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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 16, 2020, 10:45:53 PM

Title: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 16, 2020, 10:45:53 PM
Are you handy? Do you fix/mend things? List your projects here.

Currently, I plan to fix the switch (for speed) on a box fan and also repair the toaster oven (the thermal fuse blew and maybe something else). I also still have to fix the spring on the toaster, but we're using a hammer (claw end) to hold down the lever and well, that works for now.

For fun, I may buy an oscilloscope (saw some nice handheld ones online) and build an EKG (ECG) circuit using it. I wanted to do this for my Physics courses, but didn't have the time.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: ergative on July 17, 2020, 12:13:09 AM
My most recent triumph (discussed on the inhale thread) was identifying that a rattle in my kettle was due to a loose screw in the base. I removed the base, found the screw, and screwed it back into what looked like an empty screwhole. Later, the rattle reappeared, and turned out to be another screw from the same mechanism (not the one I had rescrewed earlier--a partner). I repeated the process. My kettle continues to heat water, and all is well in that corner of the kitchen.

Witness me! Wielder of the screwdriver, assembler of Ikea furniture!
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: sinenomine on July 17, 2020, 04:22:13 AM
I recently got a new computer, which didn't want to link up to my ten year old laser printer, even with the original software and drivers. Rather than cave to the obvious ploy to buy newer hardware, I dug deep into the HP site and rooted out a printer driver, so lo and behold, the new computer and "old" printer get along just fine.

Oh, and I'm really good at repairing fences — wood and electric — when my horse and his buddies take them down.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: nebo113 on July 17, 2020, 04:55:44 AM
I've been refinishing my small floor loom and discovered that some of the wood had cracked.  Wood filler to the rescue.  I broke a large ceramic pot made years ago by the husband of a high friend, so clued it back together; it might not hold water, but that isn't it's purpose.  Perhaps the most aggravating recent challenge was replacing the light underneath the microwave oven, above the stove.  Took a mirror, cursing, and standing on my head to get it firmly in place.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: marshwiggle on July 17, 2020, 05:15:35 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 16, 2020, 10:45:53 PM
Are you handy? Do you fix/mend things? List your projects here.

Currently, I plan to fix the switch (for speed) on a box fan and also repair the toaster oven (the thermal fuse blew and maybe something else). I also still have to fix the spring on the toaster, but we're using a hammer (claw end) to hold down the lever and well, that works for now.

For fun, I may buy an oscilloscope (saw some nice handheld ones online) and build an EKG (ECG) circuit using it. I wanted to do this for my Physics courses, but didn't have the time.

I just bought a DS212 this summer (to potentially use for online electronics labs in the Fall and Winter) and it's pretty cool. I also have a Smartscope USB scope, which is moire expensive, but also pretty neat.

FWIW.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: Puget on July 17, 2020, 06:38:14 AM
Since I bought my (1890, last majority renovated in the 70s) house a year ago, I've been taking on lots of DIY projects-- it's been rather empowering.

My latest was giving the bathroom a makeover-- it started with the old ugly vinyl floor tiles starting to come loose, so I decided to remove and replace them with new peel-and-stick vinyl tiles. In which case it made sense to paint first, while I didn't have to worry about the floor. In which case it also made sense to repaint the vanity and mirror frame with left over cabinet paint from the cabinet repainting I did last summer. So that turned into several weekends of project, but it looks SO much better now.

One of the most satisfying, which I did last fall after it became apparent that water was going to pour into the unfinished basement every time it rained really hard, was to put in drainage pipes to take water from the downspouts at the side of the house where it was getting in, and carry it out to near the street in front. A few hundred dollars worth of snap together components from Home Depot and a couple weekends of work, and no more water in the basement since. This spring I reinforced the system by building up a dirt berm sloping away from the foundation and getting grass growing on it.

Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: apl68 on July 17, 2020, 07:30:59 AM
I grew up in a do-it-yourself family.  We grew many of our own vegetables, cut our own firewood, and built our own sheds.  Dad built our house mostly by himself over the course of about three years, then used me and my brother to clear brush around it to make a yard.  When I turned 13 Dad had me and my brother work with him full-time each summer helping him lay bricks for a living.  And we maintained our own vehicles and lawn mowers.

Remarkably little of that has stuck with me.  I can maintain a lawn mower and do minor vehicle maintenance.  As far as maintaining stuff around the house, though, I've never done anything more complicated than replacing a flapper valve in the bathroom.  I know a little bit about fixing and maintaining photocopiers and computer hardware at my job.  Not as much as I really should in my line of work, though.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 17, 2020, 09:06:43 AM
Quote from: marshwiggle on July 17, 2020, 05:15:35 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 16, 2020, 10:45:53 PM
Are you handy? Do you fix/mend things? List your projects here.

Currently, I plan to fix the switch (for speed) on a box fan and also repair the toaster oven (the thermal fuse blew and maybe something else). I also still have to fix the spring on the toaster, but we're using a hammer (claw end) to hold down the lever and well, that works for now.

For fun, I may buy an oscilloscope (saw some nice handheld ones online) and build an EKG (ECG) circuit using it. I wanted to do this for my Physics courses, but didn't have the time.

I just bought a DS212 this summer (to potentially use for online electronics labs in the Fall and Winter) and it's pretty cool. I also have a Smartscope USB scope, which is moire expensive, but also pretty neat.

FWIW.

That is pretty cool!
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 18, 2020, 08:07:04 PM
Instead of fixing the box fan switch today, I repaired the vacuum cleaner. Well, I cleaned it out which fixed the problem- a horrible squeal. WD-40 fixes almost anything.

I did notice two small (as in 1-2 mm in diameter) pebbles stuck near one the wheel recesses. They may have been responsible for the squeal- can't prove it. But, the vacuum, she squeals no more. As Martha would say, 'That's a good thing.'
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: dismalist on July 18, 2020, 08:32:55 PM
I can fix all kinds of small things around the house. Electrics are my favorites.

A proof - from ages ago - was that my then six year old daughter was assigned for homework to write a sentence describing what her mother does and what her father does. At the time, I was adjuncting, mostly at night, so hanging around during the day. I was  terrified at what my daughter would write, you know, "My lazy father hangs around the house all day, doing nothing ..." .

After a week, what she had written had been graded and was returned home. She had written: My mother takes care of me and my father fixes things.

Sigh of relief; off the hook. :-)
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 19, 2020, 09:52:29 PM
You're off the hook, dismalist! My family, mainly my Dad, is also a do-it-yourself family.

In other news, I managed to rescan the antiquated black box that is hooked up to our CRT TV set. SO says that I am way too tenacious and stubborn I suppose.

I actually detached one of the remote buttons to make contact with the electronics (since the MENU button had vanished into a black hole). I pulled out the GUIDE button and used it to 'connect the circuit' and open up the menu so I could autoscan and get my PBS channels back. Minor triumph for the day. It's the little things.

I now have a remote button on my night table in case I need to use it again.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: Parasaurolophus on August 15, 2020, 06:49:22 PM
I'm not handy at all. I've done so much handy reno work (of so many different kinds) in my life, but I learned basically nothing.

But I did just top up the water levels in the dead Vespa battery and then charge it right up with a battery tender, which feels like something. One of the mirrors came off and won't screw back in--I think the bolt is stripped. So the project for sometime in the next week or two is to take the front casing off, get the bolt out for inspection, and try replacing it. 0_o

I also recently restored some teak deck furniture we just bought. It turned out great, and that feels like a thing I did.

Finally: I'm currently engaged in re-upholstering the dining table chairs. They're made of rosewood, and the hex bolts holding in the back rests were covered with screw plugs (lightly glued in), so dealing with that has been absolutely terrifying. I got them out okay with a forstner bit, but it was nerve-wracking. So that feels like a real accomplishment. I'm ready to start upholstering sometime next week.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: Treehugger on August 15, 2020, 07:19:33 PM
I am in awe of everyone's handiness!

Here is the sad extent of my "handiness":

I can re-attach buttons when they come off clothes.

I can change most lightbulbs (but, alas, not the ones in our cathedral ceiling even with the special light bulb-gripper tool we have). 

I have once or twice actually sharpened a kitchen knife with my automatic knife sharpener.

I "fixed" our Prius's broken tail-light cover with clear duct tape (Yes, it's legal.)

I know where our main shutoff valve is located so I can turn on/off water to the whole house at once (although I unfortunately only learned this by making a few frantic phone calls about 20 minutes after water started pouring into the house one fine day).

Is that it? Can't think of anything else ....
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: hmaria1609 on August 16, 2020, 01:52:21 PM
I can mend holes in my socks and a few other small items, that's the extent of my sewing!

I bought and have a color customized paint pen from an online auto car paint retailer to paint minor scratches on my car.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: mamselle on August 16, 2020, 02:30:41 PM
Just as important as what you fix is what you don't fix.

As in, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

;--}

M.

Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: Puget on August 16, 2020, 07:08:13 PM
Tackled the last of the summer DIY house projects this weekend--

When I bought the house a year ago, the kitchen was extremely dated looking, with fake-oak laminate cabinets with massive iron hardware and a sparkly formica counter.

Soon after moving in, I repainted the cabinets a nice blue and replaced the hardware. I also got a paint kit for the counters but didn't get around to it right away, and then it was too cold, then too hot, for keeping the windows open for days for ventilation. This weekend was cool, so I finally did the counters-- the sponge painting was rather fun (you layer 3 colors over black primer to get a granite look) and came out looking pretty good.

I also put up backsplash that is plastic but made to look like  white-painted pressed tin. I made a few errors cutting around the  power and light switches, but it's amazing what you can cover up with a little caulk, and they'll mostly be behind stuff anyway.

All in all it's looking pretty good for <$200 and a weekend of work. The last 70s vestige in the kitchen is the floor. My success with the peel-and-stick floor tiles in the bathroom makes me think I could take that on too, but it will have to wait till winter break at least I think.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: Wahoo Redux on August 16, 2020, 07:59:06 PM
Tried to fix the $8 birdfeeder that the squirrels vandalized----tore out one whole feeding perch.  I had the very bright idea of cutting off the spout of a plastic milk jug and using that as a feeding perch.  But the "Gorilla Glue" (my ass!) didn't stick at all and the seed just poured out anyway, so in the end I simply used packing tape to cover over the hole.  Now we have a birdfeeder with only one feeding perch.  The birds eat from it one at a time, and I guess I'm not so handy after all.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on August 16, 2020, 09:33:21 PM
Quote from: Puget on August 16, 2020, 07:08:13 PM
Tackled the last of the summer DIY house projects this weekend--

When I bought the house a year ago, the kitchen was extremely dated looking, with fake-oak laminate cabinets with massive iron hardware and a sparkly formica counter.

Soon after moving in, I repainted the cabinets a nice blue and replaced the hardware. I also got a paint kit for the counters but didn't get around to it right away, and then it was too cold, then too hot, for keeping the windows open for days for ventilation. This weekend was cool, so I finally did the counters-- the sponge painting was rather fun (you layer 3 colors over black primer to get a granite look) and came out looking pretty good.

I also put up backsplash that is plastic but made to look like  white-painted pressed tin. I made a few errors cutting around the  power and light switches, but it's amazing what you can cover up with a little caulk, and they'll mostly be behind stuff anyway.

All in all it's looking pretty good for <$200 and a weekend of work. The last 70s vestige in the kitchen is the floor. My success with the peel-and-stick floor tiles in the bathroom makes me think I could take that on too, but it will have to wait till winter break at least I think.

Sounds like you were very productive!

I'd like to pain the cabinets in our kitchen too. They're kind of an ivory/off-white 80's dingy color. Bleagh. I've thought about painting the counters- never done it before. I've read about people using thin layers of cement (or cement-like material) to cover the old formica and then stain or paint it.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: Puget on August 17, 2020, 07:34:06 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on August 16, 2020, 09:33:21 PM
Quote from: Puget on August 16, 2020, 07:08:13 PM
Tackled the last of the summer DIY house projects this weekend--

When I bought the house a year ago, the kitchen was extremely dated looking, with fake-oak laminate cabinets with massive iron hardware and a sparkly formica counter.

Soon after moving in, I repainted the cabinets a nice blue and replaced the hardware. I also got a paint kit for the counters but didn't get around to it right away, and then it was too cold, then too hot, for keeping the windows open for days for ventilation. This weekend was cool, so I finally did the counters-- the sponge painting was rather fun (you layer 3 colors over black primer to get a granite look) and came out looking pretty good.

I also put up backsplash that is plastic but made to look like  white-painted pressed tin. I made a few errors cutting around the  power and light switches, but it's amazing what you can cover up with a little caulk, and they'll mostly be behind stuff anyway.

All in all it's looking pretty good for <$200 and a weekend of work. The last 70s vestige in the kitchen is the floor. My success with the peel-and-stick floor tiles in the bathroom makes me think I could take that on too, but it will have to wait till winter break at least I think.

Sounds like you were very productive!

I'd like to pain the cabinets in our kitchen too. They're kind of an ivory/off-white 80's dingy color. Bleagh. I've thought about painting the counters- never done it before. I've read about people using thin layers of cement (or cement-like material) to cover the old formica and then stain or paint it.

Go for it! It really can transform a kitchen.
Both the kits I used were Giani, which I would highly recommend-- in a triumph of chemical engineering they've concocted low VOC water-based paints that will stick to just about any surface (laminate cabinets and formica counters in my case). They are fairly reasonably priced (about $70 for the cabinet kit and $80 for the countertop, and that includes brushes and rollers), and come in a variety of stylish colors. The cabinets can definitely be done in one weekend. The counter kit claims it can be done in a weekend, but with drying times you really need 3 days unless you want to have very long days, and you do have to keep things off the counter for at least 3 days afterward (recommended 2 weeks for larger appliances like microwave).

Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: apl68 on August 17, 2020, 07:39:29 AM
Not exactly a "fix"...

This morning a staff member who was cleaning public restrooms (janitor still out with COVID-19) informed me that somebody had pulled the old boys' trick of latching a stall in the men's room and then crawling out under the door.  I squinted through the cracks and saw that the stall had not been trashed or otherwise nastied up, and it hadn't had anybody in there since Friday.  So I opened it by using the only means at hand--by reversing the process the (presumed) kid had used to lock it.  The staff member was horrified to see me crawling on the bathroom floor into the stall like that.  And also relieved that I had saved her having to risk getting into any man-germs. 

Like I told another staff member some years ago, when I cleared a blockage in the drain of a restroom urinal:  "Now that you've seen me, the library director, do this, I can tell you to do anything else that needs to be done around here."
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: waterboy on August 17, 2020, 07:50:11 AM
I can fix most computer issues - given time (though my teen is rapidly eclipsing me).  I also "fix" any spider problems in the house. There's a special place for me in "spider hell".
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: Parasaurolophus on August 19, 2020, 03:00:11 PM
Well. The backs of the chairs are held on not just with bolts, but with dowels. So I have to think carefully about how to remove them, exactly. I can maybe force them out without damaging the back legs, but I'm not sure.

I suppose I could try to drill out the screw cap on the lower end of the back legs, unscrew the bolt, and see if that gives me a little more give. On the other hand, the legs aren't all one piece, they're joined together with a sawtooth-type join (and glue? dowels?), so that might not help. I could probably cut the dowels, but that will make getting them out a pain in the ass.

Maybe I don't need to remove the back? It looks like it, though...

*scratches head*
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on August 19, 2020, 08:38:42 PM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on August 19, 2020, 03:00:11 PM
Well. The backs of the chairs are held on not just with bolts, but with dowels. So I have to think carefully about how to remove them, exactly. I can maybe force them out without damaging the back legs, but I'm not sure.

I suppose I could try to drill out the screw cap on the lower end of the back legs, unscrew the bolt, and see if that gives me a little more give. On the other hand, the legs aren't all one piece, they're joined together with a sawtooth-type join (and glue? dowels?), so that might not help. I could probably cut the dowels, but that will make getting them out a pain in the ass.

Maybe I don't need to remove the back? It looks like it, though...

*scratches head*

Hmm. We need a picture.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on August 19, 2020, 08:39:50 PM
So dashed my excitement over repairing the tv remote by purchasing another one. Alas, it just was not meant to be. Well, I can still rip it apart and 'play' I suppose.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: ergative on August 20, 2020, 01:01:02 AM
The curtains in the bedroom came detached in a few places from their runners. WHen I got on a ladder to look, it turned out that in some cases, the little plastic hook just came unhooked, and it was an easy enough matter to re-hook them. In other places, the plastic hook itself had snapped. Fortunately, there is a string running along the top of the curtain, so I tied the string to the runner in the place where the hook would have hooked, were it still a hook and not a nub.

Success!
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: apl68 on August 20, 2020, 07:32:10 AM
My washer is now getting overbalanced too easily and trying to walk around the room, and has developed incontinence.  The dryer sounds like it has belts slipping.  The set is 12 years old, I can't fix them, and it's hard anymore to find anybody locally who still can.  Looks I may have to replace them soon.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: mamselle on August 20, 2020, 11:04:12 AM
Our washer used to shimmy to the rhythm of "Waltzing Matilda."

My dad had it up on a low base because it, too, leaked in its nether parts, and I recall as a kid worrying that it would dance itself right off its platform and down to the floor.

Good idea to consider a replacement!

