Fix it better than new!

One of the things I learned from my dad is that it often isn't enough to just fix what breaks. Sometimes you have to fix the original design, too. Fix it better than new!

If whatever broke in the first place was due to bad design and engineering then fixing what broke will probably fail again. The best way to fix something is to understand why it failed and improve upon the original design.

I'll try to give you examples of this principle in all the fixit articles I post. Like adding the spring to the step pedal trash can. It reduces the forces needed on the pedal, so less chance of failure in the future. Or the Yamaha receiver's display backlight bulb. Throw a small resistor inline to run the bulb a little cooler so maybe it'll last several years longer than last time. If the mechanical structure failed, reinforce it.

Organize by Reusing Containers

Here's another Fixit Fundamental. You can reuse (hoard?) containers to help you fix other stuff. So you're repurposing some things while helping you do a better job of keeping other stuff out of the landfill. Wild!

I always seem to have several repair projects going at once. These things take time, so as I take a break from one thing I start up on something new, or continue with another project. But always there's little nuts and bolts and pieces and whatnot that I invariably lose.

You can reuse any of the following containers and more, one per project, to contain those bits and pieces. Label the container with tape and a sharpie as to what project's parts are contained within:

• Plastic yogurt container with lid (some brands have lids; large or small)
• Plastic salsa container with lid
• Illy espresso tin with plastic lining and screw top lid (yummy coffee too)
• Steel coffee can with plastic lid (I also like Lavazza espresso but anyway...)
  
• Large plastic pickle jar
• Prescription medication container
• I'm sure you can think of more...
  

Ok, sure, much of this stuff you'd recycle, but re-purposing is probably even better, right? Especially if it helps you keep track of several simultaneous repair projects.

Mostly what I look for is any container that has a lid that stands a reasonable chance of staying on even if bumped or dropped. Doesn't really matter to me if it is metal or plastic. The other thing is I try to hoard anything I use regularly like yogurt or salsa containers. Hope this helps you organize your repairs!

Stock up fasteners!

Here's a tip I learned from Dad that's really helped me out. Hoard fasteners and oddball plastic and rubber things that may be useful some day. :)

Stock up lots of fasteners! When you don't have to always go to the hardware store to fix something, it sure is a nice time saver! When I need a bolt or nut, especially the small ones, I buy lots of them.

I have a fairly good stock of #8 machine screws (A) in a couple lengths with nuts and lock washers. I use these all the time for myriad fabrication and repair projects.

I stock up on drywall screws--they're good for simple wood fastening, home repair, hanging art, and more. I also save lots of small screws (B) which come in handy when doing computer and electronics repair. For auto repair I tend to save every bolt and nut I can (C) because you never know when you need one. This is especially helpful for lug nuts. And I tend to like to save all the wood screws I come across (D).

As for the hoarding of oddball things... particularly rubber and plastic items (E) seem to come in handy all the time.