YouTube Can Often Save You from Making a Service Call

[MineralMan]

Many people love to hate YouTube. That's not surprising.

YouTube can waste a lot of time, if you just use it to watch puppy or kitten videos, or whatever other fun thing you use it for. However, it is also a valuable public service system, too. There are videos about almost anything you can imagine. That's especially true if you have a problem that needs to be fixed at your home or with appliances or cars.

Here's an example from this morning:

The master bath tub and shower in the home we just bought was draining slowly. However, the drain plug in the tub was a type I had never seen before, and I wasn't sure how to remove it so I could unclog the drain. My wife said, "Just call a plumber." That is not my style. I have tools. I know how to unclog drains. However, I did not know how to remove that drain stopper in that bathtub.

So, I went to YouTube and searched for "remove bathtub drain plug." Sure enough, one of the videos that showed up had a thumbnail image showing exactly the drain stopper in my new bathtub. The video demonstrated removing the stopper. It's a little tricky, and I would have wasted a lot of time trying to figure it out. I just finished doing that and using a hook probe tool to pull out the hair clogging the drain. Five minutes and no plumber's bill.

What is amazing to me is that there are people out there making videos showing how to do such common repairs on all sorts of things. I used another such video to learn how to change the drive belt on a Hotpoint clothes dryer. Someone had made a step-by-step video showing the process on exactly the dryer I had.

Kudos to all the people who are making videos like those. The more specific you are with your search, the more likely you will be to find exactly the video you need. From car repairs to home repairs, there's a video for every job you can imagine. Need to replace the timing belt on an older car? Just search for it and someone will have made a step-by-step video to help you do it for yourself and save money and time.

[Lochloosa]

1. I use it all the time. I own a 1992 F150 and found a great place for DIY repairs.

It's saved me a bunch of money.

[MineralMan]

8. Yes. It's actually amazing, really.

If you word your search completely and accurately enough, you'll often find the video you need right at the top of the list.

Even better, most people who take the time to make such videos will even include tips that will help you avoid making mistakes that can waste a lot of time. Some are made by pros, but many are made by hobbyists who just do it to help people. I'm always amazed at how easy it is to find what you need.

For example, someone shot a side window on my 1996 Ford Ranger XLT with a BB gun. I found the part on eBay, and a step-by-step video on YouTube showing the steps needed to replace that exact window, including a description of the tool needed to remove the interior trim to access the mounting hardware for the window. Between eBay and YouTube, I saved a couple of hundred dollars.

BTW, there are tons of people on eBay who are dismantling all models of cars and selling parts on eBay. It's a side hustle that many people are using to make a living these days. So, you can find almost any part you need for far less than you'd pay from other sources.

[Lochloosa]

18. You are right about eBay. I've found parts for my dash on there.

Florida sun is hell on the interior plastic after 28 years. It gets a little brittle.

[MineralMan]

21. I found a passenger side taillight assembly for a 1991 Volvo

740 wagon on eBay. Someone backed into the car in a parking lot and drove off. eBay was the answer. I had the part in a week, for $30. Some clever person had parted out a 1991 Volvo 740, pulling commonly needed parts from a broken one and then taking the rest of the car to a junkyard as scrap metal. The same eBay seller had just about every removable part of that car and dozens of others on his eBay store.

If I were younger, I might consider going into that business. It looks like a pretty good side hustle to me. You would just pull easy to remove parts that were small enough to store and ship economically. Someone will be bound to need those parts at some point. Strip off those parts and most junkyards will come an tow off the rest of the vehicle at no cost to you.

Brilliant!

[TheBlackAdder]

79. Same here. Whether car, appliance, or other home jobs, there's always a dozen or more How-Tos.

[Turbineguy]

2. Excellent advice!

I spent an hour fixing the car. The dealer wanted $1600.

Resolder connection in dashboard printed circuit board.

[MineralMan]

9. Exactly. Someone has already done it and made a video.

Thanks go out to all of the people doing that.

[getagrip_already]

3. that's what got me hooked...

