. Sims can extinguish fire faster. The extinguisher color changes from white to orange. &EP02
TS3A Icon
4 Add Speakers Not So Routine Machine Gives Sims a fun boost whenever they use the machine. &Store
TS3Shop Icon
4 Auto Water Sprinkler Spanner Automatically waters the plants every morning. &BG
TS3 Icon
4 Cosmic Bowling Bowling lane Spanner &EP09
TS3UL Icon
4 Fireproof Stove(lvl 4), fireplace(lvl 6) SpannerSpanner Will never set things on fire. The Fireproof Homestead lifetime reward makes this upgrade useless in the active household. &BG
TS3 Icon
4 Engine Speed Helm SpannerSpannerSpannerSpanner Increases the speed of the houseboat. &EP10
TS3IP Icon
4 Improve Fire Alarm Fire alarm SpannerSpannerSpannerSpanner Requires to be in Firefighter profession. The alarm responds faster to firefighting emergencies. &EP02
TS3A Icon
4 Laser Cannons UFO SpannerSpannerSpannerSpannerSpannerSpanner Gives the ability to invade community lots with an alien's UFO. &EP08
TS3S Icon
5 Improved Pressing Nectar Maker SpannerSpannerSpanner Adds an extra one bottle of nectar on each production. &EP01
TS3WA Icon
5 Never Loses Dartboard SpannerSpannerSpannerSpanner Hacks the dartboard, allowing the Sim that hacked it to always win. &EP03
TS3LN Icon
6 Improved Crushing Trash compactor SpannerSpannerSpanner Allows Sims to store more trash. &BG
TS3 Icon
6 More Efficient Solar panel, windmill SpannerSpannerSpanner Bills are reduced by 3% (Solar Panel) and 6% (Windmill) instead of 2% and 4%. &Store
TS3Shop Icon
6 Unbreakable Electronics, plumbing, etc.[3] SpannerSpannerSpanner This object will never break. &BG
TS3 Icon
6 Clean Polymer Injection System Washing machine SpannerSpannerSpannerSpanner Makes the Fresh Clothing moodlet last longer. &EP02
TS3A Icon
6 Inkinization 2.0 Expensive tattoo chair SpannerSpannerSpannerSpanner Always gives good result when using the device. &EP02
TS3A Icon
6 Look-Good Mirrors Styling station SpannerSpannerSpannerSpanner Customers will be more likely to be satisfied with their makeovers. &EP02
TS3A Icon
7 Tech Level 3 Brain enhancing machine Spanner &EP09
TS3UL Icon
7 Auto Light Cheap fireplace SpannerSpannerSpanner The fire turns itself on whenever Sim walks into the room. &BG
TS3 Icon
7 Boost Channel Cheap TV SpannerSpannerSpanner Unlocks advance channels which are not available in cheap televisions. With higher skills, more channels can be unlocked. &BG
TS3 Icon
7 Faster Cooking Microwave oven SpannerSpannerSpanner Sims cook food with microwave faster. &BG
TS3 Icon
7 Improve Meal Quality Stove SpannerSpannerSpanner Increases the quality of cooked meals. &BG
TS3 Icon
7 Perfect Teleportation Teleportation pad SpannerSpannerSpanner Disables the possibility that Teleporter fails. &BG
TS3 Icon
7 Always Good Fortune Fortune cookie maker SpannerSpannerSpannerSpanner Always gives Sims the positive moodlet from the fortune cookies. However, with this upgrade, Sims with Loser trait or "Unlucky" moodlet will always get bad fortune. &EP01
TS3WA Icon
7 Autopilot Helm SpannerSpannerSpannerSpanner Enables autopilot mode to the houseboat. &EP10
TS3IP Icon
7 Glow Umbrella SpannerSpannerSpannerSpanner Enables the umbrella to glow when used. &EP08
TS3S Icon
8 Teleport Anywhere Not So Routine Machine Shows up as Perfect Teleportation in-game after upgrade completed. &Store
TS3Shop Icon
8 Inertial Stabilizer PlasmaPunch Gyroscopic Conductor SpannerSpannerSpanner Sims will never get nauseous again. &EP06
TS3ST Icon
8 Singing Synthesizer Karaoke machine SpannerSpannerSpanner &EP06
TS3ST Icon
8 Improved Graphics Computer, holo computer SpannerSpannerSpannerSpanner Sims gain more fun playing with computers. Technophobe Sims cannot do this upgrade. &BG
TS3 Icon
8 Wire House with Speakers Stereo SpannerSpannerSpannerSpanner "Enjoying Music" moodlet follows all around the house. The stereo interrupts sleep throughout the house instead of just nearby rooms. &BG
TS3 Icon
9 Flavor Enhancement Nectar maker SpannerSpannerSpanner Increases nectar flavor by 15%. &EP01
TS3WA Icon
9 Change Fire Color Cheap fireplace SpannerSpannerSpannerSpannerSpanner The player can choose between blue, purple, green and normal for the fire color. &BG
TS3 Icon
9 Improved Memory Food Replicator SpannerSpannerSpannerSpannerSpanner Every subsequently stored meal will have 20 copies available instead of the regular 10. &BG
TS3 Icon
10 Dimensional Gate PlasmaPunch Gyroscopic Conductor SpannerSpannerSpanner Creates a dimensional gate when the PlasmaPunch Gyroscopic Conductor is used. &EP06
TS3ST Icon

