Repair It Yourself
Have you ever wished you could fix that household or mechanical problem yourself? With the right tools and simple, thorough instructions, you can. The library can help you get started.
Below are materials to aid you in your projects involving your home, appliances, vehicle, boat, yard machinery, electronic equipment, and more.
Some of the materials mentioned here may be accessed through a home Internet connection to the library's website.
The library’s professional staff will be happy to assist you in finding information. Come to the library, call Reference Services at (330) 458-2754, or email the staff at Ask a Reference Librarian for further assistance.
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Repair It Yourself - Reference Sources
Below are some books on various types of repairs. These reference books may not be checked out, but photocopies may be made. The Reference Services staff can locate them for you. These sources have explanations and diagrams to guide you through your repair or maintenance tasks.
Chilton's ATV Handbook and All-Terrain Vehicle 1988-1992, vol. 2 Maintenance Manual are sources of information on maintenance and troubleshooting for all-terrain vehicles.
Chilton's Auto Repair Manual has volumes covering domestic and import cars, trucks, and vans. There are non-circulating volumes available in the library for most models manufactured in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. 1954-1963 cars are in one volume. Another volume is dedicated to1964-1971 models. The library has other Chilton's publications, but only for limited years. In the Adult Nonfiction stacks of the library there are circulating copies of some of the Chilton's manuals.
Diesel Fundamentals and Service, 3rd edition is an authority on Cummins, Caterpillar, Detroit Diesel, AMBAC, Stanadyne, and Robert Bosch products.
Haynes Publishing Group publishes automotive repair manuals in paperback editions for many domestic and import cars, trucks, and vans.
Index to How to Do It Information is an alphabetical subject index to periodical articles that have instructions, plans, and/or tips on how to construct or to solve and prevent problems. Articles from 1963-1989 are indexed in a two-volume set, while articles from 1990-1999 are in one volume. Each citation gives the name and date of the periodical and the page on which the article starts. Each citation has a brief summary of the article's content.
Marine repair and service manuals are available for some years and makes. A few of these books are:
Inboard/Outdrive Service Manual
Old Outboard Motor Service Manual Outboard Motor and Inboard/Outdrive: Wiring Diagrams, 1956-1989
Seloc's Marine Jet Drive, 1961-1996: Tune-Up and Repair Manual
Motor's Auto Repair Manual is a periodical in bound volumes; the library has coverage for the 1980s through 2006. General service procedures and specifications for domestic cars are outlined and diagrammed in these manuals.
Motorcycle owners may find these books helpful:
Chilton's Motorcycle Owner's Handbook
The Complete Guide to Motorcycle Mechanics, 2nd edition
Motorcycle Basics Techbook, 2nd edition
Motorcycle Electrical Manual
Motorcycle Fuel Systems Techbook
Motorcycle Maintenance Techbook
Vintage Collection Series Four-Stroke Motorcycles
Vintage Collection Series Two-Stroke Motorcycles
RV Repair and Maintenance Manual, 4th edition is a repair guide for motor homes, travel trailers, fifth-wheels, tent trailers, truck campers, and van conversions.
SAMS Technical Publishing Annual Index 2002 and SAMS Technical Publishing Annual Index Volume 2 Covering January 2002 through October 2005 have service documentation for electronic products: televisions, VCRs, auto radios, CB radios, hi-fi systems, and scanner-monitors. These items are shelved in the 620s area of the Main Library Reference Department; ask a librarian for the Index, which will list the correct item number for your electronic device service documents. Visit the SAMS Technical Publishing website at http://www.samswebsite.com for a listing of local distributors for SAMS materials.
Trucks are the subject of:
Motor Light Truck and Van Repair Manual, 1980-1987, 4th edition
Yard and garden machines are covered in:
Compact Tractor Service Manual, 2nd edition
Rotary Tiller Service Manual, 3rd edition
Snowthrower Service Manual
Yard and Garden Tractor Service Manual
Repair It Yourself - Circulating Books
Books that can be checked out of the library are often best for projects because you can keep them at your side as you work. Here are examples of simply written, authoritative books on common types of repairs, such as plumbing, large and small appliances, and furniture.
Circulating books may be reserved through the library's online catalog. All call numbers in this tutorial are for sources at the Main Library. Most circulating books may be checked out for two weeks.
All Thumbs Guide to Repairing Major Home Appliances is for the average homeowner setting out to do an unfamiliar job. The author explains how each appliance operates and then defines the likely causes for malfunctioning. Line drawings illustrate the steps in testing, installing, or replacing parts.
Basic Plumbing: Illustrated is edited by Sunset Books and Sunset Magazine. It starts with a section entitled Quick Answers to Plumbing Questions, and goes on to the Fix-It Handbook, Pipefitting Know-How, Plumbing Improvements, and Plumber's Language chapters.