I needed to fix a carburetor on a generator. Of course the power was out and it would be impossible to take it in anywhere that would be able to fix it quickly, and I didn't want to buy a new one over a dirty carb.

I was able to quickly find a vid using my cell phone, and had it purring in an hour.

I've since used it for dozens of repairs and watch channels related to my hobbies.

You do need to be careful. Lots of people who have channels are NOT experts, and frankly give pretty bad advice all while sounding convincing. I gag when someone is in their first year of beekeeping giving advice like they've been doing it for decades, and not even getting it right.

Keep in mind a lot of these people are making a living at this. It is infotainment. It is opinion presentation.
It is not necessarily fact based information.

[MineralMan]

10. Well, yes. You do need to evaluate the video.

However, you can almost always tell when it's someone who knows what they're doing.

[DENVERPOPS]

30. Absolutely, MM

You do indeed have to be very careful.................

[getagrip_already]

40. thats just it - it can be very hard to tell sometimes unless you know the subject matter....

If you do some of the things that are presented expertly you can put your self in danger of physical harm. If someone is a newbie, they just don't realize what they are being told is dangerous.

[MineralMan]

61. Well, my assumption is that people will not take on a job

that they feel makes them uncomfortable, really. Of course you need some basic skills and knowledge to do any real work, but many of the jobs the average person can do are not in any way dangerous, really. In my opinion, if you watch a DIY video and aren't comfortable with what the video is doing, you should not attempt it.

Or, if you don't have the right tools or are not used to the tools required, you should let someone who does have them do the job.

I also don't recommend working on safety systems on cars or other things, unless you understand those systems. For example, I do not recommend making repairs on things like home furnaces. That doesn't mean that I won't do some things like that, but I understand everything about how a furnace works and the safety systems in them, so I will take on some HVAC repairs myself.

People should not attempt things that are more than a step or two away from things they have done before, really. People who are not generally handy shouldn't attempt to do complex things that require some experience.

Still, I think most people will shy away from any job that feels uncomfortable to them.

[getagrip_already]

66. so a few specific examples....

An expert woodworker uses power tools without guards, or hand feeds parts where kickback guards are not present, or otherwise does not lay down commonly accepted safety guidelines.

Or my favorite, a "beekeeper" shows cut-outs and swarm captures without so much as a veil on, hair flowing glam style, and bare hands. Turns out the videos are staged. A professional has removed most of the bees and stunned what are left with co2. People who don't know better can get themselves killed trying what she does, and it is all an act.

In the first case, it takes years of experience to be able to do what they do. It isn't unsafe the way they work because they know the equipment and the wood. Yet, someone watching them can easily lose fingers by trying what they do and failing.

In the second case, it's just fraud and deception to make money. That should be criminal.

[MineralMan]

75. Well, I do know the safety rules for all power equipment I use.

So, if I see safety stuff being ignored in a video, I look elsewhere. There are plenty of videos out there that stress the safety issues.

But, you're wrong. It is still unsafe to bypass safety features when using power tools, regardless of your experience level. I never do it. Ever. People who bypass those features are not "experts." They're just careless, and they get hurt with alarming frequency, besides.

The fact that not all YouTube how-to videos are safety oriented is not a reason to avoid learning how to do things for oneself. Not at all. People should avoid videos that depict "redneck" techniques or "hotshot" strategies. They're not too hard to spot when you watch them. If a video doesn't mention safety when doing something that might be dangerous, then it's the wrong video to follow.

YouTube is full of terrific videos of doing things and how to do things. That there are a few videos that are not safety-conscious does not mean you should not learn how to do things on YouTube.

[getagrip_already]

80. on balance, youtube is both useful and dangerous to the novice....

I disagree completely that novices will "know better". They won't. People are just not smart but like chimps, they love to do what they see.

And you are wrong on the safety gear as well. Yes, their is o excuse for removing guards. But, professionals do it all the time and they know the risks. But novices won't.

Youtube can be a powerful tool. But is a commercial venture for most posters with high subscription counts; they are skilled in production and editing. It is an art and science to get good lighting, sound, and make it interesting.

