YouTube's greatest use... fixing your appliances

Josh

Josh

Dead in the water
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Once again I have come to the conclusion that YouTube's greatest reason for existing is... videos that explain how to take apart and fix your household appliances*.

Finding a video that told me exactly how to disassemble my dryer, replace the belt, and put it back together saved me a couple hundred bucks, a week or two of laundry-mat, and a whole lot of hassle compared to paying someone to fix it. Since I knew each step, I didn't screw anything up.

Over the years I've replaced dishwasher control boards, dryer tubs/belts, and other random things. YouTube may suck for lots of reasons, but this ain't one of them.

*"videos that explain how to fix things in your car" is also an acceptable answer. Though in my experience, finding a decent mechanic is easier than an appliance repair person.
 
This is true, and can be very useful. My biggest criticism is that many how-to-videos are crap, and I have to sort through several to find one that seems right. I've also seen videos giving out contradictory advice, in which case we are left to do more research or just pick the one that gives us the best feels.
 
Matt B said:
This is true, and can be very useful. My biggest criticism is that many how-to-videos are crap, and I have to sort through several to find one that seems right. I've also seen videos giving out contradictory advice, in which case we are left to do more research or just pick the one that gives us the best feels.
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Yeah, I hear you.

The best videos, for car or appliance, are the ones from companies that use them as a promotional tool to sell you the parts you need to do the repair (1aauto or appliancepartspros, etc) . They are usually very well done. Here's the one for my dryer.

Now, sadly, that's not going to cover every situation. Some cars/appliances/repairs won't have anything better than a dark shaky vertical iphone video. But if you get lucky, they are a godsend.
 
As much as I love fly tying and gear rigging videos, I agree that the best thing about YouTube is home repair tutorials. My personal favorite YouTube-aided repair from my past was diagnosing and replacing a thermistor in a fairly modern LG clothes washer. That job was a major pain, and with hindsight, paying a repair person would have saved me a lot of frustration and physical stress, but the DIY job "saved" me about $400 in labor, and seeing the washer function again was certainly gratifying.

As an aside, I've developed a rather keen sense of "when it's time to suck it up and hire a pro." By watching YouTube videos, I can usually find out pretty quickly when I might be in WAYYY over my head (which is an important, if challenging, reckoning).
 
I relied on a YouTube video to re-string the sliding door on my Honda Odyssey, saved many hundreds of dollars. Like Shad says, I watch some and decide that those are beyond my ability.

As a matter of fact, I'm about to rely on a YT video to replace the electric socket on my cheap smartphone. As it is, it won't charge, unless I jigger with the plug for several minutes. Looks simple enough, but taking the back of the phone off looks like the toughest bit. wish me luck.
 
Driftless Dan said:
I relied on a YouTube video to re-string the sliding door on my Honda Odyssey, saved many hundreds of dollars. Like Shad says, I watch some and decide that those are beyond my ability.

As a matter of fact, I'm about to rely on a YT video to replace the electric socket on my cheap smartphone. As it is, it won't charge, unless I jigger with the plug for several minutes. Looks simple enough, but taking the back of the phone off looks like the toughest bit. wish me luck.
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Man, can I relate to the smartphone electric socket problem, and my phone is not a cheapie (Samsung Galaxy something, pretty new). I think the "lightning cable" port design is horribly flawed. The older, wider connections seemed much better to me.

Fortunately, my phone supports wireless charging, so I can spend another $30-$50 on a wireless charger and theoretically solve my problem. My last phone was still working great and had good battery life when I replaced it, but the charger connection got so bad that I finally had to replace it. (Anticipating the same problem a couple years down the road, I purchased a phone that supported wireless charging this time.)
 
Fully agree with the usefulness of YT on repairs. I learned how to build a shed when I built my coop. I have repaired my dishwasher multiple times now thanks to some videos that showed how to disassemble and replace parts, or just clean out. I also was able to fix my washing machine that stripped the drive gears. The part was the only $25 and picked it up at the local appliance shop the same day. I repaired it quicker than I could have scheduled a very expensive repair appointment.