Opportunities[]

Settle an Argument
Reward: Cash
Location: Specified Sim
Description: [Sim] is a bit peeved with modern technology, and has taken the opinion that it's unreliable and breaks too often. Have a chat with [Sim] and provide a convincing argument about the greatness of modern technology. You'll earn a little money and improve your relationship with [Sim] for settling the disagreement.
Bring Back the Jams
Goal: Upgrade the Stereo and return it to [Random Sim]
Reward: Cash
Location: Specified Sim
Description: A Stereo belonging to [Sim] is barely pumping out tunes like it used to, and it's making [Sim] look really uncool. [Sim] will leave the stereo with you (in the family inventory) to Upgrade. Once you're finished, bring it back and [Sim] will pay you for the work.
Broken Laptop
Goal: Repair the Laptop and return it to [Random Sim]
Reward: Cash
Location: Specified Sim
Bad Reception
Goal: Repair the TV and return it to [Random Sim]
Reward: Cash
Description: [Sim] has a TV that's busted and there's nobody around to fix it. Take the TV set (It will be placed in your family inventory.) and whack it a few times to see if you can't get it working again. [Sim] will pay you for the repair work.
Not Music, Not Fun
Goal: Repair the Stereo and return it to [Random Sim]
Reward: Cash
Location: Specified Sim
Repair Before Jail Breaks
Goal: Fix the lock mechanism
Reward: Cash
Location: Police Station

Skill certificate[]

When a Sim in the household has achieved skill level 10, the household will get a mailed certificate:

"The Neuman Assocation for Mechanical Excellence congratulates you for achieving the very highest level of technical excellence and general handiness. Please accept this handsomely framed certificate and display it with pride knowing others will see just how skilled you are."

Glitches[]

Unbreakable and Perfect Teleportation

The player can give both Unbreakable and Perfect upgrades to the same Teleporter by taking advantage of a glitch by completing the Perfect Teleportation upgrade first, then starting a new upgrade for Unbreakable, and canceling it after only some work is done.

Unique Upgrade Update

The Solar Panel and Wind Raker or Wind Reaper will add to your unique upgrade count, but not your unique upgrades percentage or unique upgrades list.

Gallery[]

The Sims 4[]

Skill TS4 Handiness

In The Sims 4, handiness is mostly used to repair broken objects in order to not spend money by replacing them, or by calling a repairman. Handiness also determines the quality of craftable items made with the woodworking table. Raising this skill is one of the main objectives of the Nerd Brain aspiration.

