While I might not be as handy as I would like, one of the little joys I get from fixing things, is doing it in ways that aren't necessarily the "proper" way to do it. I enjoy finding a solution, even if not perfect, to something myself. I am not the only one I am sure, but it there is a satisfaction in problem solving I get, which goes all the way back to using a butter knife as a screwdriver.
I think people are losing the will to fix things themselves and it is likely for multiple reasons. One reason is that so many consumer things we buy these days are just not repairable, even by professionals - they are just made to be thrown away. And then, most don't last that long before an upgrade is needed anyway. And then there is the continually advancing mindset of paying to have things done, instead of doing it oneself. There is a luxury in that for sure, but there is also a loss.
The other day the overhead sunglasses compartment in my car broke away. It was held in place by a little plastic pin that was just not fit for purpose. I had the piece and I tried doing the "superglue" thing with it, knowing it was never going to be strong enough to stay in place. While the glue was drying, I searched for a replacement part from Volkswagen and non-genuine, and found a few options that would have been suitable, but also would have required more work to install, plus the cost.
So I just ghetto fixed it instead.
After rummaging through a couple toolboxes, I found what I was looking for - A small, 4mm threaded bolt of the kind that (if longer) would be used to hold on cupboard handles. I made sure it would slide into the slot the plastic pin used to live, and then went about carefully drilling out the plastic on the holder so that I could thread the bolt in until flush, and then screw it in further once in place. Once done, unless looking for it, you wouldn't notice it is there, as it is only visible up in the corner from the drivers side, once the case is open, and you'd have to crane your neck a little.
It is far stronger than the factory piece.
Of course, things don't always work out so easily and there have been many failures over the years, some more costly than others. However, regardless of the cost (which would have to be paid anyway), there is value in the attempt at fixing it for me. Rarely would it meet the standards of someone else's, but I enjoy looking at the things I have done and saying, there, I fixed it.
Even if it might have been comparable in price and saved a lot of time to replace it.
It feels a bit silly, however I also think that we have become "too" accustomed to getting what we want, when we want it. We expect everything to be perfect, and when it is not, we will pay someone to fix it or replace it, without even considering trying to do it ourselves. This is especially true around the houses now, where in the past people's homes were full of little DiY repairs that added up over the years. Now, a lot of the homes seem a little too standardised, a little soulless, a little impersonal. They look good still.
I have never been into looks that much. Personality matters. Looks are a bonus.
Taraz
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