I think I got the fixing bug from my dad.  When I was a kid, if something wasn’t working, he’d take it apart and try to work out what was wrong, regardless of any qualification seemingly needed to do so.  I guess that approach, stuck.

It’s completely rational, when you think about it. Take a broken vacuum cleaner for example. You might have spent over £200 on it when new and worry that you might ‘damage’ it further by trying to repair it yourself but here’s the reality; with the right approach, you’ll probably end up with a working machine again and acquired knowledge that will help you again, for the next time.

If you don’t get it working, so what, it wasn’t working anyway. Think what might happen to that poor machine, with only a small, minor fault, if you don’t step in to help it? Plus, if you don’t help, it’s only going one way.

Overcoming the fear.

It’s totally rational to be concerned about sharp items, delicate materials and electricity.  Mishandling and a lack of respect for mains power, kills.

But don’t let that put you off.  It’s all about taking precautions.  Wear protective clothing and eyewear, take your time and disconnect any powered items before you start work, it’s that simple.  From then on, it’s all about taking a few notes, a few pictures on your phone and maybe a little time on YouTube, for advice from others.  With the basics in place, you’re on your way to being empowered over the item that’s about to receive your handy work.

A word to the wise.  I’ve worked on thousands of items over the years, often with no exact knowledge of the item I’m about to start work on. I enjoy it and get a kick out of bringing something back to ‘life’.  YouTube and Google searches save time and can provide extremely useful insights in to common issues affecting well, just about anything.  I use it all the time.

As with any diagnosis, symptoms may be common to many faults, so don’t think that the first video you come across with a seemingly similar problem to yours, will show you how to solve your problem.  Don’t be tempted into a snap-diagnosis.  I don’t like ordering parts for something, I just don’t need.  Plus, anyone can upload a how-to video on YouTube. Here are five tips on becoming a make do and mend repair legend:

1. Arm yourself with basic tools – things every home should have

Basic screw driver set, small cutters, electrical tape, super glue, cable ties, small self-tapping screws, small pliers, small spanner (set size 7-15mm).

This kit does not need to be premium stuff as it won’t be used every day, so don’t spend any more than £30, if starting out today.  This list is just based on my own thoughts and totally non-exhaustive.

2. Read up on basic electricity handling

You don’t need to attend a two-year course to work on a toaster, although I’m sure toaster technicians do.

Read up on mains power, how to isolate equipment, what components can cause harm if touched and take your time.

3.  Be prepared to fail
   

You will mess things up, make things go bang and sometimes spend money on something which still doesn’t work but hey, it didn’t work anyway, so chill out.

By investigating a fault yourself, you will have gained knowledge and become empowered, which will help in future, although it might not feel like it at the time.  That’s life.

4. Ask around

There’s no such thing as an expert.

Slightly controversial, but bear with me.  Expertise is gained though study and experience, which takes time.  Expertise is usually specific to a particular field and this is why we take a car to a garage and not a plumber.  However, there are common principles between the two fields, which can be applied to both cars and boilers and that’s the point.  You’re never going to be able to have the knowledge to fix anything, that’s unlikely.

But the skills you learn in the repair of say, a food mixer, may well be applicable to a washing machine, both having motors, belts and control systems.  If you’re struggling with something, ask around, someone will know.

5. Make repair a social event

Have that broken record player out on the table alongside your screwdriver set, ready for when your friends come over.

Two brains are better than one as they say and who wants to talk about Saturday’s Strictly Come Dancing results anyway?  This way you can have fun and gain a sense of achievement together.  The same works well with kids, but remember to disconnect from the mains first of course.

The most important thing to remember is this:  You bought it, it’s yours, you own it and don’t listen to anyone who says it can’t be fixed.

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