Abilities[]

Level Ability Interaction
2 Basic Upgrades on Plumbing, Craft Furniture, Talk about Handiness, Purchase Upgrade Parts Upgrade, woodworking, social and computer interactions
3 Find Rare Upgrade Parts, Carve Bunny, Dragon, Horse and Elephant Sculptures Collecting and woodworking interactions
4 Advanced Upgrades on Plumbing, Craft End Tables Upgrade and woodworking interactions
5 Basic Upgrades on Kitchen Objects, Craft Bear and Lumberjack Sculptures, Brag about Handiness Upgrade, woodworking and social interactions
6 Craft Dining Tables and Dining Chairs Woodworking interactions
7 Perform Advanced Upgrades on Kitchen Objects Upgrade interactions
8 Basic Upgrades on Electronics, Craft Instruments Upgrade and woodworking interactions
9 Advanced Upgrades on Electronics, Craft Tubs Upgrade and woodworking interactions
10 Craft Toilets, Mentor other Sims Woodworking and social interactions

Learning[]

Handiness is raised by repairing and upgrading objects, as well as crafting sculptures or furniture at the woodworking table. Like with other skills, Sims can read skill books to raise their handiness. Sims who are focused will build their handiness skill faster, as well as repairing objects much quicker. Genius Sims tend to be focused more often than other Sims, making the trait to be perfect for leveling this skill. Sims who have mastered their handiness can mentor other Sims as well.

Repairing objects[]

TS4 Repairing a Toilet

A Sim repairing a toilet.

Various objects such as televisions, toilets and sinks tend to break after numerous uses by Sims. A broken object is indicated by a visual cue such as stream of water, smoke or electrical sparks, depending on the type of the object. Repairs will always work no matter how low or high the Sims' handiness skill is, though having higher handiness will make these interaction go quicker. After a Sim has successfully repaired an object, they will gain a couple upgrade parts. A scrap pile will also appear, that Sims can scavenge to gain another part or two.

If a Sim with low handiness skills tries to repair an electronic object or is standing on top of a puddle of water, there is a higher chance of the Sim getting shocked. The Sim will gain the "Seriously Fried" moodlet, which will give the +40 dazed emotion for 3 hours, and causes smoke to pour out of the Sim. If the Sim gets shocked again with the moodlet, they'll be immediately electrocuted and die. There is also a chance of the object the Sim was repairing catching fire.

Upgrading objects[]

Having a high handiness skill allows Sims to upgrade various objects, by improving their functionality and making them unbreakable. In order to upgrade objects Sims must first have the required level and upgrade parts. Upgrade parts can be found while searching through the scrap piles left from repairing, or by breaking down and salvaging electronic objects. Sims can also purchase various upgrade parts from the computer after reaching level 2. It costs §10 to buy common upgrade parts, §30 for plumbing parts, §90 for kitchen parts and §120 for electronic parts.

Upgraded objects, while costing a small fortune, provide happy moodlets for Sims that can boost their current emotions, and can also add more functionalities to objects, such as new channels on the television. Some higher quality versions of objects, such as DJ booths[TS4:GT] and robot vacuums,[TS4:C&D] will have all of the upgrades already available, though they tend to be much more costly.

List of upgrades[]