Some make well above 6 figures when you add up all the affiliate payments, ad revenues, and merch sales. They treat it as a business and the truth is not always their first priority.

It is not all caveot emptor. People believe what they see. Youtube needs supervision since it is a business model that has become unsafe in many ways.

You can cheerlead if you like, but if you are employee or investor, please disclose that (not accusing, just asking).

[MineralMan]

82. I'm not connected to any such business, nor do I have videos on YouTube.

I disagree with you, though, regarding people taking on things they are not ready to do.

Mostly, they will not. Most people will not even try to do things that seem to complicated or dangerous.

[getagrip_already]

85. tik-tok proves otherwise... lol.... n/t

[MineralMan]

86. tik-tok?

I don't use tik-tok at all. What are you talking about?

[getagrip_already]

87. tik-tok is kind of like twitter but with videos...

Members will upload a short video showing something "unique", then others will pile on and do the same thing.

Mostly it's just silly stuff like tossing a water bottle and having it land on its lid and stay upright. But there is another set that does really dangerous garbage. Many get injured attempting it.

Monkey see, monkey try.

[MineralMan]

88. Did I recommend Tiktok videos?

Of course I didn't. They're useless for anything.

[getagrip_already]

90. no, I was just using it as an example of how dumb people can be ....

Didn't mean to imply you said anything about it. Apologies.

But there are parallels on youtube. Though youtube will take them down if enough people file a complaint. So there is that.

tik-tok won't.

I guess we will just have to disagree on youtube. I watch it a lot, and have seen all sides so maybe I'm just jaded. I still use it though.

[CrackityJones75]

4. As an added benefit you get a lot of propaganda too!

[MineralMan]

29. Yeah? Well, OK.

Many of those videos have ads. People are monetizing their videos that way. Who cares? They deserve to get paid for making those how-to videos, it seems to me. If a video is useful to me, I click on those ads to help them earn more. Costs me nothing to do that.

"The labourer is worthy of his reward." 1 Timothy 5:18

[getagrip_already]

41. ad blockers work on pc's - but there is often reich wing political messaging on certain channels

If you wanted to know something about homesteading for example, or health, or offshore fishing, or anything related to firearms, you will need a shower after a random set of vid's.

Even in beekeeping it seeps in. It is a real problem at times for thinking people.

[ShazamIam]

54. Too true, but I have a trick, I silence the ads and work on other things while I let them

run, or run for a limited time. I plug in headphones but unplug or take them off when an add runs. I can't hear and usually scan the side bar for other interesting clicks while waiting and or have DU open and hang out here while the ad(s) run, then return.

[CrackityJones75]

91. Save your fantasy verses for yourself.

[Thomas Hurt]

5. Graphics Arts guy I worked with at my last gig needed to prepare a short graphics based video...

our company wanted to play it on a loop at a conference. He had not done it before, so he got some YouTube pointers from a 14 year old kid. It worked, looked great.

[Siwsan]

6. I saved a whole lot of $$ on my rider mower by using a Youtube video

My former BIL had changed the oil in it. A few days later I was out mowing and all of a sudden the mower made a backfire noise and a HUGE plume of smoke exploded out of who knows where. I turned it off and pushed it back to the garage. A service call started at $90 and the soonest they could be by was over a week.

So I turned to youtube, and found out the first thing to check, in this situation, is the oil level. Yup - he had WAY overfilled it. So I drained the excess and have had no other issues.

I also don't ask him for help, anymore. If I can't do something, I know I can rely on my brother to help me out of a maintenance situation.

And, I now know how to change the oil in the mower.

[lagomorph777]

7. I've saved thousands and thousands of dollars that way.

Once in a while, the videos show me that I'd be out of my league, but at least I know what the professional is talking about and whether he's bullshitting me.

[MineralMan]

12. Exactly.

You're right. Sometimes, the video will convince you to let a pro handle the job. More often, though, it will convince you that you can do it yourself and save.

