Flourishing Things: iFixit

It has become increasingly common to own a variety of electronic gadgets and devices. As a result, the issue of dealing with broken or damaged devices increases as well. Broken devices are often discarded and replaced, as the cost of professional repairs can be quite expensive. However, this endless cycle of buying and replacing doesn’t have to be the case! The iFixit website allows individuals to take matters into their own capable hands.

iFixit is a wiki-based website that provides users with a plethora of resources related to repairs. The site features over 60,000 easy-to-follow repair guides for mobile phones, computers, cars, cameras and other electronics. Straying away from technology, iFixit also offers repair information for household items and apparel. Along with the guides, the website helps users diagnose what’s wrong with their devices, sells high quality parts and tools to assist with repairs, and provides an answers forum to promote solution sharing.

Learning to repair items yourself is an important and empowering skill. Owners should be able to repair the devices that they’ve purchased. Making your devices last much longer than manufacturers intended is a great way of fighting the issue of planned obsolescence. Additionally, repairing your electronics is environmentally beneficial. The materials used to create electronics have a negative impact on the environment due to the use of non-renewable resources, waste production, and environmental contamination. Repairing your current electronics lessens the environmental strain of manufacturing new ones. Considering the repairability of a device before you purchase it is another way of ensuring its longevity. The iFixit website provides a repairability rating out of 10 for a variety of mobile phones, tablets and laptops.

Keep in mind that safety precautions must be taken when working with electronics. Make sure you’re carefully following the instructions provided. Depending on the type of repair you’re conducting, safety goggles, gloves, and specific working conditions may be required. Keep small parts away from young children. The website allows you to assess the difficulty of the repair before beginning. However, you might just surprise yourself by extending the lifespan of your device while gaining some confidence in your fix-it capabilities!

iFixit.com