I am a proud YouTube University Alumni!
 
Shad said:
As an aside, I've developed a rather keen sense of "when it's time to suck it up and hire a pro." By watching YouTube videos, I can usually find out pretty quickly when I might be in WAYYY over my head (which is an important, if challenging, reckoning).
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Agree 100% with this.
 
Matt B said:
This is true, and can be very useful. My biggest criticism is that many how-to-videos are crap, and I have to sort through several to find one that seems right. I've also seen videos giving out contradictory advice, in which case we are left to do more research or just pick the one that gives us the best feels.
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Yup, cross referencing is key and I often find that the “top video” or most popular videos are the least helpful and just plain wrong. This applies to everything DIY (recipes, fix it yourself etc). Too many people out there trying to be experts on everything and they often are the top of the list because of their channel size.
 
I've been in the same boat, and come to the same conclusion. Appliance Parts Pros and Repair Clinic are my go-to. I'm really astounded at how simple most appliances are - the hardest part (aside from diagnosing) is getting the thing apart/open without resorting to boltcutters. That, and that there are only a few manufacturers under all the brands.

Although, I may have just crossed a line. My wife was saying that the dryer still isn't drying after I made sure the vent was clear. I told her that if she wants to have some fun, she has YT and knows where the tools are. I think she might pull it off. Seeing @Shad's post, I'm wondering if it's the thermistor too.
 
PhilR said:
I've been in the same boat, and come to the same conclusion. Appliance Parts Pros and Repair Clinic are my go-to. I'm really astounded at how simple most appliances are - the hardest part (aside from diagnosing) is getting the thing apart/open without resorting to boltcutters. That, and that there are only a few manufacturers under all the brands.

Although, I may have just crossed a line. My wife was saying that the dryer still isn't drying after I made sure the vent was clear. I told her that if she wants to have some fun, she has YT and knows where the tools are. I think she might pull it off. Seeing @Shad's post, I'm wondering if it's the thermistor too.
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Thread has a lot of potential - I could see it going in several really good directions. But yeah, finding the better resources/content is clutch, then you don't waste time sifting though all the crap. I'll add bicycle repair/maintenance to the list. YT has cut way down on trips to the shop for me. It ain't like running - with a bike the wrenching fast becomes part of your day to day life if you want to stay on the road. YT has been huge for me in my first few seasons.
 
This is timely, I was just thinking yesterday about how much bullshit is on YT. I think at least 40% is just pure crap, another 20% is: "Well, maybe..." and the rest is invaluable information. For automotive stuff the directions can be a lifesaver, often wrench sizes are included, gotcha's avoided and lots of money and time saved. I got great advice on buying a battery powered chain saw, a pressure washer and a battery powered snow blower. Since it is a days drive for me to go to town and look at stuff I have to rely on what I can glean from reading reviews, many of which are amateurish bullshit. I have become pretty good at finding the truth about a product but still make the occasional mistake. Earlier this year I was seduced by glowing reports about the Setpower refrigerators and bought one for the Casa. Two weeks of test before actually using it in the truck revealed that it was just about impossible for it to hold a consistent temperature. Calling the company for advice they informed me that the design range was 14 degrees and anything within that was acceptable. Not for my ale it isn't! I returned it and bought an Iceco with a quality compressor, no more problems.
 
Tim L said:
I'll add bicycle repair/maintenance to the list.
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This is truth. I should have included it initially. The Park Tool videos are a gold mine of well filmed information:

www.youtube.com

Park Tool

Since our founding in 1963, Park Tool has been the leading name in bicycle tools. Our YouTube channel is an extension of our mission to be the ultimate resource for mechanics and riders of all skill levels. Here you will find comprehensive repair help tutorials for a wide range of components and...
www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
 
Plumbing how to-s on finicky faucets/washer inserts, ways to troubleshoot overflow from dishwasher, camera sensor repairs, replacement of swollen laptop battery, correct chemicals to dissolve hard water stains, fixing microwave diffusor sheet, basic wiring, 12volt lighting systems, deck construction, successful plants grown from cuttings, checking for correctly sealed air filter, redoing thermostat, definitely saved a ton of money. It's like having an awesome and practical dad. No question is too dumb....

