How Do You Best Learn About Mechanical Stuff?

[sanddrag]

Well, the thread title says it all. Let's hear from you. Please share your learning experiences as well.

For me personally, I learn the best by just tinkering with stuff - taking things apart.

I recently helped a friend lift his 1997 Ford Ranger pickup. I now have enormous understanding as to how the Twin I Beam suspension system works. Before now, it was just a black hole of a mystery in my head.

I also bought a used gas powered weedwacker the other day. I took it all apart and now I know just what it takes to make that string whip around so fast.

So, what did you learn and how did you learn it?