I have worked as a "tech" my whole adult life, and learned a few rules that make the job easier...
Try to work alone. An audience is rarely any help.
If what you've done is stupid, but it worked, then it wasn't stupid.
Work in the kitchen whenever you can...many fine tools are there, its warm and dry, and you are close to the refrigerator.
If you can't find a screwdriver, use a knife. If you break off the tip, it's an improved screwdriver.
If it's electronic, get a new one...or consult a twelve year old.
Learn the terminology. It's like magic. People think you know what you are doing if you know the words.
Keep it simple. Plug it in. Get a new battery. Replace the bulb or fuse. See if the tank is empty. Try turning the switch on. Or just paint over it.
Always take credit for miracles. If you dropped the alarm clock while taking it apart and it suddenly starts working, you have healed it.
Regardless of what people say, kicking, pounding, and throwing sometimes DOES help. It's called "percussive maintenance".
If something looks level, it is level.
If at first you don't succeed, redefine success.
But most importantly, If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Bill
Very good advice! I guess I would be the book keeper like Juanita. I have a few successes in the fix it world, but it's not my forte. Umm, I do have to ask however, in that wonderful piece of artwork up above...is there another story there?
ReplyDeleteActually, there is. The last little thing I tried to repair was small enough to hold in my hand to remove the screw. I slipped and drove the screwdriver into my palm. My artistic skills are lacking. The drawing looked gruesome at best, so I went with the hammer...
DeleteBill
Middlechild to the rescue!!! I can do all of that. Especially without an audience. Aaaaaand, I can even doctor up your finger. You got duct tape right?
ReplyDeleteAnd WD40 to clean the wound with.
DeleteBill
Hear hear! One more: use your words. If you know the names of things, people magically think you know what you're doing.
ReplyDeleteDone and done!
Delete(Thanks Funder!)
Bill
:) It actually does help to do work in my kitchen because I have my own lady's tool box I put together and they seem to be the coolest tools in town because everybody wants them! There's rarely a day I come into the kitchen and don't find my box on the counter! And, yes, many of them come up missing when I finally do need them myself. I thought buying pink ones would solve that problem, but the boys don't mind using pink tools. :/
ReplyDeleteBTW, the rule about the terminology is hilarious...and true.
Great advice. I especially like the redefining success part. I'm copying that one down!
ReplyDeleteLMAO, Beel! Love it. And don't forget a hammer and duct tape cure almost any repair problem. Oh..and twine. LOL
ReplyDeleteLaughed my way through this... because I had NO IDEA how much maintenance a beautiful vintage log lodge could be (remember telling us that Juanita had to "dust the walls" every so often?) - so I am sitting here chuckling at how you fix stuff.
ReplyDeleteAnd consult a 12 year old? Priceless!