Lvl Upgrade Applicable objects Required parts Function EP
2 Sturdy Faucets Sink 2 Common Reduces how often the sink breaks. &BG
TS4 Icon
2 Superior Flush Toilet 2 Common Reduces how often the toilet breaks. &BG
TS4 Icon
2 Sturdy Faucets Bathtub 3 Common Reduces how often the bathtub breaks. &BG
TS4 Icon
2 Upgrade Water Flow Regulator Shower 2 Common Reduces how often the shower breaks. &BG
TS4 Icon
2 Climatic Hydrator Weather machine 1 Common, 1 Plumbing Increases the success chance when attempting to create rain or snow. &EP05
TS4 Seasons Icon
2 Gyroscope Durability Weather machine 1 Common, 1 Kitchen Reduces how often the weather machine breaks. &EP05
TS4 Seasons Icon
2 Humidity Chiller Weather machine 1 Common, 1 Kitchen Increases the success chance of interactions involving snow or cold. &EP05
TS4 Seasons Icon
2 Moisture Vaporator Weather machine 1 Common, 1 Plumbing Improves the success chance of attempts to clear the skies. &EP05
TS4 Seasons Icon
3 Tighten Up Graphics Gaming console 2 Common, 1 Electronic Makes playing video games gain more fun. &EP03
TS4 City Living Icon
3 Capacitive Efficiency Weather machine 1 Common, 1 Electronic Unlocks the ability to modify the current season's weather. &EP05
TS4 Seasons Icon
3 Iron Line Clothesline 3 Common Makes the clothesline unbreakable and unable to catch on fire. &SP13
TS4 Laundry Day Stuff Icon
4 Self-Cleaning Sink 1 Common, 2 Plumbing The sink will be automatically cleaned. &BG
TS4 Icon
4 Auto-Soap Dispenser Sink 3 Common, 1 Plumbing Increases the rate of gaining hygiene. &BG
TS4 Icon
4 Self-Cleaning Toilet 3 Common, 2 Plumbing The toilet will be automatically cleaned. &BG
TS4 Icon
4 Bidet Toilet 3 Common, 2 Plumbing Increases hygiene while using toilet. &BG
TS4 Icon
4 Self Cleaning Bathtub 3 Common, 1 Plumbing The bathtub will be automatically cleaned. &BG
TS4 Icon
4 Clean Coat Bathtub 3 Common, 2 Plumbing Increases the rate of gaining hygiene. &BG
TS4 Icon
4 Self-Cleaning Wall Coating Shower 2 Common, 2 Plumbing The shower will be automatically cleaned. &BG
TS4 Icon
4 Pulsating Massage Jets Shower 3 Common, 1 Plumbing Increases the rate of gaining hygiene. &BG
TS4 Icon
4 Fireguard Fireplace 3 Common, 2 Plumbing Decreases the chances of a fire starting. &BG
TS4 Icon
4 Autolight Fireplace 3 Common, 2 Plumbing The fireplace will be turned on automatically when Sims entering the room. &BG
TS4 Icon
4 Sturdy Panels Motion gaming mat 4 Common Reduces how often the motion gaming mat breaks. &BG
TS4 Icon
4 Corrective Laser Lens X-ray machine 3 Common, 2 Electronic Makes the x-ray machine scan faster. &EP01
TS4GTW Icon
4 Frictionless Scanner Rig X-ray machine 3 Common, 2 Electronic Makes the x-ray machine unbreakable. &EP01
TS4GTW Icon
4 Self-Cleaning Sauna 2 Common The sauna will be automatically cleaned. &GP02
TS4SD Icon
4 Iron Microphone Karaoke machine 3 Common, 2 Electronic Prevents the karaoke machine from breaking. &EP03
TS4 City Living Icon
5 Reinforced Door Refrigerator 4 Common Reduces how often the refrigerator breaks. &BG
TS4 Icon
5 Coated Exterior Stove 3 Common The stove will become less dirtier. &BG
TS4 Icon
5 Coated Interior Microwave oven 3 Common Takes longer to get dirty. &BG
TS4 Icon
5 Stick-Free Pot Tea brewer 3 Common Takes longer to get dirty. &BG
TS4 Icon
5 Consistently Perfect Pulls Espresso machine 2 Common, 3 Kitchen Unlocks the "Perfect Pre-Work Shot" recipe. &EP02
TS4GT Icon
5 Gizmo Redundancy Robot vacuum 2 Common, 1 Electronic Reduces how often the robot vacuum breaks. &EP04
TS4 Cats and Dogs Icon
5 Self Repairing Nanites Weather machine 2 Common, 2 Electronic Makes the weather machine unbreakable. &EP05
TS4 Seasons Icon
5 Presoak Washer 1 Common, 2 Plumbing Makes clothes wash slower, but increases the chance of them being pristine. &SP13
TS4 Laundry Day Stuff Icon
5 Lint-Less Dryer 1 Common, 1 Electric,
2 Kitchen
The dryer will no longer create lint, making laundry dry faster and preventing fires from starting. &SP13
TS4 Laundry Day Stuff Icon
6 Wireless Display Override Gaming console 3 Common, 2 Electronic Allows the gaming console to take control over the display of nearby video screens. &EP03
TS4 City Living Icon
6 Wireless Display Override Karaoke machine 3 Common, 4 Electronic Allows the karaoke machine to take control over the display of nearby video screens. &EP03
TS4 City Living Icon
6 Gyro-Compactor Robot vacuum 4 Common Increases the amount of trash that can be cleaned before becoming full. &EP04
TS4 Cats and Dogs Icon
6 Whisper Quiet Washer 1 Common, 1 Plumbing, 1 Electric Makes the washer run more silently. &SP13
TS4 Laundry Day Stuff Icon
6 Laundry Additive Tray Washer 1 Common, 3 Kitchen Unlocks the ability to add pleasant or foul scents to loads of laundry. &SP13