M.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on August 20, 2020, 11:18:13 AM
Quote from: apl68 on August 20, 2020, 07:32:10 AM
My washer is now getting overbalanced too easily and trying to walk around the room, and has developed incontinence.  The dryer sounds like it has belts slipping.  The set is 12 years old, I can't fix them, and it's hard anymore to find anybody locally who still can.  Looks I may have to replace them soon.

Is it a front-loading or top-loading washer? It could be that the feet just aren't level (or something else). Twelve years is kind of young, IMO, for a washer/dryer set to go kaput.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on August 20, 2020, 11:19:00 AM
Quote from: mamselle on August 20, 2020, 11:04:12 AM
Our washer used to shimmy to the rhythm of "Waltzing Matilda."


I love the visual I'm getting from this!
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: apl68 on August 20, 2020, 01:12:45 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on August 20, 2020, 11:18:13 AM
Quote from: apl68 on August 20, 2020, 07:32:10 AM
My washer is now getting overbalanced too easily and trying to walk around the room, and has developed incontinence.  The dryer sounds like it has belts slipping.  The set is 12 years old, I can't fix them, and it's hard anymore to find anybody locally who still can.  Looks I may have to replace them soon.

Is it a front-loading or top-loading washer? It could be that the feet just aren't level (or something else). Twelve years is kind of young, IMO, for a washer/dryer set to go kaput.

It's a top-loader.  The feet are level.  I've also determined that the lines hooking it to the water supply aren't leaking.  And the leaked water that ends up on the floor is clearly "used."
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: wareagle on August 20, 2020, 02:08:23 PM
I am actually quite good at fixing jammed copiers.  Often the key is unplugging them, and thereby removing the fear that you might electrocute yourself if you really dig into its bowels.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on August 20, 2020, 02:25:41 PM
Quote from: apl68 on August 20, 2020, 01:12:45 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on August 20, 2020, 11:18:13 AM
Quote from: apl68 on August 20, 2020, 07:32:10 AM
My washer is now getting overbalanced too easily and trying to walk around the room, and has developed incontinence.  The dryer sounds like it has belts slipping.  The set is 12 years old, I can't fix them, and it's hard anymore to find anybody locally who still can.  Looks I may have to replace them soon.

Is it a front-loading or top-loading washer? It could be that the feet just aren't level (or something else). Twelve years is kind of young, IMO, for a washer/dryer set to go kaput.

It's a top-loader.  The feet are level.  I've also determined that the lines hooking it to the water supply aren't leaking.  And the leaked water that ends up on the floor is clearly "used."

Could be a bad seal or gasket.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: hmaria1609 on August 20, 2020, 06:35:01 PM
Quote from: wareagle on August 20, 2020, 02:08:23 PM
I am actually quite good at fixing jammed copiers.  Often the key is unplugging them, and thereby removing the fear that you might electrocute yourself if you really dig into its bowels.
I've dealt lots of paper jams with older models of our Xerox machines at the library. (The ones we have now don't jam as often) I've also emptied out the ink waste tray and replaced the ink cartridge.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: apl68 on August 21, 2020, 07:11:34 AM
Quote from: hmaria1609 on August 20, 2020, 06:35:01 PM
Quote from: wareagle on August 20, 2020, 02:08:23 PM
I am actually quite good at fixing jammed copiers.  Often the key is unplugging them, and thereby removing the fear that you might electrocute yourself if you really dig into its bowels.
I've dealt lots of paper jams with older models of our Xerox machines at the library. (The ones we have now don't jam as often) I've also emptied out the ink waste tray and replaced the ink cartridge.

I've fixed a lot of jams over the years too.  What's tough is when the paper tears and there's a minute fragment of paper hidden deep in the machine.  The machine keeps telling you it's still jammed, and you can't find it until you've searched and searched.

The new ones are indeed a lot better about not jamming.

Toner cartridges over the years have shown quite a bit of variety.  I used to supervise a library media center with multiple copiers and multiple student workers.  Frequently I'd come to work in the morning and find that the student on duty the night before had been unable to remember the instructions for changing toner or dealing with a jam.  I wrote up cheat sheets all over the place to help them deal with equipment malfunctions.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: Vkw10 on August 21, 2020, 08:31:32 PM
Many years ago, as and undergraduate student worker, I fixed the roll laminator in the school of education's curriculum materials center. Loading the film correctly prevented most problems, but at least once a week someone found a new way to cause problems.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: ab_grp on August 22, 2020, 01:33:51 PM
I'm not good at fixing much of anything (though I would love to be... just too nervous most of the time), but I got very good at de-jamming our main department printer years ago.  Our admin Brian had named it Lola and would get very protective of Lola if anyone became too frustrated with it.  Sadly, Lola tended to jam a lot, especially in humid weather.  I became very familiar with all the possible jam points and de-jamming procedure and even replaced a spring that had popped out from somewhere once.  I wasn't too fond of Lola at times, but our admin was a true gem, so it was worth taking the time to get to know Lola a little better and to be able to de-jam after hours so Brian didn't have to come in only to find that Lola had had the Office Space treatment.

On a side note, when I was about 10 my bff and I (same age) decided to earn some money and made flyers up, distributed throughout the neighborhood, offering to do any chore or make any repair, including fixing washing machines, ovens, or other major appliances.  I'm pretty glad no one took us up on it.  I'm not sure I was even very proficient with using my family's washing machine at the time.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: Parasaurolophus on August 25, 2020, 10:46:18 AM
Our dryer's been acting up, so today I heroically pulled it out (it's bolted to the washer, and there's no unbolting without out-pulling anyway), detached the exhaust pipe, and removed all the lint in the world.

Alas, 'twas not enough, for the dryer still refuses to heat up.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: fishbrains on August 25, 2020, 11:06:55 AM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on August 25, 2020, 10:46:18 AM
Our dryer's been acting up, so today I heroically pulled it out (it's bolted to the washer, and there's no unbolting without out-pulling anyway), detached the exhaust pipe, and removed all the lint in the world.

Alas, 'twas not enough, for the dryer still refuses to heat up.

If the dryer coils got too hot because of the all lint blocking the exhaust hose, it has probably popped the fuses in the dryer (this is actually a very good thing that probably prevented a fire). These fuses (my dryer has three) are pretty easy to replace with a socket set, needle-nose plyers, and a Phillips screwdriver by ordering about $20 worth of parts and watching a YouTube video. I've done this a few times on our 20+-year-old dryer, my sister-in-law's dryer, and my neighbor's dryer. A lot cheaper than a new dryer.

Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: Parasaurolophus on August 25, 2020, 11:59:07 AM
Quote from: fishbrains on August 25, 2020, 11:06:55 AM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on August 25, 2020, 10:46:18 AM
Our dryer's been acting up, so today I heroically pulled it out (it's bolted to the washer, and there's no unbolting without out-pulling anyway), detached the exhaust pipe, and removed all the lint in the world.

Alas, 'twas not enough, for the dryer still refuses to heat up.

If the dryer coils got too hot because of the all lint blocking the exhaust hose, it has probably popped the fuses in the dryer (this is actually a very good thing that probably prevented a fire). These fuses (my dryer has three) are pretty easy to replace with a socket set, needle-nose plyers, and a Phillips screwdriver by ordering about $20 worth of parts and watching a YouTube video. I've done this a few times on our 20+-year-old dryer, my sister-in-law's dryer, and my neighbor's dryer. A lot cheaper than a new dryer.

That's reassuring! I was thinking it was the fuse, but also didn't expect it could easily be replaced.

Happily, it's the landlord's job to fix it, not mine, but he'll be pleased at the prospect of just buying a fuse.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on August 25, 2020, 01:22:37 PM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on August 25, 2020, 11:59:07 AM
Quote from: fishbrains on August 25, 2020, 11:06:55 AM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on August 25, 2020, 10:46:18 AM
Our dryer's been acting up, so today I heroically pulled it out (it's bolted to the washer, and there's no unbolting without out-pulling anyway), detached the exhaust pipe, and removed all the lint in the world.

Alas, 'twas not enough, for the dryer still refuses to heat up.

If the dryer coils got too hot because of the all lint blocking the exhaust hose, it has probably popped the fuses in the dryer (this is actually a very good thing that probably prevented a fire). These fuses (my dryer has three) are pretty easy to replace with a socket set, needle-nose plyers, and a Phillips screwdriver by ordering about $20 worth of parts and watching a YouTube video. I've done this a few times on our 20+-year-old dryer, my sister-in-law's dryer, and my neighbor's dryer. A lot cheaper than a new dryer.

That's reassuring! I was thinking it was the fuse, but also didn't expect it could easily be replaced.

Happily, it's the landlord's job to fix it, not mine, but he'll be pleased at the prospect of just buying a fuse.

We have a 20 year old dryer and had two thermal fuses go out. Easy fix.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: ergative on November 20, 2020, 03:56:45 AM
The thingummy that holds the toilet paper roll to the wall has gotten rather wobbly over the last few months. I've taken a screwdriver to the visible screws, but that hasn't helped.

In more successful home improvements, I've successfully ordered curtains from Ikea, along with curtain hooks that are compatible with my existing support mechanism, and installed them with a minimum of faff. They fit the window, darken the room appropriately, and slide freely. They also are not encrusted with mold, which is rather nice. Unfortunately, the wall by the windows does tend to sprout little colonies in wet weather, so I don't know how long that state of affairs will last.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: Puget on November 20, 2020, 06:27:41 AM
Quote from: ergative on November 20, 2020, 03:56:45 AM
Unfortunately, the wall by the windows does tend to sprout little colonies in wet weather, so I don't know how long that state of affairs will last.

You really don't want to be living with mold! Depending on the kind, it can be very unhealthy to breathe, even if you aren't allergic.

Is water getting in around the frame, or condensing on the inside of the glass? If the former, you might want to try using silicone caulk around the outer part of the frame and foam tape to get a tighter seal between window and frame. In either case, a dehumidifier may help.

There is also anti-mold paint meant for moist environments like bathrooms you could repaint the wall with (I used a Rost-Oleum one called Perma-White in my bathroom-- it can be tinted if you don't want white).

Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: ergative on November 20, 2020, 07:26:42 AM
Quote from: Puget on November 20, 2020, 06:27:41 AM
Quote from: ergative on November 20, 2020, 03:56:45 AM
Unfortunately, the wall by the windows does tend to sprout little colonies in wet weather, so I don't know how long that state of affairs will last.

You really don't want to be living with mold! Depending on the kind, it can be very unhealthy to breathe, even if you aren't allergic.

Is water getting in around the frame, or condensing on the inside of the glass? If the former, you might want to try using silicone caulk around the outer part of the frame and foam tape to get a tighter seal between window and frame. In either case, a dehumidifier may help.

There is also anti-mold paint meant for moist environments like bathrooms you could repaint the wall with (I used a Rost-Oleum one called Perma-White in my bathroom-- it can be tinted if you don't want white).

These are very useful tips for when I own my own place and can make decisions like repainting rooms! As it is, I had to ask my letting agency to ask my landlord for permission just to change the curtains, and since she recently had to pay for some extremely expensive repairs (new washing machine, then boiler + heating system, in the span of a couple of months) I don't want to make too many demands. This is the kind of mildew that goes away easily enough with a quick bleachy wipedown, so I'm not too fussed about it.

I've noticed myself asking various workmen who make repairs how much each type of job would cost if I were in charge of paying for it. It's all very nice to fantasize about owning my own place and hiring people to install built-in bookshelves and build secret rooms behind wardrobe doors, but I'm well aware that I should probably be budgeting more for projects like fixing the roof and replacing the refrigerator. Oh, well.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: Tee_Bee on November 21, 2020, 10:00:16 PM
My wife sat on a Chromebook and broke the screen. I fixed it by buying a screen online and following instructions in a Youtube video. I am a bit too proud of this, I fear. But keeping an otherwise working computer out of a landfill was remarkably satisfying.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: Puget on November 22, 2020, 06:45:09 AM
Quote from: ergative on November 20, 2020, 07:26:42 AM
Quote from: Puget on November 20, 2020, 06:27:41 AM
Quote from: ergative on November 20, 2020, 03:56:45 AM
Unfortunately, the wall by the windows does tend to sprout little colonies in wet weather, so I don't know how long that state of affairs will last.

You really don't want to be living with mold! Depending on the kind, it can be very unhealthy to breathe, even if you aren't allergic.

Is water getting in around the frame, or condensing on the inside of the glass? If the former, you might want to try using silicone caulk around the outer part of the frame and foam tape to get a tighter seal between window and frame. In either case, a dehumidifier may help.

There is also anti-mold paint meant for moist environments like bathrooms you could repaint the wall with (I used a Rost-Oleum one called Perma-White in my bathroom-- it can be tinted if you don't want white).

These are very useful tips for when I own my own place and can make decisions like repainting rooms! As it is, I had to ask my letting agency to ask my landlord for permission just to change the curtains, and since she recently had to pay for some extremely expensive repairs (new washing machine, then boiler + heating system, in the span of a couple of months) I don't want to make too many demands. This is the kind of mildew that goes away easily enough with a quick bleachy wipedown, so I'm not too fussed about it.

I've noticed myself asking various workmen who make repairs how much each type of job would cost if I were in charge of paying for it. It's all very nice to fantasize about owning my own place and hiring people to install built-in bookshelves and build secret rooms behind wardrobe doors, but I'm well aware that I should probably be budgeting more for projects like fixing the roof and replacing the refrigerator. Oh, well.

I don't think it's asking too much to demand your rental be free of mold. Remember, the part you can see is the tip of the iceberg vs. what's potentially IN the walls. I would look into your local tenant's rights laws.

In the meantime, a portable dehumidifier is something under your control.

Here, it's time to set up the humidifiers, as the heating is drying out the air and making my sinuses sad.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: apl68 on November 23, 2020, 07:35:55 AM
Quote from: ergative on November 20, 2020, 07:26:42 AM
Quote from: Puget on November 20, 2020, 06:27:41 AM
Quote from: ergative on November 20, 2020, 03:56:45 AM
Unfortunately, the wall by the windows does tend to sprout little colonies in wet weather, so I don't know how long that state of affairs will last.

You really don't want to be living with mold! Depending on the kind, it can be very unhealthy to breathe, even if you aren't allergic.

Is water getting in around the frame, or condensing on the inside of the glass? If the former, you might want to try using silicone caulk around the outer part of the frame and foam tape to get a tighter seal between window and frame. In either case, a dehumidifier may help.

There is also anti-mold paint meant for moist environments like bathrooms you could repaint the wall with (I used a Rost-Oleum one called Perma-White in my bathroom-- it can be tinted if you don't want white).

These are very useful tips for when I own my own place and can make decisions like repainting rooms! As it is, I had to ask my letting agency to ask my landlord for permission just to change the curtains, and since she recently had to pay for some extremely expensive repairs (new washing machine, then boiler + heating system, in the span of a couple of months) I don't want to make too many demands. This is the kind of mildew that goes away easily enough with a quick bleachy wipedown, so I'm not too fussed about it.

I've noticed myself asking various workmen who make repairs how much each type of job would cost if I were in charge of paying for it. It's all very nice to fantasize about owning my own place and hiring people to install built-in bookshelves and build secret rooms behind wardrobe doors, but I'm well aware that I should probably be budgeting more for projects like fixing the roof and replacing the refrigerator. Oh, well.

If you ever do get around to building that secret room, don't ever invite a local newspaper to profile your house for its Lifestyle section.  Some acquaintances of mine who had a secret room did that once.  The next thing they knew, every reader in the city knew about their secret room.  Which they had meant to keep secret.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 23, 2020, 10:29:23 AM
This week is intended to be the Week of Fixing Things and Cleaning up the House.

We'll see if that happens.

I have a washing machine switch that I need to replace (bypassed it for now), plywood floor to replace, walls to paint, ceiling to patch, garage door to paint, etc.

Who wants to bet that I'll do any of it?
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: Parasaurolophus on November 23, 2020, 11:16:04 AM
I solved the dampness-under-the-dish-rack-mat-potentially-leading-to-mould problem by making a low platform for the mat and dish rack. The platform itself is made of plywood, so kind of ugly, but it's covered by the mat and the rack, and who cares if it takes a hit and moulds? And I gave it some feet, so now there's air circulating underneath to help ensure the countertop stays mould-free.

It's not very elegantly done, but it's done. And it was free, because the building centre gave me a cast-off plywood sheet gratis.


I also fixed the broken couch spring, which was poking straight out of the couch. That was surprisingly easy.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 23, 2020, 11:52:26 AM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on November 23, 2020, 11:16:04 AM
I solved the dampness-under-the-dish-rack-mat-potentially-leading-to-mould problem by making a low platform for the mat and dish rack. The platform itself is made of plywood, so kind of ugly, but it's covered by the mat and the rack, and who cares if it takes a hit and moulds? And I gave it some feet, so now there's air circulating underneath to help ensure the countertop stays mould-free.

It's not very elegantly done, but it's done. And it was free, because the building centre gave me a cast-off plywood sheet gratis.


I also fixed the broken couch spring, which was poking straight out of the couch. That was surprisingly easy.

