Spent an extensive six-hour stint repairing a broken television, despite not being a professional handyman; this repair work had a profound impact on my life.
My pops was a military medic that fixed war wounds, yet anything technical, like cars or gadgets, left him baffled. He'd drive for miles with warning lights flashing about to wreck his engine. Our garage held broken appliances like lawnmowers, cultivators, and trimmers, all needing repair due to misuse or negligence.
If a fridge light burnt out, we'd stumble around in the dark till the repair guy arrived.
Just like old man's habits, I too spent most of my adult years replacing broken stuff or calling a pro for big repairs, like a leaky tap or a failed light switch.
That all changed when the TV exploded, well, not the whole thing just a vital part of a massive, expensive model too big for a cab ride to Best Buy. The repair cost roughly a grand, but while browsing online, I stumbled upon posts warning about a common issue - the TV's color wheel would fail spectacularly in a bright flash and shatter. A link led me to YouTube videos showing a step-by-step guide to replace the faulty part.
There I saw my very TV on a workbench, alongside tools like screwdrivers and pliers. Following the instruction, I dismantled the device, snapped pictures to keep track before and after each step. After 45 minutes, the shattered color wheel was replaced, and every part put back in its place.
Feeling brave, I decided to give it a shot and ordered the replacement part for a few hundred bucks. Next day, with a screwdriver in hand, I took on the challenge. Six hours later, it was done. After a prayer to the electronics gods, I heard the hum of the newly installed color wheel, and Channel 4 adorned the screen – felt like a victory!
YouTube, a DIYer's best ally
Ever since that 15-year-old milestone, I've tackled numerous projects. Instead of dialing the repair guy, I scour the net for videos, manuals, and forums, like, "Can anyone help me descale a Breville espresso maker?" (Lotsa tutorials on that!)
DIY projects save the shame of asking store employees questions like, "Where do I find the toilet part to stop the water running?" (It's called a flapper). After wasting money on wrong flappers and returning two, I learned to check the size while taking pictures and measuring correctly to avoid picking the wrong part at Home Depot.
Armchair repairman, a term synonymous with me, found most replacement parts on the web, manageable with just basic tools, like a screwdriver or wrench.
Let's say you dented your minivan by backing into your neighbor's driveway gate twice. Rather than scheduling an appointment at the dealership, type "2016 Toyota Sienna passenger side taillight" into Google, and you'll find a dozen websites selling a "taillight assembly," a self-contained unit that houses your brake and signal lights. A new assembly typically costs anywhere from $40 to $100, and you can likely find a video demonstrating the removal and installation.
The last time I changed the taillight required merely a screwdriver and took less than five minutes. Some parts, such as a cracked side-view mirror cover, just snap back into place. The engine air filter that costs $75 at the dealership is about $20 online and can be installed in seconds.
I'm probably considered a stingy, but I'm also the neighborhood hero when I install a new dishwasher in the afternoon, and the dishes are spotless by dinnertime. It gives me the same sense of satisfaction as finishing the Lego Millennium Falcon with my boys – who, by the way, crashed it.
Some jobs, like electrical repair, are best left to the pros
Of course, there are repairs I wouldn't advise attempting. Unless you know exactly where the main power switch is, stay away from electrical repairs. The same goes for installing a smart thermostat. Messing with electricity can be fatal, as can natural gas, so leave those to the experts.
Fixing household tasks can be hit or miss. Installing a fresh washing machine or mending a leaky toilet is a breeze, even replacing a dishwasher isn't much of a challenge once you've witnessed the process. Just keep in mind to shut off the water valves prior to starting any job. Upon completion, gradually turn the water valves back on and carefully inspect for drips or leaks. Water has the potential to wreak as much havoc on a home as fire.
When it comes to regular car maintenance like oil changes, consider the environment and choose a garage that responsibly stores the old oil for future recycling. However, don't hesitate to claim you'll handle your own engine and cabin air filters after finding a useful how-to video online.
I've had my fair share of DIY mess-ups. Following new flooring installation, I reckoned I could save some cash by painting the new baseboards myself. After wasting two hours laying down blue tape, I got to work. By the third hour, my back was killing me and my wrist was sore. At the fourth hour, I was lying on my side, swearing profusely, but the job was finally done.
The following morning, I peeled off the tape and discovered a thin border of white paint along the edge of the new hardwood. I spent another two hours meticulously scraping it off with a razor blade.
As a budding handyman, one essential tip I learned early on in my DIY journey came from a plumbing video: "If the instrument required for the repair costs more than the person who already owns the tool, hire the person."
So, who's interested in some spackling?
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In our family, my dad often struggled with fixing complex electronic devices due to his lack of technical knowledge, leading him to drive long distances for professional help. With us usually being the ones needing repairs, we often spent money on replacements or hired professionals for large repairs.
With the broken television and the costly repair, I started exploring DIY options, leading me to become more independent in handling minor repairs and replacements around the house.
