/diy/ - Do It Yourself

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planned_obsolescence

>random house hold appliance stops working right after warranty runs out

1:
>no screws to open it, it just snaps together
>1 out of 5 times something will break when trying to open it, regardless of how careful or experienced you are

2:
>there are screws to open it
>it is needlessly complex and has a horrible design inside
>3+ springs fly out from unknown places as you slowly open it
>you were just trying to clean the air intake screens; which don't have a proper access
>feel like MacGyver trying to defuse a bomb when putting it and the springs back together for the next 20 minutes

3:
>the fan motor is located so that the heat from the heating element is sucked across the fan motor
>the motor is burned out
>the entire device only cost $10
>new motor is $15 plus shipping costs

4:
>you're working on a toaster
>everything inside is SMD

5:
>there are tons of moving parts
>one of which is broken and the reason for you opening the device
>another breaks because the device is never meant to be opened again
>all of them are made from hard brittle plastic

I've been around for many decades now. I've worked on electronics and DIY projects all my life. I've even owned a repair business once in my life. As the years go on, the same exact devices have become more cheaply made and less accessible to repair. Many times no advancements are actually made, the device doesn't get smaller or more powerful. It is just designed a bit worse both ergonomically and in performance and made from more easily breakable parts.

ITT, lets post devices, brands, and tools that are rock solid and easily repaired if broken. Stuff we can buy, break, repair, and know we'll never really need to buy another one. Obviously, I'm not talking about cast iron pans and crowbars here. Post stuff with moving parts or electronics. Old, antique, or new is fine. Let's help each other vote for better, more durable products using our money as a voting medium.