When I installed a chain link fence in my back yard, I watched a couple of videos. They saved me a lot of time and showed me some ways to make my work more efficient, as well as showing me how to use the tools I needed but had never used before.

[Amishman]

11. This is a golden age for DIY work

Youtube and other online sources have extremely detailed instructions available on demand for free

Amazon and other retailers make it easy to get whatever tools and parts you need.

My parent's air conditioner failed two months ago. Internet helped determine it was a bad capacitor. Part was $40 with next day shipping. Had them up and running in a day for a fraction of the cost of a service call.

Same for home repair projects; plank flooring, tile, and other work that would be thousands in labor are remarkably easy to do yourself with a free weekend and willingness to buy a few tools.

People should learn to do things themselves, it saves money and builds skills.

[MineralMan]

14. Right on!

I've always been a DIYer. My father was, as well. I learned a lot from him, and then from books, and now from YouTube videos.

My Dad often said, "You can do anything other people can do. You just have to learn how from someone or a book. Then, think about the job and plan what you will do. Once you've done something, though, you will always know how to do that. It can save you a great deal of money."

[Amishman]

22. Years ago we had a small tile project to do in our old house

An acquaintance offered to do it for an amount I can't recall, but it was reasonable.

Doing the math, I could buy a really nice wet saw and do it myself for the same price.

My wife was very skeptical, not understanding why I would want to do it myself if it wouldn't save any money. I wanted to do it so I could learn and so afterwards I would have a nice wet saw.

That saw has been used now by myself and several family members to tile six more rooms and cut pavers for two outdoor walkways, saving many thousands of dollars and earning us many favors in return from grateful relatives in exchange for use of my saw and my help. My wife is glad I dug in my heels and insisted on doing that project myself all those years ago.

[MineralMan]

25. Absolutely. I have many tools that I bought

to do some DIY project. They always get used for other jobs later. Since I'm not using them professionally, I rely on Harbor Freight as my source for specialty tools. Their tools often won't stand up to constant use, but are find for DIY purposes, and they're much less expensive.

And, as you say, you learn some skills the first time. Those skills never go away.

[utopian]

13. I heartily agree

YouTube has also clearly shown me when I was out of my depth and would be better off calling an expert, saving much time, money and swearing on my part.

[MineralMan]

16. Oh, yes. Some jobs are too much to take on yourself.

Many, though, are simple and quick. There's no reason to pay someone to do something you can do for yourself easily.

[utopian]

23. Absolutely

[getagrip_already]

15. If you want to be amazed...

Look up jimmydiresta ( https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiEk4xHBbz0hZNIBBpowdYQ ). Some of his vids are sponsored, just skip past the nonsense.

He is a master with hand and power tools and the projects he does - freehand - are awe inspiring.

[IrishAfricanAmerican]

17. I use it all the time.

It's an excellent resource.

[CountAllVotes]

19. Fixed (well sorta) the range stove top, doorbell, installed a seal on range, etc. etc.

All of these things fixed and many others with youtube fix-it videos. Saving me a bundle!

& recommend !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[CottonBear]

20. YouTube videos taught me how to unplug my tub & kitchen sink drains.

Last spring, during the lockdown, I purchased a drain snake from Lowe’s.

I learned how to unclog my tub drain through the overflow/tub plug lever hole (This Old House video). I also learned how to remove (and reassemble/check for leaks) the plastic drain trap under my kitchen sink and then clean out the drain line leaving the house.

I recently unclogged the tub drain again, although it wasn’t nearly as bad as the first time.
I purchased a pet hair snare tub drain hair trap from the pet store. It works great. We all have long hair, which you do not want down the drain of an upstairs tub. I use a small plastic tool with little hooks to clean out the portion of the drain that is attached to the bottom of tub drain hole

The kitchen drain is due to be cleaned again soon.

I’ve saved so much money and learned a valuable skill.

