this post was submitted on 23 Oct 2023
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Asklemmy
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Why does everything I try to fix around my house somehow end up worse?
Do you buy good shit the first time around or do you—lets call it "economize"?
It doesn’t seem to matter. Either the part is obsolete, or there’s an unknown tool that I don’t have. I replaced a tub diverter, and it still leaks. Now I’ve gotta replace the whole faucet, then the pipes, then the house.
I can only lean on the insight to make sure you buy good stuff even if its more expensive but also ask for reviews on relevant communities to make sure you have the good stuff and also for advice to best implement and maintain whatever is involved. Stich in time saves nine and all that.
Sorry, this prolly isnt super useful.
Edit: YouTube is excellent for getting to watch how to carry out new or improved processes to do whatever it is you're aiming for or to get ideas on best practices if they have decent credibillity and usually a good proxy for that is their subscriber base
Edit: like I guess in a sense what I'm also getting at is don't necessarily always try to go it alone or reinvent the wheel if you are not experienced and know as a matter of fact any shortcuts or "hacks" that are relevant and don't create unnecessary breaking points or overly exerts on various links in the overall sysytem. Watch the YouTube video for all that: what product(s) to aquire + use, how to do it, rehearse the process before you do anything with finality or that requires delicate detailed manipulations of whatever is at issue.
Thanks. I just wish things were standardized and not proprietary. It would really help if manufacturers didn’t all have their own standards. Also, it’s never labeled. How am I supposed to know if the faucet is a moen or a pfister. They all look alike.
Because if it ain't broke, you're not supposed to take it apart and fix it.
Yep, that was my first mistake.
Because you don’t know the tricks of the trade like professionals do
This is so true. Random example:
When I got my first car it was old (94) and therefore 'simple' compared to modern day cars with ECUs, etc. So when I had an accident and bent the small bar that sticks out of the front axle for the wheel to go on I took to fixing it.
I bought some tools: A wedge thing for removing the gasket and ring that held it in place. Pliers, wrenches, etc. Obviously the Haynes repair manual too!
After about two days I had a full toolbox. I was sweaty and covered in oil. But this bent bar was NOT budging.
I asked for help on a UK fan forum for my make of car. Yes - Nissan Micra's had a fucking forum for enthusiasts!
A nice gentleman offered to come and fix it - his only payment being to give him a shout out on the forum.
He came round took one look at it and my tools, scoffed, and grabbed a long 6 foot hollow pole out of his van. Slots it on the end of the bent rod and pushes the other end.
He chucked the tyre on and it was straight. Shook my hand and said "see ya" and drove off.
30 seconds vs 2 days.
I've not bothered fixing anything since. I rely on pros when I can afford it.