Yay for fixing things! Good idea for the platform. How did you fix the couch spring? Was it something that you could reconnect?
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: mahagonny on November 23, 2020, 12:17:26 PM
In 1994 I put in a new floor. Roomy kitchen. One foot square tiles. There's a special way you do it, can't remember. I think you find the center and start from there outward. Odd shaped room so lots of careful measuring and cutting with a razor knife. Came out great and no finger cuts! Finally had to be replaced last year and we hired a carpenter. I'm not as young as I used to be, and not as poor.
Years ago when we were really poor and cars were simple I fixed them up with mixed results.
Good results: the floor was rotten in the Dodge Coronet (slant six, manual transmission three-on-the-tree). You could put your feet through and touch the ground like Fred Flintstone. So I put a piece of sheet metal in there with sheet metal screws. Brilliant, and passed inspection. Tuned up the engine, points, gapped plugs, timing light, carburetor, etc. Replaced starter, fan motor by hand with rebuilt one. Changed oil and filter. No computers in those cars. If you could read a book, you could work on it. Except for...
Not good: the radiator quit in my Plymouth Scamp so I replaced it with one from a junkyard. In the process I bent the tubes that the engine coolant traveled through. Burned up the transmission.

>if everything in life worked as well as wood glue and epoxy, our problems would be fewer.

When I was a kid I replaced the engine in my go-cart. It worked so well I was able to get in trouble with the police a week later. For riding where I wasn't supposed to.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: secundem_artem on November 23, 2020, 12:25:16 PM
Mostly, I (a)fix my signature to the bottom of a check and have somebody else do it.  I've run my lawnmower out of oil -- twice.  I once added windshield washer fluid to the radiator overflow tank.  When I walk into a Home Depot or a Lowes, I can feel my testicles retract.  I depend mostly on Mrs Artem who is unafraid of band saws, all things electrical, and similar devices capable of maiming me.  My man card is pink.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: Parasaurolophus on November 23, 2020, 12:31:28 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 23, 2020, 11:52:26 AM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on November 23, 2020, 11:16:04 AM
I solved the dampness-under-the-dish-rack-mat-potentially-leading-to-mould problem by making a low platform for the mat and dish rack. The platform itself is made of plywood, so kind of ugly, but it's covered by the mat and the rack, and who cares if it takes a hit and moulds? And I gave it some feet, so now there's air circulating underneath to help ensure the countertop stays mould-free.

It's not very elegantly done, but it's done. And it was free, because the building centre gave me a cast-off plywood sheet gratis.


I also fixed the broken couch spring, which was poking straight out of the couch. That was surprisingly easy.

It was in one of the cushions, so I just had to remove the buttons, open the exterior casing, open the interior casing, and then wade through the couch guts (stuffing) until I found the spot where it came out of its clip. I used pliers to stick it back into its clippy-place. Pretty easy on the whole! It's surprising how much of a difference it makes to the cushion's support structure, too.

I haven't sewn the buttons back on, however. I think we have one of those u-shaped needles somewhere, but it's gonna take a YouTube instructional video or two before I tackle that.

Yay for fixing things! Good idea for the platform. How did you fix the couch spring? Was it something that you could reconnect?
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 23, 2020, 01:31:31 PM
Quote from: mahagonny on November 23, 2020, 12:17:26 PM
In 1994 I put in a new floor. Roomy kitchen. One foot square tiles. There's a special way you do it, can't remember. I think you find the center and start from there outward. Odd shaped room so lots of careful measuring and cutting with a razor knife. Came out great and no finger cuts! Finally had to be replaced last year and we hired a carpenter. I'm not as young as I used to be, and not as poor.
Years ago when we were really poor and cars were simple I fixed them up with mixed results.
Good results: the floor was rotten in the Dodge Coronet (slant six, manual transmission three-on-the-tree). You could put your feet through and touch the ground like Fred Flintstone. So I put a piece of sheet metal in there with sheet metal screws. Brilliant, and passed inspection. Tuned up the engine, points, gapped plugs, timing light, carburetor, etc. Replaced starter, fan motor by hand with rebuilt one. Changed oil and filter. No computers in those cars. If you could read a book, you could work on it. Except for...
Not good: the radiator quit in my Plymouth Scamp so I replaced it with one from a junkyard. In the process I bent the tubes that the engine coolant traveled through. Burned up the transmission.

>if everything in life worked as well as wood glue and epoxy, our problems would be fewer.

When I was a kid I replaced the engine in my go-cart. It worked so well I was able to get in trouble with the police a week later. For riding where I wasn't supposed to.

Nice. SO had a 3 on the tree GMC truck with a rebuilt engine from a different truck. When I was a kid, my Dad had a purple Dodge Dart. I remember the holes in the floor and watching the road move under my feet.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: apl68 on November 23, 2020, 02:32:03 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 23, 2020, 01:31:31 PM
Quote from: mahagonny on November 23, 2020, 12:17:26 PM
In 1994 I put in a new floor. Roomy kitchen. One foot square tiles. There's a special way you do it, can't remember. I think you find the center and start from there outward. Odd shaped room so lots of careful measuring and cutting with a razor knife. Came out great and no finger cuts! Finally had to be replaced last year and we hired a carpenter. I'm not as young as I used to be, and not as poor.
Years ago when we were really poor and cars were simple I fixed them up with mixed results.
Good results: the floor was rotten in the Dodge Coronet (slant six, manual transmission three-on-the-tree). You could put your feet through and touch the ground like Fred Flintstone. So I put a piece of sheet metal in there with sheet metal screws. Brilliant, and passed inspection. Tuned up the engine, points, gapped plugs, timing light, carburetor, etc. Replaced starter, fan motor by hand with rebuilt one. Changed oil and filter. No computers in those cars. If you could read a book, you could work on it. Except for...
Not good: the radiator quit in my Plymouth Scamp so I replaced it with one from a junkyard. In the process I bent the tubes that the engine coolant traveled through. Burned up the transmission.

>if everything in life worked as well as wood glue and epoxy, our problems would be fewer.

When I was a kid I replaced the engine in my go-cart. It worked so well I was able to get in trouble with the police a week later. For riding where I wasn't supposed to.

Nice. SO had a 3 on the tree GMC truck with a rebuilt engine from a different truck. When I was a kid, my Dad had a purple Dodge Dart. I remember the holes in the floor and watching the road move under my feet.

I have similar memories of watching the road move through a small hole in the floorboard of Dad's pickup truck.  It also had a small pea plant growing in a corner of the bed at one point.

He upgraded to a newer and better truck after that.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 23, 2020, 02:54:10 PM
Quote from: apl68 on November 23, 2020, 02:32:03 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 23, 2020, 01:31:31 PM
Quote from: mahagonny on November 23, 2020, 12:17:26 PM
In 1994 I put in a new floor. Roomy kitchen. One foot square tiles. There's a special way you do it, can't remember. I think you find the center and start from there outward. Odd shaped room so lots of careful measuring and cutting with a razor knife. Came out great and no finger cuts! Finally had to be replaced last year and we hired a carpenter. I'm not as young as I used to be, and not as poor.
Years ago when we were really poor and cars were simple I fixed them up with mixed results.
Good results: the floor was rotten in the Dodge Coronet (slant six, manual transmission three-on-the-tree). You could put your feet through and touch the ground like Fred Flintstone. So I put a piece of sheet metal in there with sheet metal screws. Brilliant, and passed inspection. Tuned up the engine, points, gapped plugs, timing light, carburetor, etc. Replaced starter, fan motor by hand with rebuilt one. Changed oil and filter. No computers in those cars. If you could read a book, you could work on it. Except for...
Not good: the radiator quit in my Plymouth Scamp so I replaced it with one from a junkyard. In the process I bent the tubes that the engine coolant traveled through. Burned up the transmission.

>if everything in life worked as well as wood glue and epoxy, our problems would be fewer.

When I was a kid I replaced the engine in my go-cart. It worked so well I was able to get in trouble with the police a week later. For riding where I wasn't supposed to.

Nice. SO had a 3 on the tree GMC truck with a rebuilt engine from a different truck. When I was a kid, my Dad had a purple Dodge Dart. I remember the holes in the floor and watching the road move under my feet.

I have similar memories of watching the road move through a small hole in the floorboard of Dad's pickup truck.  It also had a small pea plant growing in a corner of the bed at one point.

He upgraded to a newer and better truck after that.

I miss the old Dart (I think it was a '68). He sold it to someone to rebuilt it. So much Bondo went into that car.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: ergative on December 09, 2020, 02:58:58 AM
Lightbulbs! We have twelve-foot ceilings and some genius of a previous renovator decided to put recessed lighting in the bathroom. The bulbs have been slowly giving out over the last few months, until finally I managed to figure out how to yank a fixture out of the ceiling and identify what types of bulbs were needed to replace it. I bought them, and have successfully replaced two of the three dead bulbs, on a very wobbly ladder that is just too short to be adequate, and just tall enough to persuade me that I can make it work.*

Evidently, though, I can make it work! We replaced two last night and have a date for the third tonight.

It's so nice to be able to see when I brush my teeth!

*Absolutive is about two inches taller than me, but not as good with his hands, and it's tricky using one hand to replace the bulb in the little prong socket fixture while bracing yourself with the other. I can do it one-handed, so I go up on the ladder.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: apl68 on December 09, 2020, 06:11:30 AM
Quote from: ergative on December 09, 2020, 02:58:58 AM
Lightbulbs! We have twelve-foot ceilings and some genius of a previous renovator decided to put recessed lighting in the bathroom. The bulbs have been slowly giving out over the last few months, until finally I managed to figure out how to yank a fixture out of the ceiling and identify what types of bulbs were needed to replace it. I bought them, and have successfully replaced two of the three dead bulbs, on a very wobbly ladder that is just too short to be adequate, and just tall enough to persuade me that I can make it work.*

Evidently, though, I can make it work! We replaced two last night and have a date for the third tonight.

It's so nice to be able to see when I brush my teeth!

*Absolutive is about two inches taller than me, but not as good with his hands, and it's tricky using one hand to replace the bulb in the little prong socket fixture while bracing yourself with the other. I can do it one-handed, so I go up on the ladder.

Congratulations!  Some of those recessed fixtures can be a real puzzle to get into.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on December 27, 2020, 05:44:38 PM
Not quite fixed, but so far....

We managed to remove one of the water line hoses (that is broken and had a stripped bolt [previous homeowners really Mickey Moused a lot of stuff here]) on our kitchen sink. Ordered parts online and they should get here on Wednesday. Yay. So, until then, we will have to use other sinks.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: spork on January 02, 2021, 01:31:57 PM
This is more "recycling" than "fixing," but I just finished stripping some electrical cable and a junction box from beams in the basement and used it to wire a light fixture over the washing machine.

A few months ago I replaced the water pump in the same washing machine, which means it's probably good for another decade at least. It was manufactured twenty-one years ago and came with the house when we bought it. About five years ago I replaced the agitator dogs for $3.47. The water pump was $31.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on January 02, 2021, 02:57:18 PM
Quote from: spork on January 02, 2021, 01:31:57 PM
This is more "recycling" than "fixing," but I just finished stripping some electrical cable and a junction box from beams in the basement and used it to wire a light fixture over the washing machine.

A few months ago I replaced the water pump in the same washing machine, which means it's probably good for another decade at least. It was manufactured twenty-one years ago and came with the house when we bought it. About five years ago I replaced the agitator dogs for $3.47. The water pump was $31.

I don't know about you, but it's so satisfying when things come together like this (and it's a good exercise in frugality). We also have a 20+ year old washer and dryer set and have replaced fuses, heating elements, springs, etc. on both. I may repaint some of the rusted areas on the washer this month.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: Bbmaj7b5 on January 02, 2021, 04:51:18 PM
Pretty good with plumbing. By some weird coincidence, I have installed about a dozen toilets in my lifetime.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: larryc on January 02, 2021, 06:09:59 PM
I am fairly handy. When I loved in Missouri we remodeled a 120-year-old farmhouse one room at a time, including plumbing and wiring a new kitchen (YouTube is the best). I sometimes build simple furniture, mostly tables and boxes. I buy old 1940s and 50s TVs and counsel radios and turn them into bars, sometimes replacing the original electronics with a small Bluetooth amp. In retirement, I would love to build some kind of tiny house, or refurbish and old brick building in an artistic/funky way.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on January 03, 2021, 09:58:01 AM
Well, we didn't fix the sink... but someone else DID! I'm so happy that we paid $200 to have the plumber drill out the old faucet (yes, it was rusted in there), replace the hot water valve and install the new faucet.

I'd rather save my sanity than $200.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on January 03, 2021, 07:06:33 PM
Double post.

Well, we did fix something today. I think I was just itching to do something on my own (with SO's help)... stubborn I guess. Anyway, we fixed the support under our sofa- finally (it's only been a few months). We had to attach a separate block to brace a support bracket which keeps the springs in place. It just took about 5 minutes with a drill, screws and a wooden block.

Next job! Maybe we'll get around to replacing the lid switch on the washing machine. It's been sitting in the laundry room for months...
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on January 21, 2021, 11:18:09 AM
I just fixed our 10ish year old (it could be older, not sure) Vick's humidifier. At first, I thought the heating elements just had build up (scaling) on them, but that wasn't the case and I know our water isn't that hard. Only after the wire connected to one of the elements fell off in my hand did I recognize the problem. I removed the wires and the copper screws that go into the heating elements (cylindrical rods). One of the screws broke off in a rod!

Long story short, I had to drill out one of the rods since part of a screw was stuck in it and the replacement screw wasn't making good contact. Replaced both screws, re wrapped the wires, plugged it in and voila! Now it works!

I am so happy!

Unfortunately, the 'night light' (basically an led + resistor) fell out. Somehow water got into the electronics area and just corroded the heck out of it. I can re solder it in later.

This is a good thing since I'm keeping junk out of the landfill, saving $ and being resourceful. Yay!
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: FishProf on January 21, 2021, 12:17:52 PM
I bought a pair of Qi Chargers for MrsFishProf's new iPhone.  On didn't work, so I submitted it to Amazon for a return and the vendor asked me to keep the good one and refunded half the price.  I was able to pen up the bad one, find the problem and solder a wire back into place.  Works great now.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: uni_cyclist on January 21, 2021, 12:58:32 PM
I fixed my bike today. I rode my bike hard in a pretty punishing climate, moved across the country, and left the bike in my garage for six months. When I returned to it, I saw that the tires were brittle and cracked and I had a flat. I ordered new tubes and tires, and today I installed them.

When all was said and done, I only needed one small band-aid (and a good handwashing), so I call it a win.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: fishbrains on January 21, 2021, 01:05:00 PM
I replaced the cartridge in the kids' bath/shower. We now have zero leaky faucets in the house for the first time in quite a while--maybe ever.

I also replaced the rear light unit on my car, and I replaced a bad breaker in the breaker box without killing myself.

Feeling kind of bad-ass right now. 
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on January 21, 2021, 02:04:25 PM
Isn't it great when you fix something?

Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: fishbrains on January 21, 2021, 03:41:21 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on January 21, 2021, 02:04:25 PM
Isn't it great when you fix something?

Yeah, but then people expect things from you . . .
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: dismalist on January 21, 2021, 03:45:59 PM
Quote from: fishbrains on January 21, 2021, 03:41:21 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on January 21, 2021, 02:04:25 PM
Isn't it great when you fix something?

Yeah, but then people expect things from you . . .

Yeah, my wife expects me to assemble the exercise bike she forced me to buy. I understand the principles of these things, I just can't do it. :-)
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on January 21, 2021, 04:47:23 PM
Quote from: fishbrains on January 21, 2021, 03:41:21 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on January 21, 2021, 02:04:25 PM
Isn't it great when you fix something?

Yeah, but then people expect things from you . . .

Well, then you can start charging $. :)
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: Parasaurolophus on January 22, 2021, 09:25:53 AM
This isn't fixing, strictly speaking, but I'd say it's in the same vein. A month ago, we sank our money into a few acres, on which we hope to eventually be able to build a small house (the idea was to avoid being priced out of the market by the time we're ready to buy a house; given how much property increases every year here, it's already looking like a sound decision). It's got a one-room shack with water and electricity on it, which is nice in the interim.

Anyway, most of that three acres is forest surrounded by a whole whack of crown land (more forest and mountain). Today, because it's not raining, I'm gonna bushwhack a bit with some flagging tape and mark out some trails I want to prepare over the next few years. Should be fun!
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on January 22, 2021, 09:39:29 AM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on January 22, 2021, 09:25:53 AM
This isn't fixing, strictly speaking, but I'd say it's in the same vein. A month ago, we sank our money into a few acres, on which we hope to eventually be able to build a small house (the idea was to avoid being priced out of the market by the time we're ready to buy a house; given how much property increases every year here, it's already looking like a sound decision). It's got a one-room shack with water and electricity on it, which is nice in the interim.

Anyway, most of that three acres is forest surrounded by a whole whack of crown land (more forest and mountain). Today, because it's not raining, I'm gonna bushwhack a bit with some flagging tape and mark out some trails I want to prepare over the next few years. Should be fun!

Sounds like an adventure!
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: apl68 on January 22, 2021, 10:14:06 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on January 22, 2021, 09:39:29 AM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on January 22, 2021, 09:25:53 AM
This isn't fixing, strictly speaking, but I'd say it's in the same vein. A month ago, we sank our money into a few acres, on which we hope to eventually be able to build a small house (the idea was to avoid being priced out of the market by the time we're ready to buy a house; given how much property increases every year here, it's already looking like a sound decision). It's got a one-room shack with water and electricity on it, which is nice in the interim.

Anyway, most of that three acres is forest surrounded by a whole whack of crown land (more forest and mountain). Today, because it's not raining, I'm gonna bushwhack a bit with some flagging tape and mark out some trails I want to prepare over the next few years. Should be fun!

Sounds like an adventure!

