Can I use automotive-type silicone sealant to coat the metal handle of a kitchen utensil? [more inside]
posted by toodleydoodley on Dec 8, 2009 - 15 answers

While performing routine maintenance on my car, my mechanic noticed a hum coming from the (standard) transmission. He then changed the transmission fluid and noticed pieces of metal when draining the old fluid out. Crap. This car only has 85,000 miles. How many more can I realistically get out of it? [more inside]
posted by Rewind on Dec 4, 2009 - 11 answers

To repair or replace? Should I repair a boiler with renowned reoccuring faults or replace it with a new reliable boiler with a 5 year warranty? [more inside]
posted by hjd on Nov 30, 2009 - 3 answers

How can I clean the soap out of my (laundry) washing machine? [more inside]
posted by pwnguin on Nov 23, 2009 - 10 answers

Should I bother fixing my catalytic converter? [more inside]
posted by zvs on Nov 17, 2009 - 10 answers

Please help me to repair a roll up matchstick shade or refer me to a web site with directions in plain English. [more inside]
posted by kbar1 on Nov 8, 2009 - 5 answers

i purchased a specktone retro ii a couple years back, basically this thing. unfortunately, i got it at a bargain bin reduced price from an ebay mass seller, with a very short warranty. [more inside]
posted by camdan on Nov 8, 2009 - 3 answers

Do I need to replace the catalytic converter and oxygen sensor in a 2000 Honda Civic (125k miles)? Engine suddenly idling low. [more inside]
posted by rahnefan on Nov 4, 2009 - 17 answers

Will self-repairing my broken PS3 make it invalid for future repairs by Sony (even if it's already out of warranty)? [more inside]
posted by ShortHairyMan on Oct 6, 2009 - 4 answers

Please help me determine whether this watch-repair business is legitimate, or help me find a reputable Accutron specialist in the Bay Area. [more inside]
posted by mattdidthat on Sep 16, 2009 - 8 answers

How can I tell if the crack in my car windshield has been repaired? You would think it would be obvious.. but apparently it's not. [more inside]
posted by snorlaxx on Sep 15, 2009 - 8 answers

The AC of my Mercedes Benz 2002 stopped working so we took it to a well known Used Car Dealership for a check up. They charge me $150.00 just for the check up and gave me an estimate of about $3,000 to fix it (basically they said all the system had to be replace it). I didn’t want to spend that kind of money so we took it one of those ‘basic repair shop’ chains and they fixed it by changing a $25.00 sensor. I want my $150.00 back, I live in Florida and don't know if I am entitled to a refund? If I am, what is the best way to ask for it? I’m pissed at them but I want to behave civilized and effective.
posted by 3dd on Aug 24, 2009 - 24 answers

Never owned an old car, thinking of buying a 1988 Toyota 4x4 truck. Stupid? [more inside]
posted by Chrishartley on Aug 23, 2009 - 17 answers

Which should I use to repair my chimney? Mortar, cement.......? [more inside]
posted by boby on Aug 21, 2009 - 5 answers

I just changed my car's old dead battery with a new, just purchased one following the directions here. Even though I clamped the connectors down hard enough that I can't move either of them, the car seems to be completely dead --- it doesn't appear to be getting any power whatsoever. Any ideas what could be wrong? [more inside]
posted by jacobm on Aug 19, 2009 - 23 answers

What's the best way to brute-force a microSD card into my new Blackberry (that apparently has a defective slot.) [more inside]
posted by frenetic on Aug 17, 2009 - 5 answers

Recommendations for quality watch repair in Houston? [more inside]
posted by arcticseal on Aug 15, 2009 - 4 answers

My decade-old dishwasher's racks have started to rust through some blemishes in their protective coating. Can/should I fix this? [more inside]
posted by themel on Aug 2, 2009 - 6 answers

So my husband tore his meniscus months ago. Finally got an MRI confirming it and we're wondering what people who've had a meniscus repair can tell us about their experiences with surgery and rehab. [more inside]
posted by leslies on Jul 16, 2009 - 14 answers

Hit a big pot hole with my new (to me) Raleigh 3-speed. Cleared the front wheel okay, but the rear rim has a dent from the impact. Still seems ride-able. How worried do I need to be? [more inside]
posted by SirNovember on Jul 9, 2009 - 10 answers

Car trouble: How loudly should I yell at my dealer's service department? [more inside]
posted by Eddie Mars on Jul 8, 2009 - 13 answers

I've bought a frankenstein bicycle and want to fix it up. Need help with identification and suggestions. [more inside]
posted by monocultured on Jul 6, 2009 - 9 answers

I've cracked the lens on a pair of designer sunglasses. Where and how do I get them fixed? [more inside]
posted by pines on Jul 2, 2009 - 7 answers

Car repair filter....Car has been sitting for 18 months, anything special to do before I fire it up? [more inside]
posted by mikedelic on Jul 1, 2009 - 7 answers

Keep my beloved Nokia E-51 or buy a replacement? Any experience with time and cost of Nokia repairs, or input on replacement model options? I'm in a quandary. [more inside]
posted by notashroom on Jun 11, 2009 - 8 answers

If you were going to bring a USB drive to repair a bunch of workstations, what are some of the latest Windows XP/Vista repair utilities that you would put on it? [more inside]
posted by purephase on Jun 3, 2009 - 7 answers

