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The original Reader's Digest Fix-It-Yourself manual is a great book to have around the house, even though it was written back in the late 1970s. Many of the concepts it discusses are still relevant today, although some of the things discussed have changed. In 1996, a new edition of the Fix-It-Yourself book was published. This new book is about the same size as the original, but it adds many more illustrations, is printed in full color and discusses many of the things found in a household today that weren't yet popular when the first book was published. The improved illustrations and added topics make this book a worthwhile purchase even if you own the previous edition. I'd been curious about the newer edition of the book since I received an advertisement for it back in 1996. That is why I decided to buy this book, so I could see how it compared to the original. Curiously, some of the content from the original book that would still be relevant today--such as the information on basic car repair (both body work and mechanical repair) and diagnosis--is missing completely from the 1996 edition of this book. Also curious is the inclusion of information that the average homeowner may never need, not be able to utilize safely or not understand. For example, a quick guide to locating and replacing the horizontal output transistor in a TV is given. This guide, while interesting, doesn't really provide enough detail for the average person to replace a TV part. Some of the information given in the book is misleading, perhaps in the interest of oversimplification. Vacuum tube based audio and video equipment is covered, but it is suggested that such equipment cannot be repaired as the parts simply do not exist to repair it. Even today that is not so, as many collectors and restorers demonstrate. Generally, however, the information given in the 1996 edition of the Fix-It-Yourself manual is clear, accurate and well described in both text and illustration. My recommendation if you plan to buy this book is to also buy the older, late 1970s edition as well. Between the two of them, you will learn a lot about the things in your home, whether you elect to repair them or not. Even if you hire the repair work done by someone else, this book can tell you what to expect and give you some knowledge about what the repair entails, keeping you from being taken advantage of.Read full review
I had one and I bought one for my grandson since he's buying a new house it should be useful. I have bought 6 of these over the years as gifts and it's been very useful.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I have used the 1st editionof this book for more than 50 years and it has saved me time & money. I purchased this book to help my newly-wed, new home-owner son to find his way through the world. I hope it will help him as much as the previous edition has helped his mother & me. Most people would scoff at R.D. selling handyman books, but the illustrations were right-on and the technical directions are clear, diverse to different situations and accurate. Sincerely, WJS 1/25/2024
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I bought this book as a gift for my son, who recently bought a house. I have had a copy since 1996 and have used it many times to guide me through "do it yourself" appliance and household repairs. It provides trouble shooting information that I have used to repair my washer, dryer, refrigerator, "whole house" air conditioner, microwave, VCR, blender and other appliances. I have reduced repair bills significantly by following the book and only buying the parts. As examples, I spent 2 hours and and $12 to repair the "dead" microwave/convection oven, 3 hours and $45 to repair the air conditioner, and 15 minutes to unstick a "stuck" set of blender blades. It is appliance generic, not brand specific, so one has to have a basic understanding of repairs or at least a desire to learn it. I highly recommend the book!Read full review
Age 62 is not going to stop me! Power to the pink tool boxes!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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