Yes, and congratulations!
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: ergative on January 28, 2021, 03:24:21 AM
We have a sliding cabinet in our kitchen that, for as long as I can remember, refuses to slide out more than about 8 inches. It's very inconvenient, because the stuff at the back of the cabinet is awkward to get to. Well, today I finally got down by the sliders, grabbed them, and pulled hard. Whatever gunk (and boy, is there gunk on them!) finally let up its sticky grasp, and now the cabinet slides in and out all the way. What freedom! I can reach the sugar again!

Probably this weekend I'll have to get some steel wool and clean the metal runners properly, but at least the cabinet now moves freely.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on January 28, 2021, 03:21:31 PM
Quote from: ergative on January 28, 2021, 03:24:21 AM
We have a sliding cabinet in our kitchen that, for as long as I can remember, refuses to slide out more than about 8 inches. It's very inconvenient, because the stuff at the back of the cabinet is awkward to get to. Well, today I finally got down by the sliders, grabbed them, and pulled hard. Whatever gunk (and boy, is there gunk on them!) finally let up its sticky grasp, and now the cabinet slides in and out all the way. What freedom! I can reach the sugar again!

Probably this weekend I'll have to get some steel wool and clean the metal runners properly, but at least the cabinet now moves freely.

Yay!

Sometimes I'll have a cleaning fit and just clean the heck out of things. SO doesn't really notice until I point it out- it just isn't on his radar.

I did 'fix' my old garden jeans. Lots of stitching, but at least I won't flash anyone when I wear them now. They're good for another year.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: ergative on March 26, 2021, 09:07:31 AM
I have a wonderful black leather recliner chair that I got for cheap when a friend graduated from college before me. It has trotted along faithfully behind me for multiple moves, across state lines and country borders and even an ocean. It has always been a bit rickety in one of the joints, and a few days ago it fell apart so badly I couldn't put it back together. So I bought a full set of hex keys (turned out I needed the size 5.5), and screwed that joint together nice and tight. This chair is now fully secure again, and I am pleased.

Absolutive was making noises before the hex keys arrived about how it was old and maybe should be replaced, but I'm not having any of that! I love this chair! This chair is my favorite chair. There's nothing wrong with it that a 5.5 hex key can't fix. I will happily get it a partner, but I would never replace it when there's still so much sitting left in it.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on March 26, 2021, 09:45:56 AM
Frugal fix! That's great!
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: Bbmaj7b5 on April 12, 2021, 04:25:13 PM
I will claim some credit for making sure the house was in good shape in preparation for the Big Texas Ice Storm.

We only lost one outdoor spigot.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: mamselle on April 12, 2021, 04:32:56 PM
I fix broken diminished chords.

(Yes, it was that kind of a theory lesson...!)

M.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: Tee_Bee on April 13, 2021, 07:04:17 PM
I love this thread. I love hearing about how people fix things. I am semi-addicted to watching Youtube videos of people fixing old radios, cars, appliances. Anything to keep things out of the waste stream.

Along those lines, two recent victories. First, our washing machine was making funny noises recently, and finding a repair person these days is hard, so my spouse found the parts (ten whole dollars worth) and followed a Youtube video. Some sort of bearing, I think. Fixed, no noises. Beats buying a new washing machine.

My proudest moment in the last few months was fixing a Chromebook that my spouse sat on, thereby trashing the screen. I figured it was a goner, so we bought a new Chromebook. But out of curiosity one day I plugged a monitor in the broken one and confirmed it still worked. So it was back to Youtube for a repair video. Found the new screen on line for about 70 bucks, and just followed the video. The ribbon cable was a bit fiddly but got it back together. So then we had this fixed computer around with no one using it, until my wife learned of a woman who needed a basic computer to work from home after a spell of unemployment. So I got her up and running. Felt really good--kept a computer out of tech trash, and someone got the computer they needed. Ordinarily this wouldn't be much of a story but I tend to have two left thumbs, but in recent years something seems to have clicked and my repair skills have improved. Can you believe that some people think watching Youtube all day is a waste of time?
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 13, 2021, 08:38:59 PM
Quote from: Tee_Bee on April 13, 2021, 07:04:17 PM
I love this thread. I love hearing about how people fix things. I am semi-addicted to watching Youtube videos of people fixing old radios, cars, appliances. Anything to keep things out of the waste stream.

Along those lines, two recent victories. First, our washing machine was making funny noises recently, and finding a repair person these days is hard, so my spouse found the parts (ten whole dollars worth) and followed a Youtube video. Some sort of bearing, I think. Fixed, no noises. Beats buying a new washing machine.

My proudest moment in the last few months was fixing a Chromebook that my spouse sat on, thereby trashing the screen. I figured it was a goner, so we bought a new Chromebook. But out of curiosity one day I plugged a monitor in the broken one and confirmed it still worked. So it was back to Youtube for a repair video. Found the new screen on line for about 70 bucks, and just followed the video. The ribbon cable was a bit fiddly but got it back together. So then we had this fixed computer around with no one using it, until my wife learned of a woman who needed a basic computer to work from home after a spell of unemployment. So I got her up and running. Felt really good--kept a computer out of tech trash, and someone got the computer they needed. Ordinarily this wouldn't be much of a story but I tend to have two left thumbs, but in recent years something seems to have clicked and my repair skills have improved. Can you believe that some people think watching Youtube all day is a waste of time?

I think it's awesome that you helped that women by giving her your old Chromebook. Welcome to the world of 'fixing.' There is so much interesting information online on how to diy.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: mahagonny on April 13, 2021, 09:19:57 PM
My wife bought new blinds. I put the little metal boxes in with the wood screws. They were too far apart so I shimmed them out. You just can't find a problem that Yankee ingenuity won't solve.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 14, 2021, 01:18:09 PM
Not a fix, per se, but it will lead to one.

I got a hair up my butt after vacuuming and decided to proactively clean out the vacuum since it smelled icky and had 'sticky' dirt in it. I removed and cleaned the roller bar, guard, canister, hoses and filter. After removing a short section of hose, I noticed a few holes in it (which were really obvious when cleaning it out with water). So, I'll try to plug it up (haven't noticed any issue with 'suction', but then again I haven't been measuring it and I don't have a baseline. If the plug doesn't work, then I suppose I'll order a new part. I love my purple vacuum and I'd like to keep it around for a bit.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 16, 2021, 03:01:58 PM
I decided to take my mailbox apart. The wiggly post was bothering me. So, I removed nails (ugh), staples, thumb tacks!!! and screws from all parts. Sanded it. Put everything back together and added a new handle (since the old one was broken). I need to repaint the post (20 years old). It would be easier to get a new one, but I see some life left in it.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 22, 2021, 04:27:06 PM
Update. The mailbox and post were both painted. Flowers were planted around the box and a stone border was also added. It looks nice!

Today, I didn't really fix it, but I cleaned my outside AC unit. I used my shop vac to clean out debris inside it. For the hell of it, I also cleaned off the fan blades. I sanded rusted spots off the top and painted the entire cap grey. Of course, the unit was turned off (including at the fuse box), while all of this was done. Tomorrow, I may wash the condenser coils (and straighten bent fins) since they are really dirty.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: fishbrains on July 02, 2021, 01:45:10 PM
I replaced my neighbor's water heater. No leaks at the present time. SharkBites did the trick. I'm feeling pretty bad-a$$ right now.

And pretty sore. Used some new muscles there.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 02, 2021, 02:30:26 PM
Quote from: fishbrains on July 02, 2021, 01:45:10 PM
I replaced my neighbor's water heater. No leaks at the present time. SharkBites did the trick. I'm feeling pretty bad-a$$ right now.

And pretty sore. Used some new muscles there.

Awesome! Did they tip you? ;)
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 03, 2021, 03:31:50 PM
We just reattached tubing, surrounding wires to the motor, on the outside air conditioner unit. Somehow the tubing came loose and the fan blades were hitting it. Scared the crap out of me.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: downer on July 03, 2021, 04:23:38 PM
Just embarking on repainting an apartment, or most of it. Some walls, some ceilings, some floors. And there's a broken window too. I'm going to keep on going until I get sick of it. Then I will probably hire someone to fix the mistakes I made.

So far, I just filled the holes in the walls with spackle. That may turn out to be a 2 stage process.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: apl68 on July 06, 2021, 07:23:02 AM
Assisted my brother and father in taking down several small trees on the edge of Mom and Dad's yard yesterday.  We felled them, cut them up, and removed the remains to what amounts to a giant compost pile on the wooded part of the property.  Then in late afternoon I had to drive home to get ready to head back to work today.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: FishProf on July 06, 2021, 03:10:31 PM
A significant branch (14in dia) fell on my popup shed.  I rented a 20 in chain saw to cut it up.  It worked great, but it was HEAVY.  Then I got the chain pinched.  Cue a 2 hour repair job.

But I got it cut up, took out 2 trees that were about to come down (and given the storm blowing now, not a minute too soon) and trimmed some aggressive growers near the fence and power lines.

It was, in fact, too hot and humid for doing that, and I think I have heat stroke by the time I came in for a cold shower and a long nap.

But it sure feels good.  Both to be able to do this, and to have done it.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 06, 2021, 03:59:53 PM
Good work, FP!

I've been thinking about buying a chainsaw, but I'm not sure I should be trusted with it.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: FishProf on July 06, 2021, 06:18:44 PM
Take a course.  For safety and for knowing what you are getting into.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: mamselle on July 07, 2021, 07:46:40 AM
Wanna come over and take down the tree that fell onto the road (no damage, no injuries, thankfully) in front of my place yesterday?

;--》

Actually, the city will do it, it's on the berm.

It just makes me mad at the utility companies that lop off balancing branches until the whole thing is leaning out.

That's what I'd like to fix, the whole process by which that happens.

Le grand sigh, as merce used to say....

M.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: mamselle on July 07, 2021, 08:49:39 AM
Quote from: mamselle on July 07, 2021, 07:46:40 AM
Wanna come over and take down the tree that fell onto the road (no damage, no injuries, thankfully) in front of my place yesterday?

;--》

Actually, the city will do it, it's on the berm.

It just makes me mad at the utility companies that lop off balancing branches until the whole thing is leaning out.

That's what I'd like to fix, the whole process by which that happens.

Le grand sigh, as merce used to say....

M.

Too late, the town has finished taking it down and is moving on!

M.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: downer on July 07, 2021, 09:52:11 AM
I'm going to have to fix some windows. 2 Andersen ones, and another pre-made insulated one. I guess I may need to just get a window service to do it all, but I hope to be able to minimize costs.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: fishbrains on July 07, 2021, 11:13:46 AM
Replaced a bathroom vanity top and the faucet. Took three days and two marriage counselors. The Moen faucet we bought had directions that simply ignored some basic laws of physics, so we returned it and bought a different brand. A side comment to anyone even remotely affiliated with Moen: F*ck you. Installed faucet #2 without too much incident until the gasket below the sink hole under the vanity kept leaking. Finally, we put about a tube full of silicone on it, and now it doesn't leak. I pity the fool who has to take it off next time.

But! We emerged victorious . . . so far.

Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: namazu on July 07, 2021, 01:24:06 PM
I disabled the @$#%$%#@#^@$ beeper on our tower stand fan, which beeped very loudly every time you changed a setting and (most frustratingly) when you turned it off.  Not great with two sleep-deprived adults and a baby in the room.  The process this time involved breaking the beeper off of the motherboard, which was most satisfying.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: mamselle on July 07, 2021, 01:47:43 PM
Extreme need sometimes requires extreme action...sleep well!

;--}

M.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: fishbrains on July 10, 2021, 11:41:02 AM
Just fixed a slow-drip on the cut-off valve handle under the kids' bathroom sink. In 20 seconds. It took me longer to find my wrench than it did to fix it.

Here is the video: https://youtu.be/O0AxJNlZ4Z4 (https://youtu.be/O0AxJNlZ4Z4).

Hope it helps.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 10, 2021, 12:01:23 PM
Quote from: fishbrains on July 10, 2021, 11:41:02 AM
Just fixed a slow-drip on the cut-off valve handle under the kids' bathroom sink. In 20 seconds. It took me longer to find my wrench than it did to fix it.

Here is the video: https://youtu.be/O0AxJNlZ4Z4 (https://youtu.be/O0AxJNlZ4Z4).

Hope it helps.

Quick fixes are the best! Good info to know.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: secundem_artem on July 14, 2021, 01:21:32 PM
I replaced a broken shower head.  Unscrewed the old one, put on some plumber's tape, screwed the new one into place and done.  And much to my surprise, it does not leak!

At La Maison d'Artem, Mrs. Artem does the vast majority of home repair work, so this is an accomplishment for me.  Like most faculty, my only real skills are talking, writing, simple mathematics, and more talking.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: apl68 on July 14, 2021, 02:03:37 PM
While eating Sunday lunch with my parents and brother, we heard a crash on the stair landing.  A part of the sagging ceiling there had finally collapsed!  Now we could see sunlight outside.

Dad originally designed the family's two-story house as a split-level back in the 1970s.  It was built into a hillside with a back door on the stair landing that opened onto what was to have been the split-level addition.  Instead, the little lean-to addition on back that housed the stair landing turned into a permanent feature.  It has not aged well over the past 45 years (The main body of the house is pretty sound--not bad for a totally do-it-yourself home building project).

My brother and I have looked it over.  The whole little structure really needs to be replaced.  In lieu of that, Brother plans to do some basic re-roofing over the next few days.  I'm back on the job, two hours away, and won't be available to help.  He has only a few days before having to return to his home out-of-state.  Hopefully before the year is out we'll be able to make a better repair job.  We're not even going to try to re-roof the house--we're getting estimates to have that done by pros. 
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: mamselle on July 14, 2021, 02:26:21 PM
Is it brick?

(The house, I mean...)

M.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: apl68 on July 15, 2021, 07:31:22 AM
Quote from: mamselle on July 14, 2021, 02:26:21 PM
Is it brick?

(The house, I mean...)

M.

No, which is ironic given that Dad did, after all, work as a bricklayer for most of his working life.  The lower story is built of (very nicely laid) cinder blocks, the upstairs of wood.  Between being a full-time bricklayer, bi-vocational church pastor, and father, he never got around to bricking up the house.  It's all held up well, except for that temporary-turned-permanent addition on back for the stair landing.  And it lasted 45 years, which is better than most contractor-built houses last.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: fishbrains on July 15, 2021, 04:10:24 PM
I replaced the door switch on the clothes dryer today, to no avail. Over the years I've replaced anything that was replaceable on that dryer a couple of times. We've replaced the fuses. And the door switches. And the heating elements. And even a circuit breaker to the main box. We've had this dryer for over 22 years, and it was used when someone gave it to us in the previous century.

Alas, I pronounced it dead at 18:32 EST today.

R.I.P., little trooper. I'll bet a paycheck my wife cries when I tell her.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 15, 2021, 04:26:40 PM
Quote from: fishbrains on July 15, 2021, 04:10:24 PM
I replaced the door switch on the clothes dryer today, to no avail. Over the years I've replaced anything that was replaceable on that dryer a couple of times. We've replaced the fuses. And the door switches. And the heating elements. And even a circuit breaker to the main box. We've had this dryer for over 22 years, and it was used when someone gave it to us in the previous century.

Alas, I pronounced it dead at 18:32 EST today.

R.I.P., little trooper. I'll bet a paycheck my wife cries when I tell her.

That sucks. Did you try to bypass the door switch?
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: mamselle on July 15, 2021, 07:38:50 PM
Apparently, I fix upside-down and sideways videos.

Found the one I made of my "new" (to me, bought it used) accordion in Belgium in Dec 2019, it's taken three flips on the software to get it oriented correctly. (I was upside-down, down one version ago.)

Had to crop a clip last month for a friend, this may be a new fun skill-set...

M.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: apl68 on July 16, 2021, 07:33:54 AM
Quote from: fishbrains on July 15, 2021, 04:10:24 PM
I replaced the door switch on the clothes dryer today, to no avail. Over the years I've replaced anything that was replaceable on that dryer a couple of times. We've replaced the fuses. And the door switches. And the heating elements. And even a circuit breaker to the main box. We've had this dryer for over 22 years, and it was used when someone gave it to us in the previous century.

Alas, I pronounced it dead at 18:32 EST today.

R.I.P., little trooper. I'll bet a paycheck my wife cries when I tell her.

Another 20th-century appliance passes from the scene!  Mom and Dad's 20th-century (ca. 1999) kitchen stove gave out unexpectedly last week.  Dad and my brother had just finished installing the replacement when I arrived home on Saturday.  Mom gave it a thorough test by making a Sunday roast dinner.  The roast was great!
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: apl68 on July 19, 2021, 10:47:04 AM
Saturday we had a civic event at the city park.  The library had a booth there--first time we've done that since before COVID.  For our booth, we needed a pop-up canopy.  Ours was on its last legs.  A staff member arranged to borrow one.  The borrowed canopy proved to have some essential pieces missing.  It was totally unusable.  The staff member went back to the library and got our old canopy.  It proved to have two lock studs missing.  We couldn't lock the top in place to erect it.

I went to the local Wal-Mart with the library credit card to get a new canopy.  As I had feared, such portable shade devices turn out to be yet another of those numerous items that suddenly everybody wants and are out of stock as a result.  There was another place in town to try, but I suspected that they'd be sold out too.  Before going there I decided as a back-up plan to get a roll of duct tape and a small set of miscellaneous drywall screws and anchors to try to contrive a repair of our broken canopy.

