The real man's guide to fixin' stuff : how to repair anything you need (or just want) to know how to fix
Nick Harper.
Naperville, Ill. : Sourcebooks, c2010.
<p><strong>Amaze Your Family. Astound the Neighbors. Fix Some Stuff.</strong></p><p>Real men know how to fix stuff...or at least, when something around the house breaks, it gets handed to the nearest guy to fix it. So if you don't know a light socket from a socket wrench, this book will have you looking like Mr. Fix It in no time.<br>No longer will you think that something isn't worth fixing or that it would be cheaper to replace.<br>You'll be able to fix: Dead remote controls, leaking showers, car scratches, weak vacuum cleaners, your lady's busted heel or purse, and much more </p>
Troubleshooting and repairing major appliances
Eric Kleinert.
New York : McGraw-Hill, 2007.
Use the Latest Tools and Techniques to Troubleshoot and Repair Major Appliances, Microwaves, and Room Air Conditioners! Now covering both gas and electric appliances, the updated second edition of Troubleshooting and Repairing Major Appliances offers you a complete guide to the latest tools, techniques, and parts for troubleshooting and repairing any appliance.Packed with over 200 illustrations, the book includes step-by-step procedures for testing and replacing parts... instructions for reading wiring diagrams... charts with troubleshooting solutions... advice on using tools and test meters... safety techniques... and more. The second edition of Troubleshooting and Repairing Major Appliances features: Expert coverage of major appliances Cutting-edge guidance on appliance operation, testing and repairing, wiring, preventive maintenance, and tools and test meters New to this edition: information on both gas and electric appliances; 10 entirely new chapters; new illustrations throughout Inside This Updated Troubleshooting and Repair Manual bull; Fundamentals of Service: Selection, Purchase, and Installation of Appliances and Air Conditioners bull; Safety Precautions bull; Tools for Installation and Repair bull; Basic Techniques bull; Fundamentals of Electric, Electronic, and Gas Appliances, and Room Air Conditioners: Electricity bull; Electronics bull; Gas bull; Principles of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration bull; Electric, Electronic, and Gas Appliance Parts bull; Appliance Service, Installation, and Preventive Maintenance Procedures: Dishwashers bull; Garbage Disposers bull; Electric and Gas Water Heaters bull; Washers bull; Electric and Gas Dryers bull; Electric and Gas Ranges/Ovens bull; Microwave Ovens bull; Refrigerators and Freezers bull; Ice Makers bull; Room Air Conditioners
When duct tape just isn't enough : quick fixes for everyday disasters
by C.J. Petersen.
New York : Hearst Books, c2007.
There are many little things, both annoying and serious, that can go wrong around the house. But before you call in a professional, try this Popular Mechanics manual. It's filled with simple, ingenious quick fixes that any homeowner can handle. Many of these ideas use ordinary repair materials in creative ways, or else unusual materials to make conventional repairs. A number of the fixes are designed as down-and-dirty shortcuts to get you through an emergency until you can make a permanent repair. You'll also learn when to go with a pro and how to prevent disasters from occurring in the first place. Learn how to handle: Clogged gutters, A flooded basement, Sticky doors, Broken windows, A ripped window screen, Frozen door locks, Hairline cracks in a wall, Mysterious leaks, Flickering fluorescent lights, Knocking radiators, A dishwasher that won't drain, And so much more. Book jacket.
Electrician's troubleshooting and testing pocket guide
H. Brooke Stauffer, John E. Traister.
New York : McGraw-Hill, c2007.
"Designed for quick reference at any job site, the Electrician's Troubleshooting and Testing Pocket Guide enables electricians using portable meters to test, maintain, and troubleshoot all types of electrical equipment and systems."--BOOK JACKET.
The cost of having appliances repaired keeps getting higher and higher. While some repairs do require a repairperson, many items that go wrong can be replaced or repaired by anyone. The investment in tools is minimal, and the savings will more than cover their cost.
The basic tool kit will include regular and Phillips head screwdrivers, an assortment of pliers, combination wrenches, nut drivers, a socket set, hammers, a good flashlight, an Allen wrench set, and a VOM meter. More advanced repairs will require a drill, punches, hacksaw, files, and a pry bar.
One thing that needs to be said about tools is this; getting cheap tools at a discount store may cause a person to regret the decision later. It can be wise to pay the extra cost and get good quality tools.
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If your appliance is not working properly check to make sure:
It is unplugged before you begin to repair it
Vents are clear and do not block air flow
The appliance is not overloaded
Controls are set properly |
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more tips |
Appliance manuals will assist in making a diagnosis of the problem. Most of these manuals also provide general step-by-step instructions for repairs. Electrical repairs are more difficult, hence the need for the VOM meter. The changing of the heating element in a dryer is simpler than trying to diagnose the electronics found in many washing machines and dryers.
The savings that can be obtained from doing your own repairs, plus the satisfaction of completing a task usually performed by a “specialist”, will more than compensate for the effort that is involved in doing your own repairs.
More about troubleshooting
Article by: St. Louis Public Library staff