Pro tip: wear disposable gloves or rubber dish gloves. The drain crud is stinky, black, gooey and it will turn your hands black. I put an old Rubbermaid dish pan under the sink trap/drain to catch spills and use old towels and rags to clean up. I also wash and scrub the drain snake before put it away. Drain cleaning is a dirty job!

[MineralMan]

26. Learning to do those regular maintenance chores

is a must. Calling a plumber is going to cost you $250 just to have them show up. Learning to do simple jobs and investing in some budget tools is a wise investment, and will repay itself many times over.

As for dirty hands, that's always an issue. I don't mind gloves or handwashing, since dirty jobs cost a ton of money. And you're right about towels, too. Never throw a towel away until you use it for some dirty job. Then throw it away.

I just ordered one of those hair trapping screens. Seems like a great idea.

[Ferrets are Cool]

24. I believe Youtube is the greatest app of all time.

Maybe the greatest invention of all time. Not only can you find information on how to fix almost anything, it is also a time machine. I can go back in time and watch rock concerts for 50 years ago that I would never have the opportunity to watch if it didn't exist.

And, I never watch kitteh vids on youtube.

[MineralMan]

27. Absolutely!

There's a YouTube video for just about everything. Old TV shows from the 1950s are on there, too, if you want some nostalgia. I never cease to be amazed at what you can find.

[ismnotwasm]

28. I love you tube. Including puppy and kitten videos lol

But I also use it for maintenance stuff, DIY stuff. It’s great.

[Demovictory9]

78. lol... me too. i watch youtube on my TV... its one of the cable channels

[missingthebigdog]

31. I call it YouTube University

YouTube is my go-to resource any time I encounter something I don’t know how to do. Most recently, I learned how to use the transpose function in Excel, making a stupidly formatted spreadsheet I have to do every month much easier. I have used it to repair cars and appliances, to learn how to tune feed a baby goat, and to rescue a dying plant.

Most of the videos aren’t revenue generating. Most are just people who have encountered a problem, solved it, and want to share that solution with the world. It is what I point to anytime people argue that humans require capitalism to motivate them to innovate and achieve.

Every now and again, I come across something particularly awesome. This is one of my favorites, because it is just SO weird. Turn your volume up:

[usaf-vet]

32. There maybe some overlapping here but this website is great for fixing your own stuff.

It has been around for a long time! I used it before I retired 11 years ago. It started out mostly with computer component repairs AND PARTS. It also has a good set of small specialized tools for cellphone, computers, and other electronic devices.

https://www.ifixit.com/

[wryter2000]

33. YouTube is also great for cooking

I adore Pasta Grannies, even though it doesn't actually teach you how to make pasta. The grannies have all been doing it since they were preteens. But there are lots of great how-to videos as well.

[Bengus81]

34. Watch the YT video for fixing a clothes dryer thermal fuse........

Those are in dryers to keep them from catching fire because of dummies who rarely clean the lint filter. Even if you do it will go out but it will take 5-6 years or more. But...I've paid an appliance guy twice to fix mine--about $150-160 including the fuse.

Last time it happened I thought I'd look on YT. Damn...it's so simple anyone can do it and the "fuse" is all of about $10. I changed mine in 15 minutes or less. I spent more time with my shop vac cleaning up the back end of the dryer and underneath it than it took to change the fuse. I also did a YT video fix for the switch on your washer lid that will stop the machine from running when it goes bad. The switch price is a bit of nothing and saved probably another $150 service call.

Still kicking myself on the dryer fuse!!

[KS Toronado]

35. Lots of people ask me about their vehicle problems

because of my background in my Dad's car/truck/tractor/motorcycle/lawn mower/you name it repair shop.
When I don't know the answer I go straight to YouTube and encourage others to do the same. 30 years ago
I had most of the answers, not so much today with all the electronic & computer stuff on vehicles.

[robbob]

36. As a musician I can only say

THANK GOD for YouTube! Any piano tune I’m working on, particularly Stevie Wonder or other keyboard greats will usually have a tutorial video out there, which saves hours of trying to learn by ear. Mind you, if you have the time (and the ears!) then putting the time in to figure it out has many other musical benefits…

[MineralMan]

38. That, too.

When I was trying to learn to play the euphonium, I used YouTube videos to help me with that, too. Especially useful were solo performance videos by professional players, where I could learn what it was supposed to sound like. There are also master classes for most instruments that can be very valuable.

