Editors of Readers Digest - Readers Digest Easy Fixes for Everyday Things: 1,020 Ways to Repair Your Stuff

What do you do when your washing machine wont spin, when you spill hot coffee on your keyboard, or when your phone freezes? If your first instinct is to call a repairman or to go shopping for a replacement, think again. There is anotherbetterway. Many common problems with household technology and objects can easily be fixed with a few basic tools, a little ingenuity, and some sound instructions.

The fixes described in this book are simple and quick. When something goes wrong in your kitchen, laundry room, or car, theyll get you up and running again without fuss, and without the need for technical knowledge. Many of the fixes here are inventive and fun, using tools and materials in new and unusual ways. Theyll put you back in charge of your environment without spending much money or valuable time.

True, some things are best left to the professionals. If your furnace fails or your cars brakes lose their bite, you will need expert help. But many fixes are really easy and can be done with stuff you already have in your home. A squirt of shaving cream will lift a juice stain from your carpet and a sink plunger can fix a dent in your car. All you need is a can-do attitude, some patience, and the advice contained in this book.

Fixing things yourself isnt just about saving money. Think of the time and hassle involved in taking your broken wheelchair to and from the repair shopwhy not try a home fix first? Its not only you that benefits; home repairs are much kinder to the environment than buying replacements or calling for professional help.

While its true that modern technology can be very complex, it doesnt follow that its difficult to repair: many of the things that go wrong with sophisticated electronic devices, such as PCs, smartphones, and games consoles, are easy to put right. Fixing such things puts you back in control at home, at work, and at play, and it gives you a real sense of achievement when a jobs done well.

Once you gain the confidence to fix things, youll become more familiar with the essential systems that make your home workyour electrical systems and plumbing, for example. So when they do go wrong, youll know what to do to avert disaster. Learning to maintain and care for your things will make them last longer, look and feel better, and it gives you a sense of pride that you cant buy.

The scope of this book is as wide as everyday life itself. The quick fixes described on its pages are divided into four chapters covering almost every type of simple, but annoyingly common, problema computer thats running slowly, a flickering light bulb, a blocked vacuum cleaner hose, or a flat wheelchair tire. Whatever the trouble, youre likely to find an easy solution right here.

Easy Fixes for Everyday Things is intended to be practical, no-nonsense, direct, and easy to follow. The problems you are most likely to encounter are stated simply, then the solutions are given clearly and in detail. Some fixes are accompanied by step-by-step illustrations that show you exactly what to do; others have informative photos that demonstrate the fix in action. Major systems and more complex appliances, including home plumbing, desktop computers, car engines, and washing machines, are introduced by features that provide an overview of the most common problem areas and their fixes.

As you flip through the book, youll also see the symbols opposite. These identify additional tips thatll help you resolve your problems safely, sensibly, and economically, and explain any technical terms.

When a fault is serious, youll see this symbol. The text beneath it will help you weigh whether its worth trying a repair or if youd be better off upgrading to new equipment.

Some repairs are hard to carry out without some special, but often inexpensive, gear. The text under this symbol will tell you what you need to make your fix as easy as possible.

Its hard to avoid technical terms, especially when fixing high-tech equipment, such as computer networks. The text under this symbol will explain any jargon used by repairmen and manufacturers.

If carrying out a repair presents any hazards or risks damaging whatever it is youre trying to fix, youll see this warning. Read the text carefullysafety is your first priority.

Prevention is always better than cure, so dotted throughout the book are tips on how to look after your essential gadgets and appliances. This Make It Last advice will help keep your belongings in top condition longer, saving you time and money.

Protecting expensive devices with covers and cleaning equipment after use will help extend its life and make it perform better.

Working within your limits

The aim of this book is to encourage you to give it a try and solve your problem. But Easy Fixes for Everyday Things doesnt pull any punchesif something is tricky to do, itll advise you to respect the limits of your know-how and call in a professional or admit defeat and buy a replacement.

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When something goes wrong in your home, step back and think before reaching for your toolbox. The solution may be easier than you thinkand sometimes its better to do nothing at all.