There was a time when necessity was the mother of invention. For me at least the necessity isn't exactly the mother of invention anymore, it is just the curiosity of how to do what should be a simple part swap or fix given it takes virtually no time to order (and get) parts for the weirdest shit without involving a middle man.....

Can we add for creative stuff- goofing around with stuff like software in lightroom or other technical programs. Not to mention recipes, bonsai how to, ways to tie a fly....

I have a neighbor that designs trucks for Paccar, he's basically all about the doing it on your own, so, fortunately, if You tube has no idea this guy often does. He spent this last weekend doing his own framing for a concrete stair pour in the style of a 1930's bungalow. It's good to have a neighbor like that. Good to have a neighborly tool library too....

Agree with Shad- you do have to draw the line at what's likely doable in time allocated with your own labor cost factored in.
 
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in the last 3 months i have used u tube videos to show me how to change key bob batteries, recharge air conditioner in car and reset dash maint warning light after changing oil. And its free to use!
 
Wadin' Boot said:
Plumbing how to-s on finicky faucets/washer inserts, ways to troubleshoot overflow from dishwasher, camera sensor repairs, replacement of swollen laptop battery, correct chemicals to dissolve hard water stains, fixing microwave diffusor sheet, basic wiring, 12volt lighting systems, deck construction, successful plants grown from cuttings, checking for correctly sealed air filter, redoing thermostat, definitely saved a ton of money. It's like having an awesome and practical dad. No question is too dumb....

There was a time when necessity was the mother of invention. For me at least the necessity isn't exactly the mother of invention anymore, it is just the curiosity of how to do what should be a simple part swap or fix given it takes virtually no time to order (and get) parts for the weirdest shit without involving a middle man.....

Can we add for creative stuff- goofing around with stuff like software in lightroom or other technical programs. Not to mention recipes, bonsai how to, ways to tie a fly....

I have a neighbor that designs trucks for Paccar, he's basically all about the doing it on your own, so, fortunately, if You tube has no idea this guy often does. He spent this last weekend doing his own framing for a concrete stair pour in the style of a 1930's bungalow. It's good to have a neighbor like that. Good to have a neighborly tool library too....

Agree with Shad- you do have to draw the line at what's likely doable in time allocated with your own labor cost factored in.
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So, what did you do for the hard water stains? We have a glass shower door that I can't get clean.
 
My blinker for my truck that is imbedded in the sideview mirror is burning out the LED lights, I only have 2 in the driver's side mirror. The new part, last time I looked, was $68. There is a YT on how to change it out. I have gone to the dealer and a favorite body shop to see if they could do it for me (don't have the tools). All said no. So, the only option I have is to buy new mirrors at $800+ a whack at the dealer. Just going to research more for parts and wait for income tax return. For sure, replace the passenger side mirror, had an argument with the post on the carport while backing up. :cry:
 
I am a big fan of YouTube university. I have fixed numerous items including Dryer, Refrigerator, faucet replacements, and, of course, the Tacoma.
It is important to look at more than one video as often steps can be omitted by one poster and shown in another clip.
 
I truly appreciate all that I learned from my dad and friends. I had a network of people I knew well that had different skill sets than me. We would help each other out and get an education along the way. Then a beer and maybe a dinner afterwards ---> best of times!

When I hire a professional, I always watch to learn more. Expensive education? YUP. But still worth it to get it done correctly.

So as you can guess, I am not a big YouTuber. Probably the only time I have used it in the last year was to determine how to reset the auto up/down button on my truck window.

Call me old fashioned, but I pride myself on figuring it out.
 
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