The Pair of mole grips above say something about how I was brought up. I remember not going on a family holiday with my Mother, Father, sister and brother for two reasons - I was at that grunty 16 year old stage where I'd argue with my own shadow and the fact that dad wanted me to look after the stock on the farm.
When they returned from their week in the sun I was expecting great, if a little trashy, presents. Things like a notebook with the name of a town I hadn't been to on, lots of chocolate and maybe a bottle of booze. Instead dad passed me a red and black box with a pair of mole grips in, "Look after these, they're a good set. Better than the rubbish your mum was going to buy you."
So that's why it didn't surprise me when I found myself fixing the washing machine after work this week. Lay on the tiles with the pair of mole grips in one hand and a torch in the other.
The thought of calling someone in hadn't even crossed my mind. Luckily I found the problem fairly quickly, a hole in the sump hose. I'd like to blame someone else for this, but as the pipe still contained three rusty screws, two rusty screwdriver bits and a rusty nail I already know who to blame!
With the wonders of the Internet I found and ordered the part and got it delivered next day. Then with the skills and dexterity that I thought only gynaecologists possessed, I got the hose back on and we could attack the pile of washing that only a 8 month old baby could produce!
Total cost of fixing the washing machine was under £30 including postage.
I've no idea how much it would have cost to have appliance repair man out to look at and fix the problem, I've never used one! (not yet anyhow!)
Anyone else find it hard to get other people in to do work?
Anyone else find it hard to get other people in to do work?
Well done!! We never call in someone to fix things here, either...which is why there is STILL a cedar tree leaning on the wire pasture fence waiting to be cut up...
ReplyDeleteI'm lucky for tree problems as my brother is a tree surgeon! Could just do with a plumber in the family really then we'd be sorted!
DeleteYou and my hubby Chris should get together and talk "fixing things". Chris fixed the latest washing machine problem with a bicycle repair kit....cost him $3.
ReplyDeleteJane x
I was going to try that! The trouble was it's so hard to get the machine in and out if it leaked again I'd be really annoyed for not buying the part.
DeleteI'm a make do and mend bloke too. Except with computers. I don't have a clue there. Good work Kev.
ReplyDeleteYeah computers are a funny one, I go as far as the turn it off and back on a again and thats me about done. I used to be quite into them and could add memory and things but not anymore, I've got an uncle who sorts them out for me now!
DeleteMy hubby is quite good at repairing thinsg ut so busy with farm he honestly has no time for indoor repairs. But we hav ea customer who barters milk (ours) for house reapir skills (his) It works very well. And your wife must be a saint for working in such a tiny kitchen or perhaps its you? Either way you are saints
ReplyDeleteTime is always the problem! bartering skills and trades is always a good (tax free) way of getting things done. We both use the kitchen (I try and cook just under half the meals in a week if I can) and it is so tiny, that picture shows the whole thing except a few wall units above! No cat swinging in there. We've got plans for an extension but thats a long term project so until then we're just make do (I put up loads of shelves last week but hey're full already!).
DeleteJohn is the same, although my fixing skills are much to be desired! I tend to just bang it in the hope that it works! We've only had one proper person come to help us when we first moved in as there was a hole in the roof but other than that we've not needed to get anyone in. Definitely a cheaper and better way to live!
ReplyDeleteNow Holes in the roof I can do! My wife leaves the fixing to me as well, but I always think hitting something is a good way to start fixing it!
DeleteKevin, You are so lucky to have parents who knew the value in giving something which would last for all time. As much as I love your British chocolate, the tool helped to grow your skills always and forever. We try to do the same with our kids.
ReplyDeleteYeah I've had some great presents over the years, in fact my other blog is describing what I got for my 21st birthday present all those years ago and the skills it gave me! I'd much rather give something that lasts or has meaning now and quite often try to make presents for christmas and birthdays if I have the time or give a small quality item rather than a big item that wont last. Thanks for your comment
DeleteWe call them vise grips here but it's the same tool and they last for years. I used a pair yesterday on a nut that was too big for my adjustable wrench while working on some equipment. I can imagine that when they started selling them it brought a few smiles from the first users. Someone was really thinking the day they invented them.
ReplyDeleteThese are Vice grips really (genuine ones with the two strong arms on it - in fact I think it was a holiday to Canada that they brought it from) but over here everyone calls them mole grips - a brand name from the past, like a Stanley knife or a Hoover. The vice grip is a great tool and some jobs I'd be lost without them - especially on the farm! Great for turning stuff when a handle has broken!
DeleteI am sooooooooooooooo impressed.....
ReplyDeleteI am useless with tools of any kind
Practice is what makes you good. I use toolls all day everyday to earn my living so I'd be disappointed if I was rubbish with them! Thanks for the comment.
DeleteBrilliant stuff!!
ReplyDeleteYou've got to admire a 'man who can'.
My Lovely Hubby spent the whole of yesterday fixing our computer and internet problems, he did have the voice of a very helpful BT Tech guy on the end of the phone line, but it was his hard work and persistence that solved the problem.
My hero. As I'm sure you are with an 8 month olds washing quickly piling up!!
Sue xxx
Cheers Sue. The 8 month olds washing isn't to bad really as her stuff is small - its just all the sick and stuff she gets on us that means our clothes have to be washed twice as often!
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