What the heck is wrong with my car? And no, you are not my mechanic. [more inside]
posted by WickedPissah on May 31, 2009 - 13 answers

I've dropped my original model Nintendo DS, and the hinge is now cracked, where would be best to send it to get it repaired? [more inside]
posted by deezil on May 25, 2009 - 5 answers

How do you remove plastic that has melted onto a heating element? [more inside]
posted by EatTheWeak on May 3, 2009 - 5 answers

The oven portion of our gas range went from being fine to dead inside. Made baked potatoes one night, next night I turned it on and it wouldn't heat up at all. The burners still work fine. I reviewed some literature about repairing it myself, but I'm trying to decide if it's a good idea. [more inside]
posted by Mayor Curley on Mar 23, 2009 - 12 answers

I have a Vox Student Prince hollow-body electric with a broken tailpiece and I am hoping to do the replacement myself, but I am worried about setup after the new piece is installed. [more inside]
posted by mzurer on Mar 23, 2009 - 5 answers

I have sulfuric acid, de-ionized water, and basic lab equipment. Can I revive my crappy car battery? [more inside]
posted by scose on Feb 23, 2009 - 18 answers

I normally take my 1999 Accord to the Honda dealership for oil changes. During my last visit, the mechanic suggested a couple of fairly expensive maintenance procedures. Is there a good resource out there to help me decide whether the prices they quoted me were reasonable? [more inside]
posted by SpringAquifer on Feb 14, 2009 - 20 answers

Please help me decide whether I should have my digital camera (Casio Exilim EX-Z750) a) professionally repaired, b) upgraded at a discount, c) replaced with a completely different one or d) repaired by myself. [more inside]
posted by funkiwan on Feb 2, 2009 - 7 answers

Mac meltdown: my wife's Mac Mini seems to have bitten the dust. Before I take it in for repair, I want to query the hivemind for anything I might be overlooking. Details on symptoms and efforts so far within. [more inside]
posted by adamrice on Feb 1, 2009 - 6 answers

What is the best and cheapest way to fix a flat tire? [more inside]
posted by Brandon1600 on Jan 19, 2009 - 19 answers

Are the connections in the earbud socket of an iPod (5G 30gig Video) able to be "tightened?" [more inside]
posted by Danf on Jan 9, 2009 - 8 answers

My blinker on my 2000 Dodge Neon has been working only intermittently. Could this be a fuse issue, or would it not be working at all? [more inside]
posted by SpacemanStix on Dec 31, 2008 - 10 answers

What would you charge to diagnose a check engine light and replace the thermostat in a 2003 Toyota Highlander? [more inside]
posted by fogster on Dec 30, 2008 - 13 answers

So I was taking a walk this morning with my camera bag. My camera bag decided it wanted to experience it some freedom and slipped off my shoulder. In the process, my Canon 10D had a meeting with the sidewalk. I now have a busted LCD screen; this makes me sad and unable to operate half the camera. Does anyone have any repair options for broken LCD screen on a Canon 10D in Houston, TX?
posted by rand on Dec 11, 2008 - 6 answers

Where can a leather jacket be repaired near White Plains, NY? My son's new jacket brushed against a metal fence and has a clean slice in the sleeve. 2 tailors want to glue and stitch it, but I'm afraid it will look as if the jacket has a scar. Any suggestions?
posted by suzeQ on Nov 24, 2008 - 4 answers

The heater core in my 2001 Ford Taurus has just failed for the third time in less than 18 months. The car has about 90K miles on it. What could be causing these repeated failures? [more inside]
posted by maurice on Nov 6, 2008 - 6 answers

A firmware update has broken my Nokia 6300. Do I have any options other than taking it for repair? [more inside]
posted by knapah on Oct 12, 2008 - 3 answers

Are my car's dents worth fixing? [more inside]
posted by aliasless on Jun 23, 2008 - 12 answers

Logic board died on my friend's two-year-old MacBook (one year out of warranty). Should she pay for repair ($700 + labor), or sell the carcass for parts and buy, say, a used iBook? [more inside]
posted by sparrows on May 28, 2008 - 13 answers

[LuthierFilter] So there's this hole in my beloved cello... [more inside]
posted by coriolisdave on Apr 6, 2008 - 21 answers

Water damage to our hardwood floors - what can/should we expect? [more inside]
posted by jquinby on Feb 1, 2008 - 4 answers

I'd like to find a San Francisco based antique watch repair shop that does impeccable work. Price is not an issue, as the watch is the only thing I have from my great-grandmother and is of the utmost sentimental value. The wristwatch is silver, with no visible manufacturer's mark, and is approximately 85 years old. The face needs cleaning and the mechanism likely is in decent shape, but needs cleaning as well.
posted by judith on Jun 12, 2007 - 6 answers

Did this mechanic try to "trick" me into a repair that costs more than the car is worth? [more inside]
posted by hootch on Nov 2, 2006 - 9 answers

I have a 2000 Mazda Protege that isn't working for some reason, and thus has to be brought into a shop. Any suggestions for a shop in/near Arlington, Virginia (basically, close enough that AAA will tow it there). Just looking for a car place I can trust (and ideally one that's reasonably priced, too), because I know diddly about cars....
posted by inigo2 on Aug 14, 2006 - 11 answers