Sure enough, the other place didn't have any for sale either.  Just huge outdoor umbrellas, which weren't what we needed.  So I returned to the park and used drywall screws in place of the locking studs in our old canopy.  They worked!  That successful MacGuyvering held up for the rest of the day.  The staff member I had left behind with the half-raised canopy had meanwhile kept herself occupied by helping the event's organizers to get a portable generator started.  Thanks to a rainy morning that kept the spectators from getting out early, we were able to be up and running in time to receive visitors despite the late start.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: mamselle on July 19, 2021, 11:18:35 AM
Win-win-win!

Love the use of the screws for the correct part.

Improvisation is all, said the jazz player.

M.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: FishProf on July 29, 2021, 06:35:48 PM
I spent two weeks helping my parent s pack up their house for a final move to retirement nirvana.  My father, a retired machinist, has a shop in his basement.  A ton of scrap metal was moved to the recycling center.  And I brought home a suitcase full of tools, some new, many I remember from my childhood.  Including things like the socket wrench I learned on as a child.

This is mostly nostalgia, but I imagine I can tackle some new projects with these heirlooms.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 29, 2021, 07:19:15 PM
Quote from: FishProf on July 29, 2021, 06:35:48 PM
I spent two weeks helping my parent s pack up their house for a final move to retirement nirvana.  My father, a retired machinist, has a shop in his basement.  A ton of scrap metal was moved to the recycling center.  And I brought home a suitcase full of tools, some new, many I remember from my childhood.  Including things like the socket wrench I learned on as a child.

This is mostly nostalgia, but I imagine I can tackle some new projects with these heirlooms.

Was it a literal ton?
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: FishProf on July 29, 2021, 07:20:07 PM
2075 lbs.  Stainless Steel, Iron, and Aluminum.  A LOT of Aluminum.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 29, 2021, 07:24:56 PM
Quote from: FishProf on July 29, 2021, 07:20:07 PM
2075 lbs.  Stainless Steel, Iron, and Aluminum.  A LOT of Aluminum.

Dang! Cast Al? That's still a few hundred bucks... give or take.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: FishProf on July 30, 2021, 08:24:15 AM
Yes, we got a few good meals out of the proceeds.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: clean on July 30, 2021, 01:08:48 PM
Replaced the 20 year old microwave.  It worked fine. but the handle broke, cracking the door.  A new door, assuming that I could get one, was listed as costing nearly $100.  Then I would have had to replace it! 
My father, who is really good at fixing things, and had himself replaced the door on HIS microwave a few years ago, suggested that I just get another one!   Not that he doubts my ability to do the work, but that for another $100 I could get a new one.  (the glass plate that spins around was broken too, so a new door would not have solved all of the problems).

I also replaced my 21 year old lawn mower.  The repair place had it for over 6 weeks and still wasnt able to get the part.  Even then there was a good chance that it would need yet another part, and he was not confident that Briggs and Stratton was going to be able to fix whatever issues it is having to deliver the parts (for a 21 year old mower) anytime soon.


So I got a new Honda mower with a real wheel drive AND electric start!  My bride suggested that IF she didnt have to pull start it, or do a lot of heavy pushing that she may even help with the yard work!  I dont know if this counts as "fixing", but I did put in the oil, set up the handles on it and it required me to put the grass catcher on the frame. 

THe mower starts quickly both on the battery and with the chord! 

(She even tried out the mower on the back yard.  It is clear that she had NEVER been behind a mower before.  There was a nice square left to be done and instead of going around the edges, as one would normally do, she just pushed it through the middle, and hten kept aiming for the middle of the biggest unmowed sections left.  I dont know if that is a reflection of her inexperience, or that with the additional weight of the rear drive and starter, if it is a bot too difficult to turn, or if it is just 'more fun' to push it through the middle.... like bowling!! aim for the middle and hope for the best!)
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: fishbrains on July 31, 2021, 10:32:43 AM
Quote from: clean on July 30, 2021, 01:08:48 PM
(She even tried out the mower on the back yard.  It is clear that she had NEVER been behind a mower before.  There was a nice square left to be done and instead of going around the edges, as one would normally do, she just pushed it through the middle, and hten kept aiming for the middle of the biggest unmowed sections left.  I dont know if that is a reflection of her inexperience, or that with the additional weight of the rear drive and starter, if it is a bot too difficult to turn, or if it is just 'more fun' to push it through the middle.... like bowling!! aim for the middle and hope for the best!)

I've taught my daughters that if they don't want to do something like mowing to just make the yard look really bad the first time they do it, and then the person who actually cares what the yard looks like will never let them mow again--or at least not for a long time. It's kind of like men and doing laundry.

I've never met your wife. Just sayin'.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: mamselle on July 31, 2021, 10:45:52 AM
Adds a dimension to the concept of "learned helplessness"...

M.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: clean on July 31, 2021, 01:14:33 PM
QuoteI've taught my daughters that if they don't want to do something like mowing to just make the yard look really bad the first time they do it, and then the person who actually cares what the yard looks like will never let them mow again--or at least not for a long time. It's kind of like men and doing laundry.

Well, the joke would be on her!  IF she wants to mow the lawn, it will certainly look better than it NOT being mowed for another week!  I know that my neighbors will just be happy to see the yard mowed!

Long, long ago, I had a nutty, busybody neighbor that I caught one day with scissors cutting the grass runners that were on my sidewalk!  When caught, she asked if she could send her lawn person to edge my sidewalks! 
I declined !  I let the runners grow for some time until they are long enough, and hopefully with roots starting and hten I do some work in the back yard to get the weeds/ less preferred type of grass and then transplant the runners to start the good grass there. 
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 31, 2021, 01:32:35 PM
Quote from: clean on July 31, 2021, 01:14:33 PM
Long, long ago, I had a nutty, busybody neighbor that I caught one day with scissors cutting the grass runners that were on my sidewalk!  When caught, she asked if she could send her lawn person to edge my sidewalks! 
I declined !  I let the runners grow for some time until they are long enough, and hopefully with roots starting and hten I do some work in the back yard to get the weeds/ less preferred type of grass and then transplant the runners to start the good grass there.

That's just nuts. Some people have no boundaries.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 31, 2021, 01:33:39 PM
I patched part of the driveway today (cracks and some larger gaps). It's an experiment since the driveway is totally falling apart. My plan is to replace large sections of it using concrete and wire mesh. Wish me luck.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: clean on August 26, 2021, 02:27:02 PM
My garage door does not seem to want to go down unless I hold the button the entire time.

I dont know if there is something blocking the eyes or if the wheels are causing it to think that something has blocked it.

It is just too damn hot to be out there, and frankly my garage is so messy that I would probably have to spend an hour just moving things around to get to the wheels and the eyes to be sure.

So MAYBE I will deal with this over the Winter Break!  (it should be cooler and I am busy with classes now!)

But if anyone has any insight, that would be appreciated!
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: secundem_artem on September 30, 2021, 05:02:03 PM
Quote from: clean on August 26, 2021, 02:27:02 PM
My garage door does not seem to want to go down unless I hold the button the entire time.

I dont know if there is something blocking the eyes or if the wheels are causing it to think that something has blocked it.

It is just too damn hot to be out there, and frankly my garage is so messy that I would probably have to spend an hour just moving things around to get to the wheels and the eyes to be sure.

So MAYBE I will deal with this over the Winter Break!  (it should be cooler and I am busy with classes now!)

But if anyone has any insight, that would be appreciated!

Lubricate the tracks & rollers & see if that helps.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: Parasaurolophus on September 30, 2021, 09:19:26 PM
I turned off the backlight on my new laptop's keyboard, so there.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: Parasaurolophus on October 18, 2021, 08:45:41 AM
On Thursday I'll be acquiring supplies for to build a winterized cat shelter, since one of them insists on staying out until all hours, and now that there's a hatchling I can't just wait up for him.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: clean on October 18, 2021, 01:07:04 PM
QuoteLubricate the tracks & rollers & see if that helps.

If anyone else has a similar problem, I suggest that you check the wires to the electric eyes.  One of mine had been knocked off. That was the problem.  Or should I say, that was the $135 house call problem!!  Had I noticed it myself, I definitely COULD have fixed it myself!!
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on October 18, 2021, 03:27:00 PM
Quote from: clean on October 18, 2021, 01:07:04 PM
QuoteLubricate the tracks & rollers & see if that helps.

If anyone else has a similar problem, I suggest that you check the wires to the electric eyes.  One of mine had been knocked off. That was the problem.  Or should I say, that was the $135 house call problem!!  Had I noticed it myself, I definitely COULD have fixed it myself!!

Glad it was resolved. For me, I plan to repair an ancient percolator. Yes, I have one and I have used it.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: ergative on October 31, 2021, 10:04:32 AM
Absolutive's phone wouldn't turn on after it got drenched in a rainstorm. I took it apart and gave it a night in rice, and now it's all better.

Since it was a cheapo eight-dollar dumbphone it's not a huge savings, but it did save us the convenience of finding a provider of dumbphones to use to replace it. Those are becoming more and more rare these days.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on December 14, 2021, 12:08:34 PM
We're 'fixing' the couch using small blocks to brace the frame which popped out. It should give us a few more years. I really don't want to go furniture shopping at the moment.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: filologos on January 17, 2022, 02:46:02 PM
My beloved printer, bought ten years and several states ago, kept saying it was out of paper when it clearly was not. I learned from YouTube that it was probably a broken part that led to a gear not connecting with another gear. The same YouTube video taught me to remove the side panel, access the disconnected gear, and wedge it back into place with cardboard. And now it's printing. If the cardboard fails, I'll find a better way to force that gear into place again. I am not mechanically inclined, so I consider this a triumph.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: mahagonny on January 17, 2022, 02:59:52 PM
The 'button' switch in the bathroom medicine cabinet. Home Depot. One of those parts that costs two dollars or so. Gets flicked thousands of times over many years, then just fails one day. An incredible cost savings. A new medicine cabinet would've run $125 or more, and then probably wouldn't even fit exactly. So the old switch has to be at least thirty years old, because it came with the house. There's something reassuring about finding a part that's exactly the same as it was many many years ago. Or there's something satisfying about finding that even though you're old, some things are not changing faster than you can keep up with.

What a genius!
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: FishProf on January 17, 2022, 06:49:44 PM
Quote from: mahagonny on January 17, 2022, 02:59:52 PM
There's something reassuring about finding a part that's exactly the same as it was many many years ago.
Praise for the GOOD ENOUGH.

This week I fixed
1) A burner on the stove that sparked every 10-15 sec, incessantly.
2) A torch lamp with a cat-chewed cors,
3) About a dozen Christmas light strings
and
4) A label maker that had eaten about 2 feet of label tape

I'm done.  I need a drink.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: ergative on February 03, 2022, 03:14:06 AM
I have successfully fixed two drawers that were falling apart. The particle board frames had split, so they could no longer hold the bottom of the drawer in its slats. In one case I took some old brackets and bracketed the frame back together. For another, I bought a drawer-fixer hardware kit and strung some tape between two brackets on the front and back of the drawer. My screwdriver work is nothing to brag about, but the drawers will now hold underwear again, and I'm very pleased.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 03, 2022, 07:40:15 AM
Isn't it a great feeling to fix something and then be able to use it again?

I have a list of things to fix:

1. toaster oven (thermal fuse?).
2. humidifier (need to rewire it).
3. space heater (thermal fuse?).
4. replace flapper in downstairs toilet.
5. replace washers/gaskets in upstairs shower handles.
6. patch hole in garage frame.
7. paint everything!
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: FishProf on February 03, 2022, 07:49:45 AM
I spent an hour at Home Depot scouring the shelves for a suitable piece to properly (un)level my steam radiator that was gurgling and burbling in a most undesirable fashion.  Snake eyes.

But I found the necessary pieces to Rube Goldberg a better solution than I had envisioned before the shopping trip.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 03, 2022, 08:01:17 AM
Quote from: FishProf on February 03, 2022, 07:49:45 AM
I spent an hour at Home Depot scouring the shelves for a suitable piece to properly (un)level my steam radiator that was gurgling and burbling in a most undesirable fashion.  Snake eyes.

But I found the necessary pieces to Rube Goldberg a better solution than I had envisioned before the shopping trip.

How'd you do it?
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: FishProf on February 03, 2022, 08:08:36 AM
I was looking for a metal plate 8x4x1/3in, and found nothing.

But, when I helped my parents move last summer, I took an Aluminum name plate my father had made (8x3x1/4), put 3 washers under two legs of the Radiator, and voila, gurgling solved.

The Home Depot trip was useful for 2 reasons, I was able to better plan my bathroom and kitchen remodels, and i got closer to my 10k steps because I walked up and down every single aisle.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 03, 2022, 07:48:34 PM
Quote from: FishProf on February 03, 2022, 08:08:36 AM
I was looking for a metal plate 8x4x1/3in, and found nothing.

But, when I helped my parents move last summer, I took an Aluminum name plate my father had made (8x3x1/4), put 3 washers under two legs of the Radiator, and voila, gurgling solved.

The Home Depot trip was useful for 2 reasons, I was able to better plan my bathroom and kitchen remodels, and i got closer to my 10k steps because I walked up and down every single aisle.

That is a lot of steps. I wonder how close to a mile that is...
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: FishProf on February 03, 2022, 09:02:33 PM
0.8-0.9 miles according to my fitbit.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: clean on February 04, 2022, 11:55:04 AM
On My fitbit, 1 mile is about 2000 steps (or was it 2300?)

Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 04, 2022, 12:14:26 PM
Quote from: clean on February 04, 2022, 11:55:04 AM
On My fitbit, 1 mile is about 2000 steps (or was it 2300?)

Doesn't it depend on the size of your step? I don't have a fitbit, but I'd assume that you calibrate it somehow to the size of your step?
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: FishProf on February 04, 2022, 12:24:51 PM
There are charts available that tell you how many steps per mile based on your height and your pace.  But roughly, 2k steps ~ 1 mi.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 27, 2022, 11:35:51 AM
I just dealt with a big old pain in the ass problem on my ancient laptop. Somehow, the Task Manager option was removed and I had to edit the Registry to fix it. Easy fix, but a pain in the butt figuring out the problem. :P
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: mamselle on February 27, 2022, 03:43:19 PM
It must be the day for computer fixing....

I just "fixed" (again) something evil Google* did again that I already "fixed" several months ago.

Somehow, despite the fact that I TURNED OFF THE AUTO-SAVE ON MY PHOTOS, Google Photos added them all back in and gludged up my storage (of course, so they could pester me to charge me more money to upgrade).

But I'm the human. I won.

I've now removed Google Photos entirely from my system.

My phone camera doesn't need it.

My laptop doesn't need it.

Whenever I've used a separate camera, it doesn't need it.

So--Take that, Google!!!!

M.

* Turns out when Alphabet took them over they deleted the "Don't Be Evil" line entirely from their corporate materials. (At least they're being consistent, and have some sense of...what WOULD you call that? Irony? It isn't ethics...) - M.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: apl68 on March 01, 2022, 07:50:05 AM
Successfully avoided having to be in on two fixes.  The replacement refrigerator I ordered for the library's break room arrived while I was out on Friday.  And on Monday, a few hours before I had to leave my parents' house to come home, their washer went out.  Since my brother was able to stay on for a few more days, he will have to help fetch and install a new washer.  Oddly enough, the last time we were both home I arrived just as he and Dad were completing the installation of a new kitchen stove.  Honest, I haven't been planning it like that!
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: mamselle on March 01, 2022, 07:53:50 AM
Sounds like you've needed a break, glad those two went your way!

;--}

M.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on March 01, 2022, 02:09:16 PM
My 20 year old car has started running hot when idling and we think it's, hopefully, the thermostat or the radiator fan switch. SO has ventured out to procure said parts. Wish us luck.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: clean on March 02, 2022, 10:03:26 AM
Maybe we should start an 'antique car thread'! 

mine is 22 years old now.  (And it is more reliable than the students it takes me to visit)
The old fora had a 'high mileage thread' but mine is not high mileage. It has about 67000 miles I think.  I purchased it from an estate.  It was the departed's wife's car before she predeceased him.  It was garage kept and well maintained!  I purchased it for $2000 but then put in another $2000 on deferred maintenance.  It had about 48000 miles when I bought it.  So it got its 60000 mile tune up done about 12000 miles early and about 10 years late!!  I figured that I would spend the money to get all the fluids and other things handled to head off other potential problems.
I wont say that it hasnt been problem free, but I needed a car and this was far, far cheaper, even after paying to fix it, than what I would have spent otherwise! 

it is a Grand Marquis.  My parents had several just like it!  In their experience, they are/were great cars until they hit about 100,000 miles and then there were some small issues that were more expensive to fix than the problem.  (I dont have any examples, but as a comparison, my former High Mileage car (Toyota Avalon) needed a water pump (about $200 for the part), but it needed another $1000 for labor!  IF I could have fixed it for up to $700 I would have fixed it!  I sold it for $600 to a high school person's parents (who had a relative in the repair business!) 

So what is your car, and for what it is worth, the thermostat and radiator fan clutch are relatively inexpensive, easy fixes to try!  After that, the water pump would be worth checking.  AFTER THAT you have exceeded my capabilities, so hopefully those do the trick!
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on March 02, 2022, 03:21:57 PM
Thanks clean. Actually, I realized that my car is 21 years old. Ha! It's legal.