TS4 Laundry Day Stuff Icon
6 Whisper Quiet Dryer 1 Common, 1 Kitchen,
1 Electric
Makes the dryer run more silently. &SP13
TS4 Laundry Day Stuff Icon
7 Fresh Maker Refrigerator 2 Common, 3 Kitchen Improves the overall quality of food. &BG
TS4 Icon
7 Fridge of Steel Refrigerator 2 Common, 3 Kitchen Greatly reduces how often the refrigerator breaks. &BG
TS4 Icon
7 Self-Cleaning Stove 3 Common, 3 Kitchen The stove will be automatically cleaned. &BG
TS4 Icon
7 Heat Sensor Stove 2 Common, 2 Kitchen Improves the overall quality of the food. &BG
TS4 Icon
7 Self Cleaning Microwave oven 2 Common, 2 Kitchen The microwave oven will be automatically cleaned. &BG
TS4 Icon
7 Flavor Enhancer Microwave oven 2 Common, 3 Kitchen Improves the overall quality of food. &BG
TS4 Icon
7 Self-Cleaning Tea/Coffee brewer 2 Common, 2 Kitchen The tea/coffee brewer will be automatically cleaned. &BG
TS4 Icon
7 Infuser Tea/Coffee bewer 3 Common, 2 Kitchen Improves the overall quality of tea/coffee. &BG
TS4 Icon
7 Increase Cleaning Speed Dishwasher 1 Plumbing, 1 Kitchen Speeds up the wash cycle. &BG
TS4 Icon
7 Make Extra Reliable Dishwasher 2 Common Reduces how often the dishwasher breaks. &BG
TS4 Icon
7 Make Run Quieter Dishwasher 1 Common, 1 Kitchen Makes the dishwasher run silently. &BG
TS4 Icon
7 Make Unbreakable Dishwasher 2 Common, 2 Kitchen Makes the dishwasher unbreakable. &BG
TS4 Icon
7 Pitch Enchancer Karaoke machine 5 Common, 3 Electronic Allows Sims to sing with computer-assisted precision. &EP03
TS4 City Living Icon
7 Waterproof Mechanisms Robot vacuum 2 Common, 2 Plumbing Allows the robot vacuum to clean liquid messes. &EP04
TS4 Cats and Dogs Icon
7 Speed Cycle Washer 2 Common, 1 Plumbing, 1 Electric Makes the washer clean laundry more quickly. &SP13
TS4 Laundry Day Stuff Icon
7 Speed Cycle Dryer 2 Common, 2 Electric Makes the dryer dry laundry more quickly. &SP13
TS4 Laundry Day Stuff Icon
8 Better Components Television 4 Common Reduces how often the television breaks. &BG
TS4 Icon
8 Better Components Stereo 3 Common Reduces how often the stereo breaks. &BG
TS4 Icon
8 ECC RAM Computer 5 Common Reduces how often the computer breaks. &BG
TS4 Icon
8 Crytacoo Casing Motion gaming mat 3 Common, 3 Electronic Makes the object unbreakable. &BG
TS4 Icon
8 Reinforce Telescopic Pivots Backyard observatory 2 Common Redcues how often the telescope breaks. &BG
TS4 Icon
8 Robustify Inner Workings Microscope 2 Common Reduces how often the microscope breaks. &BG
TS4 Icon
8 Steel Centrifuge Chemical analyzer None Makes the chemical analyzer unbreakable. &EP01
TS4GTW Icon
8 Unbreakable Upgrade Gaming console 3 common, 2 Electronic Makes the gaming console unbreakable. &EP03
TS4 City Living Icon
8 Sonic Dampeners Robot vacuum 2 Common, 2 Electronic Sounds reduced while running, drawing less pet attention. &EP04
TS4 Cats and Dogs Icon
8 Temporal Modifier Unit Weather machine 3 Common, 3 Electronic Allows the weather machine to advance the season. &EP05
TS4 Seasons Icon
8 Tungsten Drum Washer 2 Plumbing, 2 Electric Reduces how often the washer breaks. &SP13
TS4 Laundry Day Stuff Icon
8 Tungsten Drum Dryer 1 Kitchen,
3 Electric
Reduces how often the dryer breaks. &SP13
TS4 Laundry Day Stuff Icon
9 Super Reception Television 4 Common, 2 Electronic Adds the fireplace and music channels. &BG
TS4 Icon
9 Firaxium Wiring Television 3 Common, 3 Electronic Makes the television unbreakable. &BG
TS4 Icon
9 Super Reception Stereo 4 Common, 2 Electronic Adds the retro radio station. &BG
TS4 Icon
9 Firaxium Wiring Stereo 3 Common, 2 Electronic Makes the stereo unbreakable. &BG
TS4 Icon
9 IP Spoofer Computer 4 Common, 3 Electronic Makes hacking more successful. &BG
TS4 Icon
9 Better Video Card Computer 5 Common, 3 Electronic Makes playing video games gain more fun. &BG
TS4 Icon
9 eMotion Engine Motion gaming mat 4 Common, 4 Electronic Makes playing video games gain more fun. &BG
TS4 Icon
9 Augment Telescopic Eyepiece Backyard observatory 2 Common Increases the chances of success when using the telescope. &BG
TS4 Icon
9 Improve Lens Quality Microscope 2 Common Increases the chance for success when in use. &BG
TS4 Icon
9 Perfect Inner Workings Microscope 2 Common Makes the microscope unbreakable. &BG
TS4 Icon
9 Waterproof Circuitry Sauna 2 Common, 2 Plumbing Makes the sauna unbreakable. &GP02
TS4SD Icon
9 Turbo-Charge Robot vacuum 2 Common, 3 Electronic Speeds up the robot vacuum's movement, idle and scan-time. &EP04
TS4 Cats and Dogs Icon
9 Upgrade to Never Break Pet surgery station 3 Common, 2 Electronic Makes the pet surgery station unbreakable. &EP04
TS4 Cats and Dogs Icon
10 Precision Temperature Probe Sauna 4 Common, 2 Electronic Makes for better relaxation. &GP02
TS4SD Icon