[getagrip_already]

37. my wife was able to diagnose an a/c problem in her car and convinced the mechanic....

That a motor in the duct system needed to be replaced. It was an intermittent problem where the car would blow HOT air out the drivers side. Not just unconditioned air, heated air.

But when she dropped it off the problem didn't surface. She convinced him to change the motor which was clearly implicated in several yt vids.

Problem hasn't come back.

[MineralMan]

39. Wow! Good for her!

[kimbutgar]

42. My son broke his laptop screen and I found a you tube video how to replace it

The screen cost me $100 and taking it to best buy would have cost me $300 or a new computer $500. I watched a youtube video and did it myself!

[CloudWatcher]

43. Omg, changing the drive belt on a dryer!

I followed a youtube video to replace the motor in my electric dryer. At the end of the video they causally described putting the drive belt back on (around the pulleys, over the drum, through the woods to grandmother's house).

Replacing the motor was an afternoon's work (once I had the part), but getting the belt put back on correctly took many more hours ... it had to all be done by feel since I couldn't see what I was doing. I wound up using a camera (held at arm's length inside the dryer) to show me what I was doing wrong

It was nice to be able to repair it though ... and like you, I've used youtube videos to enable a lot of repairs!

Now to get back to the lock-picking channels and juggling tutorials! Fun fun

[ShazamIam]

44. Great post, Yes, I use youtube videos for, how to's nearly once a week, sometimes for things

I know how to do but want to see if there is an easier or better way to do them.

I avoided youtube for years because it was mostly fun only or seriously conservataive and conspirationa and other controversial kind of site. It is full of great lectures and talks on any subject one could have an interest in.

The internet is like owning a set of encyclopedias on everything and everywhere and being allowed to drop in on university classes, mostly free and on some offerings, no ads.

[twodogsbarking]

48. All true.

[LittleGirl]

45. Our garden hose end started leaking

And I watched videos on how to replace the ends. Over here in Switzerland, they sell garden hoses without ends. (I have no idea why). I needed to fix two hoses and got all the right pieces and followed the instructions and did it myself.

I found Dad, how do I ? And found great videos on simple tasks from a great guy on you tube. My dad died in ‘75 and he was a handyman at home. He did all of the oil changes on the cars. I miss him.

[AnotherDreamWeaver]

46. I used it to see how to replace the starter rope on a generator. nt

[twodogsbarking]

47. I have used the videos even when I know how to do something.

You get tips from others. Thanks MineralMan

[Scruffy1]

49. Having 40 plus years of experience on fixing about everything I use the internet a lot.

Although I prefer text over videos you tube is a treasure trove. No one person can know or remember everything about every device. Just had to looked up how to adjust the headlights on my Kia. Unfortunately, among the hundred plus screwdrivers I own I didn't have the right one so I ordered it for 7 bucks.

[MineralMan]

69. I had to replace the electric fuel pump on my 1991 Volvo

740 station wagon. I couldn't find a video on that one, but I did find a text how-to that described the process.

So, I did it. I discovered a couple of shortcuts to the replacement while doing the job, and one saved almost half an hour over the method in the text instructions. So, I wrote up a replacement for the how-to text and uploaded it to the same Volvo message board. The guy who wrote the original one replied to my altered version, saying, "I never thought of that! Great!"

I made my living for many years writing how-to articles for magazines, both on home repairs and woodworking projects. So, I have a lot of experience describing processes to follow. That was all pre-YouTube, though. My articles were illustrated with hands-on step-by-step photos and detailed instructions. Later, I wrote how-to articles for consumer computer magazines on getting the most from popular software programs, primarily word processors. I had a column on word-processors for 12 years in PC World, mostly tips for users.