Anyway, we replaced the thermostat, checked the radiator cap (we replaced the radiator 3 years ago- that was a bitch! Rusted parts), checked the hoses, fans, reservoir, etc.

No dice.

So, I drove it up to my local mechanic and they get to play with it. Could be a switch. I had the timing belt and water pump replaced 9 months ago, so they are both under warranty. They also flushed the radiator last year. Could be the water pump. They just don't make parts like they used to anymore. My mechanic friends said that they have replaced things up to 3 times because the parts were crap. :(

Anyway. We'll see what happens. Oh, and I currently have about 288k miles on it. :D I put about 99.9% of those miles on it too (drove across the country and back a couple of times).

Edit: I forgot to mention that it is quite impressive that your car has such low mileage for its age! Somewhat of an inverse relationship, though that won't last forever as you continue to drive it. ;)
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: clean on March 02, 2022, 04:40:57 PM
Quote
Edit: I forgot to mention that it is quite impressive that your car has such low mileage for its age! Somewhat of an inverse relationship, though that won't last forever as you continue to drive it. ;)

Yes, it was a rare find.
I had said before (when I taught money management classes for the Bankruptcy Trustee) that the best place to find a car was the obituaries!  The cars found there were often older, but very well kept.

Mine was garage kept (not now, though!!), and regularly maintained, for the most part.  In fact, one of the worries I had was that I feared that the tires would be in good shape, but had aged out.  Instead, I found that the tires were only 4 years old and had less than 5000 miles of actual wear!  The deceased had 2 other cars, and this one was 'his wife's' so he just really didnt put much use on it as he really didnt need it! 

I nearly bought another faculty member's estate vehicle (it was her dad's) but it was 'too new' so the 'fair price' was more than I wanted to spend, and at that time, my car (the Avalon) was still going strong.  This one though, was old enough that even with the low mileage, the value just didnt keep up.

So the moral of the story is that IF you can find someone with a recently departed relative, that is trying to get the estate through probate, you may both come out ahead! 
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: mamselle on March 02, 2022, 04:54:39 PM
I'd be interested in such a thread.

My dad had all the parts for a 1936 something-or-other (it was never clear what) in their garage, which he never did reconstitute as he'd intended.

He'd had a Chevy called "Nylon" (because it never ran) in college and when he saw this in one of the "Trading Times" kinds of papers, he had to have it.

They ended up building an overhanging 1/2 garage for the 'real car(s)' they used after that, but it might have been fun to have been able to drive the older one, at least once.

Meanwhile, where I am now, I've been seeing a fellow on Saturday AMs who each week is driving around a different vintage vehicle (very old Cooper Austin? Verifiable Model T Ford, etc.) to give each one of them an airing, presumably, in their turn.

A couple times I've been able to walk by while he's at a stop light and ask what year and make--that's how I know about the Ford--and wave as he goes by. I take it he has a collection (and a sizeable garage, somewhere...) and probably rides them in parades and such.

The licensing is the thing I wonder about, though--at what point does a car qualify as "historic," and is that an issue for very-much-older collected/estate-related vehicles?

M.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: clean on March 02, 2022, 08:15:29 PM
I had to look it up!  I thought I may have been onto something...

"n order to qualify for MY STATE antique vehicle registration, your vehicle must be at least 25 years old, and can only be used on a limited basis such as car shows, exhibitions, parades, and travel to and from repair and maintenance facilities."

IF I had a car that could only travel to and from repair and maintenance facilities, it would not long be in my 'stable' of vehicles!  Those are the kinds of cars that deserve to be parted out!

So I will not be owing an officially Antique Vehicle
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: apl68 on March 03, 2022, 07:36:12 AM
Quote from: clean on March 02, 2022, 04:40:57 PM
Quote
Edit: I forgot to mention that it is quite impressive that your car has such low mileage for its age! Somewhat of an inverse relationship, though that won't last forever as you continue to drive it. ;)

Yes, it was a rare find.

I don't know--it was a Lincoln, and Lincoln's customers of the 1950s-1960s essentially remained their customers from that point on.  Which means that late-model Lincolns are almost always some senior citizen's little-driven final car.  I remember some years back checking our state paper's vehicle classifieds out of curiosity now and then.  I virtually always saw at least a couple of Lincolns, and they were nearly always very low-mileage cars.  Clean's find does sound like an especially good one, though.

Once Dad and I had a whimsical discussion about whether a cash-strapped police department could buy one of those inexpensive low-mileage Lincolns and turn it into a roomy police cruiser.  Maybe put in a nitrous oxide injector (plenty of room under the hood there) to boost its speed?  Dad commented that it might work as long as the pursuit didn't cover more than a quarter mile.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: apl68 on March 03, 2022, 07:37:29 AM
Quote from: clean on March 02, 2022, 08:15:29 PM
I had to look it up!  I thought I may have been onto something...

"n order to qualify for MY STATE antique vehicle registration, your vehicle must be at least 25 years old, and can only be used on a limited basis such as car shows, exhibitions, parades, and travel to and from repair and maintenance facilities."

IF I had a car that could only travel to and from repair and maintenance facilities, it would not long be in my 'stable' of vehicles!  Those are the kinds of cars that deserve to be parted out!

So I will not be owing an officially Antique Vehicle

I think in our state the only requirement for antique plates is that the vehicle be over 25 years old, period.  As Dad once pointed out, there are whole counties here where half the local vehicles would qualify.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on March 03, 2022, 04:29:54 PM
My mechanic friends think the radiator just needed to be 'burped.' Apparently, they ran it for a good minute and it didn't overheat after that.

Of course, when I drove it in to work today and got off the highway and idled at a light, the needle started to creep upward. Ugh!!!

We think there's a leak in the thermostat, or the hose near it. SO noticed a drip. I'm wondering if the temp gauge sensor is going out, or the fan switch. We'll bring it back in tomorrow and see what my mechanic friends say. :(
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on March 05, 2022, 04:59:16 PM
The car saga continues and hopefully ends with this...

it was the thermostat, well, the gasket was damaged, which we think allowed coolant to drop through and caused the car to run hotter than usual. We had a better thermostat and gasket installed by the mechanic friends.

We took it for a 20 mile test drive in stop and go traffic and it performed well. Fingers crossed that we're good. Now, we have another problem. It appears that the heating element may have gone out on our oven. Ugh.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: mamselle on March 05, 2022, 05:07:02 PM
Too bad you couldn't save all that extra heat from the car and....

No.

Guess not...

M.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on March 06, 2022, 06:58:16 AM
Quote from: mamselle on March 05, 2022, 05:07:02 PM
Too bad you couldn't save all that extra heat from the car and....

No.

Guess not...

M.

I wish it were that easy, but then again I may violate some laws of thermodynamics...

I'll just do a continuity test on the heating element and hope that I just need a replacement part.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on March 06, 2022, 02:46:46 PM
We took the heating element out of the oven and did a continuity test. It failed. We really didn't need to since it looked like the element had an accident and leaked/exploded a little. Ordered a new one for about $30. Fingers crossed that it's good.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on March 09, 2022, 03:41:42 PM
Update!

We replaced the heating element in the oven and it works! :D And just in time for Pi Day!!!
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 08, 2022, 01:35:04 PM
Update: The oven still works. ;)

Today, I took apart my steam cleaner and cleaned it. Sounds odd. Not really a fix, but maintenance. There was so.much.animal.hair.

I put it back together and used it. Works just fine for a 20+ year old steam cleaner. :D
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: FishProf on May 08, 2022, 02:55:36 PM
I spent multiple hours over the last two weeks troubleshooting our dishwasher.  I concluded it was the sprayer arms not turning, and the heating element being end of life. 

BUT, I know my limits.  I called in the pro, who spent 2 hours futzing with the thing, and concluded I was right on both counts.  Parts ordered, fix scheduled for next week.

Does getting it fixed count?
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: dismalist on May 08, 2022, 03:22:17 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on March 09, 2022, 03:41:42 PM
Update!

We replaced the heating element in the oven and it works! :D And just in time for Pi Day!!!

In my yute, maybe 1970 or a little later, the heating element in my sister's kitchen oven stopped working. I examined it. A gap had formed in the element. I got lot's of copper wire and soldered everything together. Worked fine. I would not do that today!

Quote from: FishProf on May 08, 2022, 02:55:36 PM
I spent multiple hours over the last two weeks troubleshooting our dishwasher.  I concluded it was the sprayer arms not turning, and the heating element being end of life. 

BUT, I know my limits.  I called in the pro, who spent 2 hours futzing with the thing, and concluded I was right on both counts.  Parts ordered, fix scheduled for next week.

Does getting it fixed count?

Knowing my limits now, I called a pro to fix the dishwasher right away,  only last week. The dishwasher even has an error notification, which once decoded, explained what had to be done. I might have tried it myself were I still a yute! :-)
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: mamselle on May 08, 2022, 03:39:12 PM
I got rid of a buncha files in my One Drive folder, which I do not like to use because they send me taunting emails which suggest they have access to them.

There are a few left, now, but dinner's ready, and at least all the photos are out of there.

No, thanks, I do NOT need to be reminded of what I did on this day last year.

I'm trying to stay focused on finishing what I need to do on this day, THIS year!

M.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: clean on May 10, 2022, 06:49:06 AM
Quotewere I still a yute!

That is the beauty of being a Yute!  You can do anything (or at least were willing to try!)   But when we were Yutes, things could be fixed!!

For instance the defrost timer on a refrigerator was actually a mechanical clock. You could find it, replace it and move on.  Now it is an electronic clock on the mother board.  No one can replace the clock, only the mother board, and by the time you price that, if the fridge is old enough, it is probably more than the fridge is worth = time to replace it!

And when you replace it, do you know what will happen?
2 or 3 Yutes will haul the new one in and haul the old one out!! 


When I was a yute, I camped regularly!  Now that I m such an old fart that ive lost my stink, IF I get on the ground, there is a good chance I will need some Yutes to help me up!
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 23, 2022, 12:13:13 PM
SO and I will be replacing a temperature sensor and fan switch on my old fart car (21 yr old Honda). I've been having intermittent high temperature readings (up to 3/4 of the gauge max) and they only occur when I am stopped (at a red light or parked in the garage after driving about 25 mi.). Our local mechanic cannot determine what the issue is and I don't want to wait until whatever it is decides to break in a bad way. We've had the thermostat changed (twice), heater hoses replaced, radiator burped, coolant checked and flushed and SO and I replaced the radiator 4 years ago (no leaks in it or upper and lower hoses). We're thinking either the fan switch is going out (4 cylinder so both fans are connected to the same switch), the temperature sensor is going bad or the radiator fan motor is going out. I have ZERO codes on my code reader and the mechanic noticed no codes either.

I may pull out the radiator fan and see if there is something I can check with my handy multimeter which indicates that the motor is failing. I suppose I could check all the fuses and relays too. If anyone has helpful suggestions or relevant experience- I would greatly appreciate them.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: Parasaurolophus on May 24, 2022, 10:01:29 PM
The foldout couch broke. I will fix it.

Maybe.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 02, 2022, 01:42:06 PM
SO and I replaced the radiator fan and 'burped' the system on my car. We tested the fans and they both work. We have replaced the thermostat, fan switch, temperature sensor and the radiator fan. The radiator and hoses have been checked, so if this doesn't work, then I may just need a new radiator cap, or I got a crappy thermostat again.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: mamselle on June 02, 2022, 02:35:48 PM
Sentences.

I fix sentences.

(See the research threads).

M.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: Parasaurolophus on June 02, 2022, 05:03:26 PM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on May 24, 2022, 10:01:29 PM
The foldout couch broke. I will fix it.

Maybe.

Haven't made the trip to the hardware store yet.

But we acquired a rideable wooden fire truck that was falling apart at the pegs. I glued it all solidly together with wood glue, and made and upholstered a seat for it.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: mamselle on June 02, 2022, 09:17:53 PM
Is this for you....or....the hatchling?

M.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: FishProf on June 03, 2022, 03:41:56 AM
I had to repair a bathroom door after smolt and smoltfriend played 'lock each other out of the bathroom'. 

Wood glue, clamps, square.

But I forgot that my 1823 house isn't square.  So a level-hung, square door didn't close.  Missed it by millimeters.

And that is what a dremel tool is for...
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 03, 2022, 07:09:06 AM
Quote from: FishProf on June 03, 2022, 03:41:56 AM
I had to repair a bathroom door after smolt and smoltfriend played 'lock each other out of the bathroom'. 

Wood glue, clamps, square.

But I forgot that my 1823 house isn't square.  So a level-hung, square door didn't close.  Missed it by millimeters.

And that is what a dremel tool is for...

Dremels are wonderful.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: Parasaurolophus on June 03, 2022, 07:34:13 AM
Quote from: mamselle on June 02, 2022, 09:17:53 PM
Is this for you....or....the hatchling?

M.

Ha! I have zero interest, and only slightly more interest in crouching way down to push the hatchling along. But I live to serve.

I do, however, need to pop by the hardware store for some bolts so that I can properly re-affix the ladder, and thus crouch slightly less to push him.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: FishProf on June 04, 2022, 10:07:14 AM
I replaced a bathroom fan that rattled like it was going to fly apart.

It didn't take long, only about 15 minutes to install. 

After I removed the old one (2 hours).

I'm not counting the 2 months since I disabled the old one, bought the new one, and then didn't do anything.

Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: AmLitHist on June 07, 2022, 10:21:58 AM
Quote from: FishProf on June 04, 2022, 10:07:14 AM
I replaced a bathroom fan that rattled like it was going to fly apart.

It didn't take long, only about 15 minutes to install. 

After I removed the old one (2 hours).

I'm not counting the 2 months since I disabled the old one, bought the new one, and then didn't do anything.
Our fan gave up the ghost about 18 months-2 years ago.  Finally, after enough haranguing, the landlady got an electrician out to fix it.  She insisted on having the old one fixed, rather than buying a new one.

In late January, the guy went into the attic and traced the wire, since the wall switch didn't seem to be working.  After about 90 minutes, he decided someone else needed to look at it.  Eventually they did and said the switch was fine.  About 2 hours later, a trip back to the shop, and more delays to try to find parts to work, he called and said they'd have to see what they could come up with.

The old motor finally got fixed in March.  It died again--sounding like yours, ask if the roof of the house was getting ready for takeoff--in late May.

After some choice words, Landlady was quicker to get the electrician back out last week.  He confirmed it's shot, and needs to be replaced.  Of course, it'll be 2-3 more weeks before he can do that.

So, instead of coughing up the $$ for a new fan, she's run up several hundred $$ in labor, more in parts and travel fees, and still need to pay to have a new fan installed.  Plus, we still don't have a working fan.  Shaking my head.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: mamselle on June 07, 2022, 03:37:04 PM
Penny wise, pound foolish, that one.

M.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 08, 2022, 04:03:49 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 02, 2022, 01:42:06 PM
SO and I replaced the radiator fan and 'burped' the system on my car. We tested the fans and they both work. We have replaced the thermostat, fan switch, temperature sensor and the radiator fan. The radiator and hoses have been checked, so if this doesn't work, then I may just need a new radiator cap, or I got a crappy thermostat again.

Car was fine driving home, but when I parked in the garage the temperature rose quite a bit. The fan did turn on (though I think it was struggling a little and we just replaced it and the fan switch). So, now I think I'll bring it in to my local mechanic to look at it. I'm sure I'm driving them nuts because every time they've tested it- it hasn't overheated. This time I took a picture which I plan to show them. The only things I can think of are a bad radiator cap, clogged radiator, water pump going (but that was replaced last year) or demons/spirits possessing my car. Anyone know an exorcist?

Edited to add: The thermostat and temperature sensor have been changed. I see no leaks from the radiator and check the hoses EVERY time I drive the car.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: Parasaurolophus on June 11, 2022, 10:21:42 AM
Today, a toy double-decker bus from the seventies that fell apart under repeated bashing. It is now all back together, superglue-style. I'm impressed that I figured out the door and bell mechanisms.

Still haven't gotten the parts for the couch fix. I'm optimistic that I'll manage it soon.

Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: FishProf on June 11, 2022, 10:56:24 AM
A computer failure.  Now fixed, and all necessary software reinstalled.

Such a good use of my time.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: secundem_artem on June 15, 2022, 02:34:09 PM
I watched a video to learn how to re-charge the AC system in my wife's car.  Seemed easy enough.

Couldn't even get the hood open.  Something went screwy with the latch and all the pulling in the world could not pop the hood. 

Where do I surrender my man card?
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: Wahoo Redux on June 15, 2022, 09:24:49 PM
I used an electric drill that I won at a raffle in a yogurt shop to reattach the facing on the cupboard under the sink.  My wife seemed kind of impressed.  I'm not sure if that is good as this would imply that she thought of me as not very handy.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: apl68 on June 16, 2022, 07:11:48 AM
Quote from: secundem_artem on June 15, 2022, 02:34:09 PM
I watched a video to learn how to re-charge the AC system in my wife's car.  Seemed easy enough.

Couldn't even get the hood open.  Something went screwy with the latch and all the pulling in the world could not pop the hood. 

Where do I surrender my man card?

