Editorial Review
The Time-Life Books Complete Fix-It-Yourself Manual will show you how to handle everything and anything that might go wrong in or around your home. From attic to basement, from kitchen to bathroom...if something is broken, leaking, worn out, cracked, warped, or stained, here is a complete system for maintaining, troubleshooting, and fixing it!
Illustrated with hundreds of diagrams, guides, and drawings, all fitted with clear, concise details, Time-Life Books Complete Fix-It-Yourself Manual lays everything out for you in logical, easy-to-follow order.
* Quick fixes for every emergency open the book and give you an immediate way to keep things under control.
* Superb exploded diagrams lift lids and covers, strip away the mystery, and show how things work. See what goes where, what it's called, and how it all fits together.
* Comprehensive troubleshooting guides help you pinpoint your problem -- and its solution -- at a glance. So even when you have to call in an expert, you'll be able to describe the problem accurately.
* Dependable step-by-step drawings lead you smoothly through each repair, showing you just what to do, in the correct order. So you're sure of perfect results the first time.
* Time and difficulty ratings that let you know exactly what you're getting into before you start.
* Safety precautions alerting you to possible hazards and showing you how to avoid them.
* Tips on tools and techniques: how to choose and use the right tool for the job.
* Sound advice on when it's best to throw out an appliance or call in the services of a pro.
From fixing a VCR to rewiring a lamp, from unclogging drains to replacing a wall outlet, Time-Life Books Complete Fix-It- Yourself Manual is the one and only source to turn to when you need clear, straightforward directions for your home-repair needs. An absolute must for every do-it-your-selfer!
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Customer Reviews
Useful volume 
2007-06-21
What can I say. I'm not a great handy man. However, this volume has helped me on a number of occasions. So, for those of you who are not great at fixing things up, this volume can be a useful resource.
Some examples.
1. A faucet wasn't working right. I took a look at the section on faucets and was able to take care of the problem.
2. On another occasion, I had some problems with a kitchen sink (quite a few years ago). There was a leak and I couldn't figure out what to do. I checked out the section on kitchen sinks and was able to diagnose and fix the problem.
3. And then there are those toilet problems. This book helped me install a new float assembly after helping me understand the problems with the previous hardware. Unbelievably, an inept "do-it-your-selfer" like me was able to fix things so that the toile worked again.
4. Sometimes, my vacuum cleaner has not worked so well. One time, the vacuum cleaner didn't seem to pick up junk on the floor. By going over the "troubleshooting guide," I figured out what any knucklehead should have known anyhow. But the bottom line: it worked!
5. Finally, there are a lot of basic informational items that can be useful. For instance, at page 418 and following, there is a discussion of "tools and techniques" which is pretty basic. But lots of us need "basic."
For those who want to know some basics but who are not interested in becoming experts in do-it-yourself work in the home, this is a useful volume.
You CAN fix it yourself 
2005-06-06
I was about to junk a 10-year old dryer that wouldn't heat, because the repairman warned me that his visit was going to cost a minimum of $169 for diagnosis, repair time, and parts. Using this book I got out my $15 Sears multi-tester and unscrewed the back panel of my dryer. (The book even shows you how to use testing tools). Within a minute I found the bad part. I looked up the part number, found one on Ebay for $8.99 plus shipping... It came two days later and I had it installed in 3 minutes. My husband thinks I should start a new career as an appliance repairwoman. If I did, I'd use this book.
worth every penny; wish it were updated 2002-12-13
This is an EXCELLENT book. Very concise and easy to understand. I really wish Time-Life would update it.
Best book I ever bought 2002-03-29
This is the best book a own. I use it for around the house fix ups and it is great it has saved me a lot of money in repair bills.
Every home should have one 1999-03-23
All my friends and neighbors want to borrow this book. You can fix literally anything within your home by yourself. There are certain situations where you are asked to call a professional, such as an electrician, plumber, HVAC person, etc - but those are only in dire circumstances.
This book walks you through all the scenarios, is easy to read, and every home should have one.
Now I point all my friends and neighbors to Amazon.com if they want to borrow my book. Ha ha ha!