[iscooterliberally]

50. I fixed a relatively new front loaded washing machine years ago doing just that.

Sears wanted about $200 to show up. The video explained the code so I knew what the problem was. It was a messy job and not fun, but it only took about an hour and a half dozen old towels to sop up the mess. I also like guitars and there are tons of great videos that help you learn songs. Some give great advice about instruments and amplifiers too. Some are terrible though so you have to be careful. This is great advice! Thanks for posting!

[Hassin Bin Sober]

58. I replaced a drum on a relatively new dryer.

Looking online there were hundreds of posts from people complaining about the defective weld on this LG dryer. Some people were on their second repair. The part was $100 bucks but it required two service calls and a dismantled dryer left somewhere in your house waiting for a drum.

It really sucks to blow $400-$500 on a machine that’s only worth $800ish.

I was able to do it for the cost of the $100 part with the very detailed instructions on YouTube.

[iscooterliberally]

62. oh that sounds much harder than what I went through.

All I had to do was jack up the front of the unit and access a panel to a small filter. We have lots of pets in our house so there was all kinds of dog fur and even a few tooth picks along with other flotsam and jetsam stuck in the filter. I didn't have to order any parts or anything. I just had to clean the filter out and put it back together. It was the code read out that made me think of youtube and searching online in general. Once I saw the procedure I knew I could do it.

I love your screen name by the way. It reminds me of an old Three Stooges episode that I saw when I was a kid. I loved them growing up.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

68. I am an Aristocrat!

[iscooterliberally]

71. Yup, that's the one!

[ansible]

51. Most people don't have the inclination or skill for DIY repair

More often than not their attempts just make things worse

[Elessar Zappa]

57. Not true at all.

Most people can do a good amount of repairs if they follow instructions closely. I’m not talking about repairing a transmission or anything like that but people can do a lot before they should resort to a repairman, plumber, replacement, etc.

[MineralMan]

70. Not so. The reality is that anyone can learn to do those things.

You start with simple repairs and take on more difficult ones as you learn more.

If you learn that way, you can soon become pretty competent with most things.

[Mr.Bill]

52. I've used Youtube to do repairs

on my cars that professional mechanics could not figure out. Sometimes it was so simple it took less time to do the repair than to watch the video.

[hay rick]

53. I spend a lot of time on YouTube.

I have done home repairs that I never would have attempted without YT's help. I currently use YouTube videos to teach myself how to use graphics programs- Gimp and Inkscape. Recently I have been entertaining myself by watching First Time Reaction videos (young people playing and hearing classic rock standards for the first time and giving their spontaneous reactions).

[Scottie Mom]

55. Same same. Programmed my Honda remote fob.

Took a few tries, but got the job done. Have also used it re my dishwasher and front loading washing machine.

[GoodRaisin]

56. Been using YouTube for that for years.

It is a wonderful resource - for almost everything. I love YouTube. I pay nothing for it and don't mind the commercials, which are usually over within seconds. It made a regular handyman out of me. My oldest son learned to play guitar using YouTube to get started. He's gotten pretty good, good enough to play lead in a band at a local night club.

Can't beat YouTube.

[MerryHolidays]

59. YouTube is great; so is DU!

Those are my two best places for getting online tips about stuff. DU folks are incredibly forthcoming in helping you solve all sorts of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and computer problems, etc.

The perfect example is when our new fancy dishwasher refused to work. We tried everything, but it would not move from showing us an error code. I finally did a precise search as MinMan suggested, and boom, there was the answer: the air-gap had gotten clogged. Once I cleaned that out, it worked just fine.

While not online-related, my wife got this GIGANTIC wooden pallet to use as a platform in the backyard. However, the wood was not treated, and it wouldn't have lasted outside in the elements. We needed to get rid of it but couldn't figure out how. It was truly huge, and it would have cost me at least $100 to have someone cart it away. I had bought a circular saw a year ago for projects that we had never used. I got the bright idea of cutting the pallet into pieces and then just putting it in trash/recycling. I did that with the saw in a matter of minutes (it took longer to unbox the saw and read the instructions than it did to do the project.) So, my circular saw is paid for with one tiny project!

