Comments on: Learning To Fix Stuff, Part 2 http://myplasticfreelife.com/2008/01/learning-to-fix-stuff-part-2/ Think we can't live without plastic? Think again. In 2007 I committed to stop buying any new plastic & I've almost succeeded! Won't you join me? Let's see what plastic-free looks like in 2012... for the health of our bodies, our oceans, our planet. ~Beth Terry Sun, 19 May 2013 23:22:34 +0000 hourly 1 By: CindyW http://myplasticfreelife.com/2008/01/learning-to-fix-stuff-part-2/comment-page-1/#comment-1200 CindyW Thu, 31 Jan 2008 05:43:00 +0000 http://fakeplasticfish.com/2008/01/learning-to-fix-stuff-part-2/#comment-1200 So monumentally impressed. 13 years ago, I was an engineer working for a large computer company. As a part of the work, I took apart a laptop, but could not put everything back no matter how hard I tried. I gave up fixing anything after that. Perhaps I should give it another try :) Start with simpler gadgets.

]]> By: Mutual information http://myplasticfreelife.com/2008/01/learning-to-fix-stuff-part-2/comment-page-1/#comment-1171 Mutual information Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:43:00 +0000 http://fakeplasticfish.com/2008/01/learning-to-fix-stuff-part-2/#comment-1171 Beth, you are one in a million. Congrats on the successful repairs. You will make a great technician in no time.

On the many occasions that I have ventured to do soldering, I find that using good soldering technique will save you time and frustration, even you don’t plan on making this a career. You probably can find a good website on this.

Also the proper soldering iron with good temperature control is a must with various tip sizes and shapes along with flux, wicks and good solder.

Remember to look out for dull and unsmooth joints that can lead to what is called a “cold joint” which will fail over time. I’m sure your dad tutored you well.

Your next project should be cars.

]]> By: Tanya http://myplasticfreelife.com/2008/01/learning-to-fix-stuff-part-2/comment-page-1/#comment-1168 Tanya Sun, 27 Jan 2008 03:44:00 +0000 http://fakeplasticfish.com/2008/01/learning-to-fix-stuff-part-2/#comment-1168 I agree. When I went home over Christmas I casually mentioned to my Mom that maybe it was time to replace her oven and the stove which are definite relics from the ’70′s. However, she told me that she’s had to replace the washing machine 3 times in the last 5 years and same with the dishwasher, as they weren’t fixable and that they just don’t make appliances like they used to and that her stove and oven work just fine so she finds no need to replace them! Way to set me straight! :) Go Mom!

Also, my friend introduced me to the shoe repair shop close to work and that place is great! I had a pair of shoes and eventually the heel was worn to a slant but otherwise the shoes were in great condition. They were able to put a new heel on my shoes, shined them up and it only cost me $12! Versus $80 for a new pair! Super!

]]> By: Shannon Hodgins http://myplasticfreelife.com/2008/01/learning-to-fix-stuff-part-2/comment-page-1/#comment-1166 Shannon Hodgins Sun, 27 Jan 2008 03:20:00 +0000 http://fakeplasticfish.com/2008/01/learning-to-fix-stuff-part-2/#comment-1166 Hi, and I love your blog! I’m very impressed with the fixit skills. I’m actually quite lucky in that my husband is a most capable DIY type and is the “computer” guy for folks. We will usually always try to sort it out ourselves including appliances, home repairs, cars, etc. Shannon

]]> By: Anonymous http://myplasticfreelife.com/2008/01/learning-to-fix-stuff-part-2/comment-page-1/#comment-1163 Anonymous Sat, 26 Jan 2008 05:49:00 +0000 http://fakeplasticfish.com/2008/01/learning-to-fix-stuff-part-2/#comment-1163 Right after I posted my comment, I remembered this: My washer stopped working (I’ve now forgotten what the problem was) so I called a local repair place to have someone come out to see it. The woman who took my call told me how much a visit would cost and I cringed. She asked me what was going on with the washer. I told her. She, over the phone, told me how to remove the front cover of the washer and what to do next. I was able to fix the problem which involved a build-up of soap scum (disgusting stuff). I was so encouraged by this success that I opened up my dryer just for fun and found lint everywhere. I’ve since fixed clogged stove burners, my vacuum and figured out how to cut my own hair.

Axelle F.

]]> By: Anonymous http://myplasticfreelife.com/2008/01/learning-to-fix-stuff-part-2/comment-page-1/#comment-1162 Anonymous Sat, 26 Jan 2008 05:38:00 +0000 http://fakeplasticfish.com/2008/01/learning-to-fix-stuff-part-2/#comment-1162 I really enjoyed the hair dryer and PDA repair stories, even though I didn’t understand 98% of the terminology, including what PDA stands for. What I liked so much was the guys not giving up until the things were again working. It takes a certain type of mind to do this and not everyone has it. I’m a bit that way, enough to be willing to try to fix something but not enough to get very far. I once asked a repairman how he learned to fix things. He said, “I was born knowing how to fix things.” Axelle F.

]]> By: Lisa http://myplasticfreelife.com/2008/01/learning-to-fix-stuff-part-2/comment-page-1/#comment-1161 Lisa Sat, 26 Jan 2008 01:44:00 +0000 http://fakeplasticfish.com/2008/01/learning-to-fix-stuff-part-2/#comment-1161 That’s wonderful. My last toaster oven lasted 9 years and then died. My mom got me a new one for Christmas and it died today (1 month old!!) I called the company and they told me I have to cut the electric cord and send it to them and they will send me a replacement oven. So basically they won’t even try to fix mine, they told me to throw it out. The elements are dead… did I mention I’ve had it a month? So frustrating. I am thinking of using it as a planter in the yard LOL.

]]> By: Aurora http://myplasticfreelife.com/2008/01/learning-to-fix-stuff-part-2/comment-page-1/#comment-1160 Aurora Fri, 25 Jan 2008 23:32:00 +0000 http://fakeplasticfish.com/2008/01/learning-to-fix-stuff-part-2/#comment-1160 check out this site for info on the economics on “planned obsolescenece”
http://www.storyofstuff.com/index.html
this is a great recap of our consumption addiction…if you haven’t been here, do watch the intro video…cudos to you for fixing this!

]]> By: Jenn http://myplasticfreelife.com/2008/01/learning-to-fix-stuff-part-2/comment-page-1/#comment-1159 Jenn Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:57:00 +0000 http://fakeplasticfish.com/2008/01/learning-to-fix-stuff-part-2/#comment-1159 I’m inspired. I’m pretty handy and own my own power tools and all but something that complicated would have me running for the nearest Office Max…guess that’s the whole point…what will I do when I don’t have access to the auto fuel to take my consumer butt to Office Max.

]]> By: Rosa http://myplasticfreelife.com/2008/01/learning-to-fix-stuff-part-2/comment-page-1/#comment-1158 Rosa Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:02:00 +0000 http://fakeplasticfish.com/2008/01/learning-to-fix-stuff-part-2/#comment-1158 That is so awesome, both your hair dryer and the PDA.

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