I do sympathize with you.  I've had an analogous problem in trying to deal with certain federal agencies--what should be a basic first step seems almost un-doable, thanks to some ludicrously badly designed online systems.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 16, 2022, 03:18:01 PM
SO replaced his mass airflow sensor with the hopes that it would fix the error codes he got. Nope. Looks like he may need to replace his O2 sensors and now he may have an exhaust leak. :(
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 18, 2022, 05:46:23 PM
Yesterday our AC went out after a storm and would not turn back on. So, we replaced the capacitor- no dice. We checked the motor (did not appear to be seized). We JUST had it checked a few days ago and it was FINE. The only other thing that I can think of is that a fuse may be blown (which we will check tomorrow). I hope we can get this fixed before it hits 100 deg. F next week.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: Ruralguy on June 18, 2022, 06:40:30 PM
Sometimes critters can get into outdoor units especially and get to wires. We had that happen during a bad heat wave a few years ago.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 18, 2022, 06:57:04 PM
Quote from: Ruralguy on June 18, 2022, 06:40:30 PM
Sometimes critters can get into outdoor units especially and get to wires. We had that happen during a bad heat wave a few years ago.

We're going to have someone check. I didn't see any chewed wires though (we opened up the unit and cleaned it out).
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 20, 2022, 10:17:06 AM
AC Unit update:

In my last attempt to fix the unit, I will replace the contactor. I know that the fan motor and compressor are good because I bypassed the contactor and they both turned on. If replacing the contactor doesn't work, well, I have a tentative appointment for this Friday with my AC company.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: mamselle on June 20, 2022, 10:45:17 AM
I first read that as, "I will replace the contractor," and thought, "...yeah, sometimes THAT'S  what it takes."

M.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: clean on June 20, 2022, 02:04:13 PM
QuoteI first read that as, "I will replace the contractor," and thought, "...yeah, sometimes THAT'S  what it takes."

M.

I read it that way the first time and wasnt exactly sure what was replaced.... but as you are trying to fix it yourself before Friday, you are ALSO exploring bypassing the CONTRACTOR!!
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: Parasaurolophus on June 21, 2022, 01:57:14 PM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on June 11, 2022, 10:21:42 AM
Today, a toy double-decker bus from the seventies that fell apart under repeated bashing. It is now all back together, superglue-style. I'm impressed that I figured out the door and bell mechanisms.

Still haven't gotten the parts for the couch fix. I'm optimistic that I'll manage it soon.

I think I fixed the couch.

I screwed up the bus' bell, which no longer rings. Gonna have to think that fix through more carefully.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 21, 2022, 02:06:46 PM
Quote from: clean on June 20, 2022, 02:04:13 PM
QuoteI first read that as, "I will replace the contractor," and thought, "...yeah, sometimes THAT'S  what it takes."

M.

I read it that way the first time and wasnt exactly sure what was replaced.... but as you are trying to fix it yourself before Friday, you are ALSO exploring bypassing the CONTRACTOR!!

Interthreaduality.

I'm so frustrated right now. I'm trying to bypass the contractor. I checked power going in to the contactor, the contactor itself and the fan & condensor (both turned on when I pushed the button on the contactor). I replaced the thermostat inside the house. I checked the breakers and the 5 A fuse in the circuit board downstairs on the furnace using my meter. I am STUMPED. I bet it's some little piddly thing and I'm going to have to have the guy come out because I can't figure it out and it's hotter than Hades down here. Feeling like I'm not doing my job as handyperson around here. :(
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: FishProf on June 21, 2022, 02:09:25 PM
Did you try unplugging it, and plugging it back in?

(Ducks, and runs)
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 21, 2022, 02:19:45 PM
Quote from: FishProf on June 21, 2022, 02:09:25 PM
Did you try unplugging it, and plugging it back in?

(Ducks, and runs)

:O

Yep.

Reminds me of The IT Crowd.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 21, 2022, 03:04:45 PM
I ordered some fuses for downstairs. The fuse checked out with my meter, but maybe it lied to me. :D
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: arcturus on June 21, 2022, 05:03:14 PM
Although it does not fit the thread title, all these A/C stories are prompting me to add my own. I "fixed" my A/C by (a) using night-time cooling to reset the temperature inside the house by morning and then relying on reasonably good insulation to minimize the day-time heating; (b) calling the repair service; (c) having the repair "team" replace the entire unit (it was out of coolant, and so old that no new coolant is available for this model...).  Step (c) has not yet happened, but is scheduled to happen soon; in the meantime, I am relying on (a) to get me through the second hottest week of the year (90+ F outside; still less than 80 F inside, with no artificial cooling involved).
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: mamselle on June 21, 2022, 05:10:23 PM
What I'd like to fix, after the fourth round of testimony from the J6 committee:

Any sickness that makes people think it's OK to harass election officials, blame everyone else but themselves for their 'lost' election, and create so much mayhem and danger that people are afraid to go out of their homes for fear of being harmed or attacked.

M.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 21, 2022, 05:36:29 PM
Quote from: arcturus on June 21, 2022, 05:03:14 PM
Although it does not fit the thread title, all these A/C stories are prompting me to add my own. I "fixed" my A/C by (a) using night-time cooling to reset the temperature inside the house by morning and then relying on reasonably good insulation to minimize the day-time heating; (b) calling the repair service; (c) having the repair "team" replace the entire unit (it was out of coolant, and so old that no new coolant is available for this model...).  Step (c) has not yet happened, but is scheduled to happen soon; in the meantime, I am relying on (a) to get me through the second hottest week of the year (90+ F outside; still less than 80 F inside, with no artificial cooling involved).

I feel you, arcturus. It has been in the 90's (deg. F) here and in the 100's with the heat index. I broke down today and bought a portable AC unit. When I think about this, it all started when we had a clog in the line. I thought we cleared it- maybe we didn't? We tried using the air compressor and blew out a little water through the line that goes to the outside. If that doesn't fix it, then it could be a fuse or maybe loose wiring? If I can't fix it, then the repair guy is coming out on Friday. The funny thing is he was out here two days before all this started and said there were no clogs. Unless a fuse blew and my meter lied to me...
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: clean on June 21, 2022, 08:44:20 PM
Now that you mention it, in the drip pan, there is a float in the pan that shuts off the AC if the pan fills with water to keep it from getting more water in it.  Perhaps the earlier repairs may have caused a problem with the pan switch turning things off.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 22, 2022, 06:14:15 AM
Quote from: clean on June 21, 2022, 08:44:20 PM
Now that you mention it, in the drip pan, there is a float in the pan that shuts off the AC if the pan fills with water to keep it from getting more water in it.  Perhaps the earlier repairs may have caused a problem with the pan switch turning things off.

Thanks clean! We have an older model and maybe the switch got stuck from earlier. I will check it after work today and report back.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 22, 2022, 04:29:43 PM
I checked and I think our unit is so old that it doesn't have a switch. :) That would explain the leak we had. Just for the hell of it, I tried clearing the pipes again (using a shop vac this time), flipped my breakers and turned on the thermostat. Nope. So, tomorrow, we'll see what happens.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 23, 2022, 10:14:25 AM
AC guy said it's the 24 V wire to the outside unit. He said we did a great job with everything else and that we could replace the wire because he didn't have time today. ARGH!!!! I really don't want to wire this, so I called someone else who is coming tomorrow.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: Dismal on June 23, 2022, 11:46:59 AM
I skipped a few pages, but what I am good at is shining shoes. Perhaps not fixing them, but maintaining them. I have a wooden kit just like my dad used to have and I make a big production of putting newspapers on the floor in front of the TV and demanding that everyone bring their leather shoes to me. Of course, everyone else pretty much wears tennis shoes so often I just do my own.

Edited to say that after reading the previous pages, I guess my skill set is meager compared to those with fix water issues or work with large appliances.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 23, 2022, 04:24:31 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 23, 2022, 10:14:25 AM
AC guy said it's the 24 V wire to the outside unit. He said we did a great job with everything else and that we could replace the wire because he didn't have time today. ARGH!!!! I really don't want to wire this, so I called someone else who is coming tomorrow.

My AC guy is full of shit! I traced the wire back using my multimeter and got 24+ Volts all the way up to the outside unit. Needless to say, he won't be my AC guy any more. I'm really, really tired of dealing with this problem.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: Parasaurolophus on June 23, 2022, 04:39:17 PM
The vertical wall moulding (!) the hatchling broke yesterday, in his enthusiasm for flexing it.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: FishProf on June 23, 2022, 07:14:14 PM
I just resealed the shower, finding some significant gaps in the caulk that I was unaware of.

I'll find out tomorrow if this stops the leaks into the basement.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: clean on June 23, 2022, 07:57:50 PM
Quotethat we could replace the wire because he didn't have time today.

I hope that you didnt have time to PAY HIM!

What is a service call supposed to involve? 

Is this an employee of a company or 'the boss'/owner?  Id call them back, tell them what you discovered and ask what he is supposed to be doing for the service charge?

Call the company back, and IF they dont fix the problem, challenge the charge on the credit card (if that is how you paid!)
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 23, 2022, 08:05:25 PM
Quote from: clean on June 23, 2022, 07:57:50 PM
Quotethat we could replace the wire because he didn't have time today.

I hope that you didnt have time to PAY HIM!

What is a service call supposed to involve? 

Is this an employee of a company or 'the boss'/owner?  Id call them back, tell them what you discovered and ask what he is supposed to be doing for the service charge?

Call the company back, and IF they dont fix the problem, challenge the charge on the credit card (if that is how you paid!)

No. He said it was free because he 'was in a good mood today.' Ugh. It felt like he really didn't even want to be here. What a waste of time.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 24, 2022, 03:29:13 PM
And I need a new control board... shit.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: AmLitHist on June 25, 2022, 08:06:54 AM
That just sounds expensive, EPW.  Can they at least get the part (or is one of those "we can't get any electronic part because of the pandemic" things)?
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 25, 2022, 08:16:26 AM
Quote from: AmLitHist on June 25, 2022, 08:06:54 AM
That just sounds expensive, EPW.  Can they at least get the part (or is one of those "we can't get any electronic part because of the pandemic" things)?

They can get a whole new board by Monday. The relays went out and they don't do individual components, so I need a new board. It's a 22+ year old board anyway. I've been replacing parts of this AC system over the years, piece by piece.

I did look online and I could buy a board cheaper and install it myself, but I am tired of being the HVAC repair person. Actually, I'm kind of torn, I'd save about $500 doing it myself, but I've never done it before (but it's just wiring- right?). I asked to keep the old board so I can play with it.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: FishProf on June 25, 2022, 09:17:47 AM
The shower still leaks.  Grrr.

But I can see where a crack that I filled didn't stay filled, so I can try again.

A deeper look revealed some rotting supports under the shower, so it looks like a full remodel is in my future.  I just need to patch long enough to get through our current remodel and then that can be dealt with.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 25, 2022, 09:30:13 AM
Quote from: FishProf on June 25, 2022, 09:17:47 AM
The shower still leaks.  Grrr.

But I can see where a crack that I filled didn't stay filled, so I can try again.

A deeper look revealed some rotting supports under the shower, so it looks like a full remodel is in my future.  I just need to patch long enough to get through our current remodel and then that can be dealt with.

That stinks, but at least you found it sooner rather than later.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: mamselle on June 25, 2022, 09:36:09 AM
Yes, and before some rotted joust deposited you, wet and towel-less, in the basement...

M.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: filologos on June 25, 2022, 01:46:47 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 25, 2022, 08:16:26 AM
I've been replacing parts of this AC system over the years, piece by piece.

The AC system of Theseus?
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: mamselle on June 25, 2022, 02:02:25 PM
Sounds more like Penelope, to be honest....

M.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: filologos on June 25, 2022, 02:42:53 PM
For any interested parties: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ship_of_Theseus. While we're at it, this particular AC system sounds like a potential labor of Hercules.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: mamselle on June 25, 2022, 04:10:32 PM
Yeah, but I bet there are mice or something in there, undoing whatever gets fixed while they sleep..

What I fix:

    All the little things in the article that wouldn't be done but now it is.

M.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 25, 2022, 05:09:01 PM
Quote from: filologos on June 25, 2022, 02:42:53 PM
For any interested parties: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ship_of_Theseus. While we're at it, this particular AC system sounds like a potential labor of Hercules.

Yep. Usually it isn't the board. You check the fuses, breaker, thermostat, capacitor, contactor, fan motor, compressor, etc.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: ergative on August 29, 2022, 11:15:40 PM
Like Fishprof, I too have been dealing with a leaky tub. I recaulked the seams on Sunday and Absolutive and I had leakless showers last night. I feel very smug.

Also, like Fishprof, I suspect we'll need to redo the bathroom in the future. I don't know whether the floor is rotting from previous leaks before we took possession, but the current tub is somehow designed in such a way that water loves to run off the edges onto the floor, no matter how carefully you drape the curtain. I do not want to be placing sponges at the corners of my tub for the rest of the showers of my life.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: FishProf on August 30, 2022, 04:46:23 AM
I confirmed with my plumber, who is remodeling a bathroom/laundry room on the second floor that the shower is leaking, the repairs I made can help but not fix, and that the floor is damaged (but not in danger of imminent collapse.  He suspects a torn membrane and recommends replacing with a copper pan, BUT that doesn't necessarily require ripping the whole shower out, and we have time so the problem persists but it is not urgent.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: apl68 on August 30, 2022, 07:44:22 AM
Quote from: ergative on August 29, 2022, 11:15:40 PM
Like Fishprof, I too have been dealing with a leaky tub. I recaulked the seams on Sunday and Absolutive and I had leakless showers last night. I feel very smug.

Well, you should feel pleased with yourself for a good caulking job!
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on September 01, 2022, 09:26:36 AM
Our damn 'over the stove' microwave stopped working. I bet the fuse blew on it. Should I try to replace it? The microwave is 22+ years old, but I have an even older microwave (circa 1995) in my office that works! What would you do?
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: clean on September 01, 2022, 02:40:51 PM
Depending on the problem, at 22 years old, it would be hard/expensive to even get the parts!
In my own example, I had a microwave with essentially a broken handle!  The repair really needed a new door.  The new door alone was half the price of a new machine, and they didnt have any anyway!

My father used to repair appliances as one of his last jobs, and even he decided to replace rather than repair HIS microwave when it had a similar problem. 

And pay what they want to install the new one!  You dont want to have to try to help leverage that big machine over a stove. They are heavy and you will be off center, and trying to attach to brackets that are not easy to see or find!  And IF you have a working vent fan, that is even more particular to install! 

At some point, you recognize that an appliance has lived its full, useful life.  This may be that point!  (Unless you can find and fix something easy without having to take the old one off the wall to work on it, go new!)  They just are not that expensive and may be more efficient and have less of a radiation leakage rate!
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on September 02, 2022, 03:35:49 PM
I went ahead and bought a new microwave. :(

I still plan to take apart the old one and see if I can figure out what happened to it.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on October 29, 2022, 01:28:40 PM
Well, we took apart our leaf blower because it stopped working. Cleaned it out with some canned air, put it back together and now it works!
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: Parasaurolophus on October 30, 2022, 02:46:06 PM
I changed a tire today. In the middle of an enormous downpour.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on October 30, 2022, 03:52:57 PM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on October 30, 2022, 02:46:06 PM
I changed a tire today. In the middle of an enormous downpour.

Yikes! Sorry you had to deal with that.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: Parasaurolophus on October 30, 2022, 09:33:53 PM
Well, it's nice to know I can. Easy as it is, the last time I did it I was around 8 or so, so it wasn't a foregone conclusion. ;)
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: FishProf on October 31, 2022, 07:05:48 AM
I replaced the deadbolt on our back door.  Why?  Because someone lost the only key and we could no longer open the door.

Yes, it might have been cheaper to get a locksmith to make a new key, but it was a better idea to change out the lock type as well
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: fishbrains on November 06, 2022, 07:50:49 AM
I found an old Kindle that we had confiscated from my daughter on some allegedly trumped-up charges about 6 or 7 years ago. Anyway, it was totally dead; so I ordered a new battery, installed the new battery, installed updates to the Kindle, and now it works like a charm!

Pretty cool.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 04, 2023, 03:48:25 PM
Well, we took our 26 year old dryer apart and removed a disgusting amount of lint from the inside. Actually, SO showed me that the cord (where it attaches to the dryer) was so corroded that the contacts were bad and I decided that this was an opportune time to disassemble the dryer for shits and giggles. We also cleaned out the line to the vent. Long story short, we bought a new cord and a new hose to the vent.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: clean on February 04, 2023, 04:47:29 PM
Any reports on if it works better?  (or was that lint what was keeping it from flying apart?)
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 04, 2023, 04:58:37 PM
Quote from: clean on February 04, 2023, 04:47:29 PM
Any reports on if it works better?  (or was that lint what was keeping it from flying apart?)

It works as it should. I did some dangerous stuff with it (bypassing things I shouldn't have and using a fan- I know very stupid). Sometimes when you get a big clog that blocks the exhaust vent, it will heat up and cause the thermal fuse to blow (which is what it should do). That should have been my indicator, but I wasn't thinking. I will say that I cleaned out the entire exhaust portion and it works fine. It's a simple machine since it's from 1997.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: ergative on February 22, 2023, 11:47:59 PM
I had a doorknob that was loose because the plate was missing a screw. I unscrewed the knob, replaced the screw, replaced the knob, had a crisis of faith when the replaced knob failed to engage with the shaft and the door was latched shut (I'll never get in my bedroom ever again!), but it turned out I just needed to screw the knob in a little bit more, and now it works and the doorknob is secure.