Chilton's Guide to Large Appliance Repair and Maintenance starts with a section on necessary tools and terms, and the fundamentals of electricity. The following chapters describe electric motors, heating elements, and thermostats. Then the author explains how each large appliance is supposed to operate, advancing to maintenance and troubleshooting of the appliance.
Chilton's Guide to Small Appliance Repair and Maintenance introduces the proper tools, the fundamentals of electricity, and the basics of electric motors, before proceeding to heating elements and thermostats. Section two focuses on small appliances such as can openers and electric knives, irons, space heaters, and vacuum cleaners.
Clothes Dryer Repair from the Cheap and Easy series was written for people who are beginners at repairing appliances. The first two chapters discuss the operating system and some problems found in all brands. The remaining chapters are aimed at repair of early and late model name brand dryers. This series of books illustrates the parts and repairs with line drawings.
Complete Fix-It-Yourself Manual from Time-Life Books is a guide to maintaining and repairing most systems and appliances in the home. The Emergency Guide section outlines what to do if the dishwasher overflows, or there is a fire inside the microwave oven. Is sewage backing up into the house? Here's what to do. For less pressing difficulties, consult the chapters on faucets or electric water heaters. Each chapter has large line drawings showing the item to be repaired with the tool in position to fix it.
Dishwasher Repair from the Cheap and Easy series was written for people with a bit of mechanical aptitude who are beginners at repairing appliances. It tells how to fix the usual failures in leading brands of dishwashers. The book does not deal with commercial or industrial dishwashers. This series of books illustrates the parts and repairs with line drawings.
Everyday Home Repairs from the Black and Decker Home Improvement Library has color photos that illustrate repairs.
The Family Handyman Easy Repair has articles from The Family Handyman magazine. Repairs explained in this book include silencing squeaky floors, replacing electrical plugs, fixing leaky gutters, and caulking joints.
The Family Handyman Helpful Hints opens with a chapter on basic tools and equipment. Someone who has never used a drill can learn how to buy, use, and maintain a drill from this section. Another chapter details the procedure for building an all-purpose workbench. Learn to insulate the attic or strip the finish from an old dresser. The book has colorful illustrations.
Forced Hot Air Furnaces: Troubleshooting and Repair addresses gas, electric, and oil forced-air systems, heat pumps and humidifiers, and air cleaners. There are sections on controls and circuits. Though the book is for heating professionals, the author emphasizes his intent to make it understandable to the homeowner.
Furniture Repair and Restoration has over 100 projects and techniques. Learn to strip old finish, or repair chair caning. Color photos of antique furniture in its original condition are supplemented by closeups of the restorer with his tasks in progress.
Home Heating and Cooling has three divisions: Emergency Guide, Repairs, and Troubleshooting Guide. Closeup drawings are paired with concise directions for the handyman. The author provides instructions about oil and gas burners, electric furnaces, air conditioning, heat pumps, and baseboard heaters.
The Home Plumbing Handbook starts with basic plumbing terms and techniques. It continues with the correct tools for the job. Chapter Three encompasses how to measure and cut pipe. In the section on faucet repair, actual brand name faucets are used in the examples.
Home Plumbing Projects and Repairs is a part of the Black and Decker Home Improvement Library. The book contains advice from plumbers. It has detailed color photos. There is a section on plumbing materials. The reader will learn to repair and maintain toilets, drains, and water heaters, in addition to repairing noisy or frozen pipes.
How to Repair, Reupholster, and Refinish Furniture opens with a discussion of how to judge whether a piece of furniture is worth restoring. The author lists tools needed for repair. He emphasizes the importance of the proper adhesives and abrasives. Detailed explanations are provided for mending scratches in the finish of furniture. A chapter describes how to repair chairs. Later in the book the reader will discover how to reupholster an armchair. Final topics are stripping and varnishing wood.
Major Appliances, like Home Heating and Cooling, is divided into the sections Emergency Guide, Repairs, and Troubleshooting Guide. Besides electric and gas ranges, washers, and dryers, the text includes refrigerators and dishwashers, freezers, and garbage disposals. Every page has drawings, with directions.
Major Appliances: Operation, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Repair is a textbook. The reader may benefit from the photos and diagrams or the "exploded" drawings. There are many wiring diagrams that be may useful.
Outdoor Projects 1-2-3 is a book from Home Depot experts. Though the emphasis is on building and installing, there is content on repairs, such as fixing chain-link fencing, maintaining a deck, and repairing mortar joints.
Oven and Cooktop Repair from the Cheap and Easy series was written for amateurs. Chapters one and two outline the system basics and troubleshooting of electric and gas cooktops and ovens, self-cleaning ovens, convection ovens, meat probes, and rotisseries. Chapter Seven gives digital oven fault or error codes for major brands. This series of books illustrates the parts and repairs with line drawings.