There is something hugely satisfying in fixing things on your own.

[Treefrog]

60. I SO agree! I watch mostly gardening vids, and have learned a lot from them despite my many years of

gardening. Interesting you mentioned the bath plug thing! I have the same problem in one of my bathroom sinks, so I'll take your advice and look around for some info!

btw, I haven't seen if anyone's mentioned it, but it appears (sadly) that your prediction about a new surge starting about now is coming true.

[MineralMan]

63. Yes. The unvaccinated are being lured into exposing themselves,

and they're paying for it dearly. I still have masks in both of my vehicles, and wear them in places where I'm uncomfortable, despite being fully vaccinated. Some places, like my bank, require masks at all times while inside the bank.

[Kali]

64. I've always been a do-it-myselfer

using books usually. I am pretty competent at following directions, but you tube takes it to a whole new level! love it.

[subterranean]

65. I've used it for plumbing work and refrigerator repairs, among other things.

Of course, there are some jobs, like electrical work or garage door repair, that can be dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. In those cases, it's best to call a professional.

[MineralMan]

72. I did replace a torsion spring in my garage door a couple of years ago.

Yes, it can be a dangerous job, but I watched several videos and read a couple of text instruction documents. Then, I took my time and followed the instructions to the letter.

However, a couple of years later, I replaced the door completely. I hired a garage door company to do that. It was a bigger job than I was comfortable taking on.

[Pepsidog]

67. You Tube my go to repair manuel on everything from cars to appliances.

[Iggo]

73. Fuckin' A right.

That’s my first stop when shit don’t work.

[Leith]

74. I agree

I have checked YouTube many times when trying a repair project. It didn't always work for me because I didn't have the strength needed (replacing the washing machine transmission belt and replacing toilet tank innards - years of calcium buildup didn't yield to my brute force).

Another way to use YouTube: there are videos showing how to win at a computer game. There have been windows in Angry Birds that I just could not get, no matter how many times or techniques I tried.

YouTube offers some wonderful content. You can learn about real science (SciShow, PBS Eons), history (Timeline World History Documentaries), niche interests (TrekCulture, The Atheist Experience) - all for free.

[ProfessorGAC]

76. No Doubt About It!

I have never had to do something I wasn't sure how to do, where there weren't multiple YouTube videos showing how!
That & songs are about all I use YouTube for!

[Demovictory9]

77. youtubed walked me through pulling off bottom panel of washer and finding the sock catching filter

washer wasn't draining properly... was ready to call service guy. youtube explained what that panel was for and how to put down pan to catch water, open up filter handle, let water out and pull out sock, coins, etc...

[Vinca]

81. I always check out YouTube if I think something is fixable. It's a good resource.

For the life of me I couldn't figure out how to replace the battery in my car key and I found out in a few seconds there.

[Behind the Aegis]

83. My husband has used it to fix our microwave, gas grill, and a TV.

He's a techie so, it just helped him a bit. I'd likely blow up the damn house! However, I use it for fun, of course, but also for recipes and language training, especially Yiddish, which I am now trying to learn but don't have access to live speakers. It is also helpful to see videos from around the world on topics I care about in native languages or perspectives, especially GLBT issues in countries where things are very dicey.

[LanternWaste]

84. Or going to an ER.

Sometimes good, sometimes not so good.

As in all things.





(if all the bugs in all the worlds
'twixt earth and Betelgeuse
should sharpen up their little stingers... )

[GaYellowDawg]

89. Absolutely!

I wired an ignition switch into my gas stove and saved myself a visit from a repairman. It was especially important because everyone in my house was high risk and didn't have access to vaccines at that time.

[Catherine Vincent]

92. Agree!

They also help with showing you how to work an equipment instead of reading the manual.

[ecstatic]

93. lol. They make it look so easy

I've had countless botched DIY home improvement projects, but I admit that some of failed projects were due to my own impatience. I even botched caulking around my shower, despite using painter's tape.