Woodworking[]

TS4 Woodworking

Crafting furniture with the woodworking table.

Main article: Woodworking Table


Handiness is also greatly affected by woodworking, which composes of crafting various forms of sculptures and unique furniture. Sims can start crafting at any level, though at lower levels of handiness they will have probabilities of crafting bad quality items. The sculptures can range from small decorations such as knife blocks to animals like bunnies, dragons and horses. Chairs and tables are usually the first forms of furniture that Sims can craft, before moving into actual functioning objects such as instruments, bathtubs and toilets at the highest levels.

All crafted items will have various levels of quality, ranging from poor, normal and excellent. Poor quality furniture will have jagged looks and be uncomfortable for Sims. Excellent items, however, sell for much higher prices and have better stats on comfort and environment. Being focused will help immensely with woodworking, increasing the chances of crafting items of excellent quality. Sims who are experiencing specific emotions and have reached level two in handiness can also craft emotional sculptures.

The Sims 3 (smartphone)[]

Handinessminigame

The repair minigame.

In The Sims 3, World Adventures, and Ambitions for smartphone, objects will occasionally break without reason. A broken object will make a crashing/sparking sound when it breaks, and electrical sparks will emit from it. The object will not function until it is fixed.

Directing your sim to fix the object will begin the repair minigame. The minigame will provide a tutorial the first time an object is repaired. The player will be timed by a timer visible in the top right corner. The player will have to drag all broken (sparking) pieces from the panel to the trash can, then replace them with a matching new part. Once all broken parts are replaced, the object will be fixed, and your sim will gain some handiness skill.

A repair kit must be purchased at the store (accessible in town mode) to allow for objects to be repaired.

References[]

  1. Sims need to at least learn handiness once and fill up the skill bar just partially, not necessarily earn 1 level, in order to allow them upgrade the juice keg.
  2. 2.0 2.1 "Improve Speaker" on wall-mounted speaker counts as a different upgrade from the "Improve Speakers" on stereo.
  3. Jukebox and PlasmaPunch Gyroscopic Conductor requires level 1 and 5 handiness for "Unbreakable" upgrade, respectively.
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