How To Rebuild Old Appliances
The modern world is built around convenience. When it comes to household appliances, buying a new model when something goes wrong seems to be simpler than attempting repairs. There is great value in learning how to remedy issues with appliances big and small.
Benefits of Learning to Rebuild Older Appliances
Large appliance manufacturers usually provide services that address common problems with their products. These can include informational troubleshooting websites and phone lines, mobile technicians, and parts outlets.
Smaller appliance manufacturers usually rely on replacement warranties to take care of operational issues. If something breaks soon after purchase, a warranty will cover it. If something breaks years after purchase, the manufacturer assumes that you will just buy a new one.
Learning to make appliance repairs on older models doesn’t require an engineering degree. It doesn’t even require an aptitude for mechanics. All it takes is the desire to develop some personal consumer self-reliance. Making appliance repairs on your own can:
- Increase your knowledge about how household appliances are made.
- Develop into a very useful and empowering hobby.
- Help you save a tremendous amount of money if you normally rely only on repair services and new purchases when something breaks.
Getting Started with DIY Appliance Repairs
One of the best ways to learn about appliance repair is to engage in a little reverse engineering. Again, this doesn’t require experience and training.
Find a small appliance like a broken coffee maker, floor fan, or blender. Also, find a bottle of household cleaner that works on metal and plastic parts.
Using common tools like pliers and screwdrivers, begin to take the appliance apart. Thoroughly clean every part that you extract. Notice how they fit together, what they are made of, and how they are fastened.
Keep the parts organized in a way that, if you wanted to, you could reassemble them. This is a wonderful exercise for learning to let go of the “fear” of getting inside a machine. It’s also a great way to learn that many different appliances are based on similar mechanical principles and designs.
Deciding to Start Attempting Repairs and Rebuilds
There are a few things that you should always use as resources when you finally decide to make DIY appliance repairs. The first thing is time. Never try to rush a project. Patience goes a long way in helping a rebuild last.
Next, a good set of tools is in order. Stick to the basics, but think about ergonomics and versatility. For instance, if you are making repairs that require turning a lot of screws, get screwdrivers with rubber handles and magnetic tips.
Finally, gather information about buying replacement parts for every appliance in your home that you would be willing to repair. Keep a file of warehouse phone numbers, manufacturer website addresses, and printable charts and schematics. This includes information for appliances that are quite old. Most people are surprised that information and parts are still widely available for appliances that are decades old. Remember, if you can’t find replacement parts, the willingness to make appliance repairs is a bit pointless.
In the meantime, never ignore an opportunity to enhance your knowledge about the appliances you repair. Watch instructional videos online about common repair topics. Offer to help a neighbor with a repair they might need to make. Read articles about the histories of major appliance companies.
It really is exciting to experience personal and economic rewards when you become better with appliance repairs. The feelings you get from making repairs and rebuilds that work well are irreplaceable.