I have a couple of screws in other places that keep coming undone. Emboldened by my doorknob success I'm about to order myself some loctite threadlocker and teach those suckers not to move unless Ergative tells them to move.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 23, 2023, 05:39:04 AM
Quote from: ergative on February 22, 2023, 11:47:59 PM
I had a doorknob that was loose because the plate was missing a screw. I unscrewed the knob, replaced the screw, replaced the knob, had a crisis of faith when the replaced knob failed to engage with the shaft and the door was latched shut (I'll never get in my bedroom ever again!), but it turned out I just needed to screw the knob in a little bit more, and now it works and the doorknob is secure.

I have a couple of screws in other places that keep coming undone. Emboldened by my doorknob success I'm about to order myself some loctite threadlocker and teach those suckers not to move unless Ergative tells them to move.

Yay! That reminds me that I need to fix one of our door locks (keeps getting stuck).
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: Juvenal on February 23, 2023, 02:52:14 PM
A Yankee of New England heritage here: "Use if up; wear it out; make do; do without."  A saggy mattress and a falling-apart frame?  Well, what's Ambien for?  Drugs are more easily managed than furniture.  Snooze.  I don't yet think a bedroom full of corn shucks is yet in prospect but, well, shuck this...mmm, Beatles, "Golden Slumbers."
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: clean on March 28, 2023, 11:28:21 AM
today I changed the hood lifts on my car!  It didnt take too much effort, thanks to watching a youtube about it first!! 

I had thought that it would help the hood pop up better, but I suppose that is another problem!  However, as earlier today I was doing something else and the hood hit me on the back of my head, I suppose that the lifts needed fixed too! 

Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: apl68 on March 28, 2023, 12:32:55 PM
You could trying what I guy I used to know did.  He kept a length of broomstick to prop the hood open whenever he opened it.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: ergative on March 28, 2023, 03:12:45 PM
1. I have recaulked the window frames. These are windows we had put in last fall, and I love them so much (MASSIVE improvement on the old ones), but the window guy used a very shrinky caulk to seal them, and boy did it shrink shrinkily! Anyway so I scraped out the old caulk and recaulked the worst of the gaps (at least, the ones that don't require me to get on a ladder), and I'm quite pleased with that. I must confess that I'm getting to be rather a dab hand with a caulk gun! (she foreshadowed, overconfidently.)

2. I had two screws that kept coming unscrewed. I have now applied loctite threadlocker to them, and they are not budging. I'm also pleased with that.

3. I repainted the baseboards in my office. I am--hmm--less well pleased with that job, but fortunately I had the self-awareness to start on the baseboards destined to go behind a couch and some bookcases and an art supply cabinet, so the bits that are actually visible are the ones I did after I'd mostly got the hang of things.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on March 28, 2023, 05:27:07 PM
Awesome fixin' guys! SO uses a piece of wood to prop up the hood of his beater car. :)

Today, we fixed the 25 year old washing machine AGAIN, but this time, we did a more extensive repair. Saturday, we heard it make a clunking noise and discovered that it was not spinning or draining. So, after we used the shop vac to empty the water (that was fun- not!), we took it apart.

We tested the pump. Pump was fine. We then tested the motor with the pump off and heard that sound again. Unplugged everything and removed the motor. As soon as SO removed it he said, "I think I found the problem!" The motor coupler was in pieces! Granted, this is a 25 year old washer and it wasn't exactly balanced. So, we removed the bits, researched the part (less than 9 bucks online), ordered the part and installed it TODAY! We now have a working washer. Yay!!!
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: ergative on March 29, 2023, 12:30:50 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on March 28, 2023, 05:27:07 PM
Awesome fixin' guys! SO uses a piece of wood to prop up the hood of his beater car. :)

Today, we fixed the 25 year old washing machine AGAIN, but this time, we did a more extensive repair. Saturday, we heard it make a clunking noise and discovered that it was not spinning or draining. So, after we used the shop vac to empty the water (that was fun- not!), we took it apart.

We tested the pump. Pump was fine. We then tested the motor with the pump off and heard that sound again. Unplugged everything and removed the motor. As soon as SO removed it he said, "I think I found the problem!" The motor coupler was in pieces! Granted, this is a 25 year old washer and it wasn't exactly balanced. So, we removed the bits, researched the part (less than 9 bucks online), ordered the part and installed it TODAY! We now have a working washer. Yay!!!

You operate on an entirely different level of fixitiveness from me. I bow before you.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: apl68 on March 29, 2023, 10:36:43 AM
Quote from: ergative on March 29, 2023, 12:30:50 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on March 28, 2023, 05:27:07 PM
Awesome fixin' guys! SO uses a piece of wood to prop up the hood of his beater car. :)

Today, we fixed the 25 year old washing machine AGAIN, but this time, we did a more extensive repair. Saturday, we heard it make a clunking noise and discovered that it was not spinning or draining. So, after we used the shop vac to empty the water (that was fun- not!), we took it apart.

We tested the pump. Pump was fine. We then tested the motor with the pump off and heard that sound again. Unplugged everything and removed the motor. As soon as SO removed it he said, "I think I found the problem!" The motor coupler was in pieces! Granted, this is a 25 year old washer and it wasn't exactly balanced. So, we removed the bits, researched the part (less than 9 bucks online), ordered the part and installed it TODAY! We now have a working washer. Yay!!!

You operate on an entirely different level of fixitiveness from me. I bow before you.

I'd have to make the same confession.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: FishProf on March 29, 2023, 11:51:45 AM
I finally found the source of the leak in my shower.  It was so stupid that I didn't consider it or notice it.

The shower stall glass door had a plastic threshold sweep.  It was installed backwards, so that the capillary action that should draw water back to the inside, was instead directing it to the outside.  The threshold itself was ever so slightly not level, so water ran to the corner, then seeped along the seam before running down and the under the baseboard.  Several months of sealing grout, testing the drain pan and testing for other sources, didn't find the issue.  So now, with a $5 strip of a bulb seal, some silicon sealant, and installing the sweep correctly, the problem is completely resolved.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: apl68 on March 29, 2023, 12:24:11 PM
Quote from: FishProf on March 29, 2023, 11:51:45 AM
I finally found the source of the leak in my shower.  It was so stupid that I didn't consider it or notice it.

The shower stall glass door had a plastic threshold sweep.  It was installed backwards, so that the capillary action that should draw water back to the inside, was instead directing it to the outside.  The threshold itself was ever so slightly not level, so water ran to the corner, then seeped along the seam before running down and the under the baseboard.  Several months of sealing grout, testing the drain pan and testing for other sources, didn't find the issue.  So now, with a $5 strip of a bulb seal, some silicon sealant, and installing the sweep correctly, the problem is completely resolved.

A much easier fix than the floor of our public men's restroom at work.  The builders somehow managed to make the room's floor drain the highest part of the floor.  Having become tired of mopping up occasional minor floods due to overflowing urinals, I once asked for an estimate of how much it would take to redo the floor to have a functioning floor drain.  The estimate ran to several thousand dollars.  So we still ply the mop whenever we have a wet floor in there.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on March 29, 2023, 02:36:34 PM
Quote from: apl68 on March 29, 2023, 10:36:43 AM
Quote from: ergative on March 29, 2023, 12:30:50 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on March 28, 2023, 05:27:07 PM
Awesome fixin' guys! SO uses a piece of wood to prop up the hood of his beater car. :)

Today, we fixed the 25 year old washing machine AGAIN, but this time, we did a more extensive repair. Saturday, we heard it make a clunking noise and discovered that it was not spinning or draining. So, after we used the shop vac to empty the water (that was fun- not!), we took it apart.

We tested the pump. Pump was fine. We then tested the motor with the pump off and heard that sound again. Unplugged everything and removed the motor. As soon as SO removed it he said, "I think I found the problem!" The motor coupler was in pieces! Granted, this is a 25 year old washer and it wasn't exactly balanced. So, we removed the bits, researched the part (less than 9 bucks online), ordered the part and installed it TODAY! We now have a working washer. Yay!!!

You operate on an entirely different level of fixitiveness from me. I bow before you.

I'd have to make the same confession.

You're feeding my ego too much. Lol.

There is a DIY spectrum. All I know is that I am too stubborn and frugal to buy a new washer. Here's to maybe another 25 years.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on March 29, 2023, 02:38:27 PM
Quote from: apl68 on March 29, 2023, 12:24:11 PM
Quote from: FishProf on March 29, 2023, 11:51:45 AM
I finally found the source of the leak in my shower.  It was so stupid that I didn't consider it or notice it.

The shower stall glass door had a plastic threshold sweep.  It was installed backwards, so that the capillary action that should draw water back to the inside, was instead directing it to the outside.  The threshold itself was ever so slightly not level, so water ran to the corner, then seeped along the seam before running down and the under the baseboard.  Several months of sealing grout, testing the drain pan and testing for other sources, didn't find the issue.  So now, with a $5 strip of a bulb seal, some silicon sealant, and installing the sweep correctly, the problem is completely resolved.

A much easier fix than the floor of our public men's restroom at work.  The builders somehow managed to make the room's floor drain the highest part of the floor.  Having become tired of mopping up occasional minor floods due to overflowing urinals, I once asked for an estimate of how much it would take to redo the floor to have a functioning floor drain.  The estimate ran to several thousand dollars.  So we still ply the mop whenever we have a wet floor in there.

If it's a few grand, then it may be worth it. Maybe?

Good fix FishProf! A five buck fix is a great thing!
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: Parasaurolophus on May 15, 2023, 02:59:47 PM
I braved the heat to make a sandbox. It turned out surprisingly well.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: FishProf on May 16, 2023, 03:52:20 AM
I fixed a flat on my riding lawnmower.

I didn't you know, mow the lawn or anything.  But I could.....
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 16, 2023, 06:22:53 AM
Yay for fixing things! We're Ludites over here when it comes to lawnmowers (just kidding- I love tech!) and we use an old-fashioned reel mower. It's a pain in the ass, but we also have a 'small' lawn. :)
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: larryc on May 21, 2023, 12:29:19 PM
I recently built a new hatch cover for our basement entrance. I didn't like the huge heave metal bulkhead doors at Lowe's and couldn't find plans or even photos online that I liked so I kind of invented it as I went along. To keep it light I used poplar 1X3s for the frame. Painted it black and covered it with grey tinted polycarbonate greenhouse panels. I made it up as I went along and am thrilled with how great it looks. Next I want to add some gas struts so it opens with one hand. I haven't used struts before so I am a little unsure what to order.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 21, 2023, 12:37:59 PM
Quote from: larryc on May 21, 2023, 12:29:19 PM
I recently built a new hatch cover for our basement entrance. I didn't like the huge heave metal bulkhead doors at Lowe's and couldn't find plans or even photos online that I liked so I kind of invented it as I went along. To keep it light I used poplar 1X3s for the frame. Painted it black and covered it with grey tinted polycarbonate greenhouse panels. I made it up as I went along and am thrilled with how great it looks. Next I want to add some gas struts so it opens with one hand. I haven't used struts before so I am a little unsure what to order.

Sounds nice. I don't have any advice about the gas struts. How heavy is the door? I'm assuming it's one door- or are there two?

Over here, our 25 year old dryer has started working intermittently and I suspect the motor is going out (we already cleaned out the lint bomb in the back and the vent). We'll probably replace it, but I'm not in a big hurry.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: clean on May 21, 2023, 01:56:02 PM
I could be wrong, but the hood of a car is pretty heavy. I think that the gas struts really just hold it open, the real power comes from the springs.  Perhaps there is a spring you can either put under the door (on the inside), or alternatively a longer, but less powerful spring that goes over the top (on the outside).  EIther way the locking mechanism would need to be firm. 

But sounds like a good solution so far! 

IF you get snow, would that be a problem getting it to open, especially if you were inside trying to get out.  (assuming that there was an entry from the house, otherwise, the snow would have to be removed before you got in!)
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: larryc on May 24, 2023, 10:50:06 PM
Quote from: clean on May 21, 2023, 01:56:02 PM
I could be wrong, but the hood of a car is pretty heavy. I think that the gas struts really just hold it open, the real power comes from the springs.  Perhaps there is a spring you can either put under the door (on the inside), or alternatively a longer, but less powerful spring that goes over the top (on the outside).  EIther way the locking mechanism would need to be firm. 

But sounds like a good solution so far! 

IF you get snow, would that be a problem getting it to open, especially if you were inside trying to get out.  (assuming that there was an entry from the house, otherwise, the snow would have to be removed before you got in!)

No struts definitely help you open things like hatchbacks. I found some instructions for determining  which struts you need by putting a board at the strut connection point on the hatch and the other end of the board on a scale. Clever! I'll let you all know how it goes.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: fishbrains on May 25, 2023, 07:49:44 AM
I replaced the vortex baffle on the mowing deck of my son's lawn tractor. Pretty cool there.

Quite the manly feeling to order a vortex baffle on Amazon. At least until I'm told to add a 4-pack of loofahs to the order.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: ergative on June 04, 2023, 07:34:18 AM
Quote from: fishbrains on May 25, 2023, 07:49:44 AM
I replaced the vortex baffle on the mowing deck of my son's lawn tractor. Pretty cool there.

Quite the manly feeling to order a vortex baffle on Amazon. At least until I'm told to add a 4-pack of loofahs to the order.

Don't worry--Amazon will invite you to buy many more vortex baffles in future orders. After all, if you bought a vortex baffle once, surely you'll need many more. Would you like a monthly subscription to vortex baffles? Amazon fully appreciates your manliness.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 04, 2023, 08:10:50 AM
I 'sewed up' my old plastic wheelbarrow. Well, I drilled holes in it (along cracks) and threaded them with parachute cord to hold things together for a few more years. I also used some zip ties that I found to patch a crack in the bottom of it. Not my original idea- I saw this online somewhere (that person only used zip ties). I guess you could say, I did some surgery on it. Looks very Frankensteinian. We'll see how long it lasts!
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: clean on August 01, 2023, 09:56:55 AM
DID YOU KNOW....

(this may be a thread to itself someday).

Did you know that on a 12 V battery, the positive and negative terminals are different sizes? 
I learned that today!  I was replacing a battery terminal connector on my truck. I got a 2 pack.  The positive was the one I needed replaced.  It seems that the pack had one size for positive and one size for negative.  I picked wrong!  So I had to redo today's repair! 
I appreciate that one would not want to inadvertently install a battery backwards, so I appreciate that there are 2 sizes.  HOwever, I didnt Know it til now!! 

Did YOU Know this trivia?
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on August 26, 2023, 03:58:18 PM
We replaced a car battery and siphoned (and disposed of properly) 1 year old gas. That is all.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: clean on January 12, 2024, 02:38:47 PM
recently I hit a branch on the way home ... at night, dark, in the road!!   
It took off some trim on the car.
The next day I went back and found the trim that fell off as a result.
Yesterday more trim was coming off, but had not quite come off... just flopping off the door! 
This afternoon, with hot glue gun plugged in, I used a stick of glue to hot glue it back and fix a few other areas that were not looking fully connected.  Not sure it will work, but I feel a sense of accomplishment for trying! 

It also prompted me to get that extension cord back on the spool and put away instead of just being jumbled up! 

Also, yesterday I put the insulation on the outside pipe that brings the water into my house.  We are expecting very cold weather coming through on Sunday so this makes me happy to know that I have, hopefully, prevented a pipe break that would be a mess! 
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: FishProf on January 13, 2024, 05:10:09 AM
After the third time of my mailbox being knocked off the post (at least once was vandalism) I did some heavy duty modifications with several lab bolts and a metal brace.  It should hold up against snow plow discharge, and I pity someone who hits it intentionally (actually, I don't)
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on January 13, 2024, 09:16:08 AM
Quote from: FishProf on January 13, 2024, 05:10:09 AMAfter the third time of my mailbox being knocked off the post (at least once was vandalism) I did some heavy duty modifications with several lab bolts and a metal brace.  It should hold up against snow plow discharge, and I pity someone who hits it intentionally (actually, I don't)

Nice. I remember, back when I was a kid, our mailbox (plastic) was constantly being destroyed by vandals (hoodlums!) :) My Dad had someone WELD a metal box which he placed under the plastic mailbox, so that the next time someone took a baseball bat to it- they'd get a surprise. A little dangerous, but we didn't have any issues after that.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: apl68 on January 15, 2024, 09:56:51 AM
My father recalls local youths near where he grew up placing a board between the cab and bed of their pickup truck and driving down the road using it to knock over mailboxes.  Then they  hit a reinforced mailbox and tore the bed off the truck. 

Outside my home town there used to be a mailbox with multiple decommissioned chain saws welded to it.  Probably just intended to be decorative, but I'm pretty sure it deterred vandals as well.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: Juvenal on January 15, 2024, 11:13:28 AM
What do I fix?  Anything my pen and checkbook can encompass.  You really should admire my new toilet.  I flush with renewed pride (and lack of apprehension).
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: Parasaurolophus on March 05, 2024, 10:08:36 AM
The power's been out for almost two days due to an ice storm. It might be restored by tonight, otherwise tomorrow.

When the fridge lost most of its ambient cool, I made an ice box. Nothing in it is fully frozen, but it's all properly cool.
Title: Re: What Do You Fix?
Post by: FishProf on March 05, 2024, 10:42:58 AM
I paid for a remodel of my daughters room (she's a tween, needs privacy).  I then used my sabre saw to change the openings on her steam radiator cover to better fit in the new room configuration.  It isn't pretty, but it works.