Plumbing for Dummies is a light-hearted but informative source for those who are struggling with plumbing repairs or projects. The authors guide the would-be plumber through repairs and replacements of common household systems: pipes, faucets, toilets, and water heaters.
Refrigerator Repair from the Cheap and Easy series was written for amateurs. The author teaches how to fix vapor-compression home refrigerator and freezer units. Among the topics discussed are what to do when the compressor is running but the unit is not cold, when the compressor is not running and the refrigerator is not cold, and less typical difficulties such as mice in the unit. This series of books illustrates the parts and repairs with line drawings.
String Trimmer and Blower Service Manual, 2nd edition is one of the many service manuals available at the Main Library. The best-known brands of weed eaters and snow blowers are included.
Troubleshooting and Repairing Major Appliances Chapter five is about electricity as it affects the consumer. Part two of the book concentrates on selection, service, installation, and preventive maintenance of common household appliances such as garbage disposers and electric water heaters. Ranges and refrigerators, automatic dishwashers, washers, and dryers have their own chapters.
Washing Machine Repair from the Cheap and Easy series was written for people with a bit of mechanical aptitude who are beginners at repairing appliances. Chapter one tells how to determine the actual identity of your washing machine despite the various companies that may be involved in its manufacture and sale. Chapter two reviews problems common to all brands. The remainder of the book talks about "what typically goes wrong with these machines." This series of books illustrates the parts and repairs with line drawings.
Windows and Doors is part of the Build Like a Pro series. Though some of the chapters are about installation of doors and windows, there is a wealth of information on fixing door dilemmas: adjusting, sealing, and repairing. The portion on repairing windows in chapter eleven speaks to replacing sash ropes, and delves into re-glazing window sashes, as well as replacing double-hung sashes and tracks.
Repair It Yourself - Periodicals
When looking for instructions and color illustrations, a magazine, journal, or newsletter could be just as helpful as a book. You may find the best ideas and methods this way, especially if there is an online version of the publication you wish to consult. Online publications can be accessed through their websites (most require subscription to the site) or through a search of the library's databases. The periodicals listed here are representative of the library's noncirculating how-to sources. They must be used in the Main Library's Periodicals Division, but photocopies may be made. Websites are given with the understanding that Internet addresses change frequently.
The Family Handyman
Published monthly (except for combined issues for July/August and November/December), this magazine has a Question and Answer column. There are close-up color photos to enhance the articles, and the publication abounds in subjects such as drywall, painting, and electrical tasks. Website: http://www.familyhandyman.com
The Old-House Journal
Targeting renovators of old homes, the monthly publication has wonderful articles on home restoration. A regular feature is a directory of suppliers.
Website: http://www.oldhousejournal.com
This Old House
A resource for owners and restorers of vintage dwellings, this bimonthly journal has regular sections: Workshop, Ask This Old House, Skill Building, and Resource Directory. There are how-to videos on the website.
Website: http://www.thisoldhouse.com
Workbench
Here is a periodical with great close-up photographs and diagrams. Issued bimonthly with columns (Ask Workbench, Do-It-Yourself Tips, Fast Home Fixes, and Product Picks), Workbench furnishes a real benefit to amateurs.
Website: http://www.workbenchmagazine.com
Repair It Yourself - Databases
Selected databases may be searched from the library website's database page found at http://www.starklibrary.org/databases.htm. Some databases may be searched from your home via the Internet, using the barcode on the back of your library card to log in. Others may be accessed only from a computer within the library. In the Periodicals Division of the Main Library there are computer workstations available to access databases on repair and maintenance topics. Staff can assist you in setting up your search.
See below the descriptions and links for some databases with reliable information.
ALLDATA is the resource for automotive diagnostic and repair information. ALLDATA has electrical diagrams, maintenance schedules and tables, technical service bulletins, recalls, and parts-and-labor figures for estimating repair costs. AVAILABLE ONLY IN THE LIBRARY.
Repair It Yourself - Websites
Websites shown here may be reached through the Internet at home or in the library. Some websites may require a subscription to use all features.
When examining a site keep in mind that the site should be authored and sponsored by reputable names in the field. Asking yourself the following questions can be useful when trying to determine if a site should be trusted:
Who created it? Who runs it? Can the user contact anyone other than the webmaster of the site? Is the website selling or recommending certain companies or products? Is the site updated often? Who writes the material? Does the author cite and date the original sources? Who reviews the site's information?
BobVila.com has a "library" of home improvement topics. Watch videos of some home improvements taking place. http://www.bobvila.com
Do-It-Yourself.com bills itself as the leading independent website for home improvement and home repair. It was named one of the top 50 sites on the web by Time Magazine. Explore its "how to do it" sections. How to do home wiring is a typical topic. http://www.doityourself.com
Ehow.com has a good section on automobile do-it-yourself tasks. The site also tells you how to prepare plaster walls for painting, paint a door, or hang wallpaper. http://www.ehow.com