Fixing Stuff (Various)

#1: Chamberlain Garage Door Opener Power Cuts Out But Why? Product: Chamberlain Garage Door Opener Series 7220 / 4200, 1/2HP Manufactured: 1997-2005       OK, this one's niche, but it cost me $13 and a few hours, and saved a $200 garage door opener, so I chalk it up as a success.   Symptom : When activated to open/close, the garage door opener (let's call it the "GDO") moves the door a foot or so, then shuts off as if it has no power, and remains unresponsive.  Unplugging / replugging the power cable has no consistent effect.  After a few minutes left plugged in, the GDO switches back on of its own accord.  Repeat. Precautions : It's a garage door, lots can go wrong.  Particularly check to see if the spring has failed or the door runners are questionable before you touch it.  Get a pro involved if there's any doubt, these systems have a lot of energy stored in them.  Oh, and unplug the GDO before you open it up. Analysis :...

Every time I bin something that used to work, it's admitting defeat. What are we doing here? Well, I like fixing stuff, and I hate throwing things away.  Sometimes the fixes are simple, and other times they're more involved.  My first step is always to search the Internet to see if other people have had the same problem, and fixed it.  If I find the fix that way, I'm grateful.  Quite often I can't find what I need, and end up having to work it out.  I thought I'd write up anything that I couldn't Google but ultimately fixed.  There won't be much continuity, but my hope is that one day, a single person might Google "fix XYZ" and find the answer here... and if it helps them, then SUCCESS.  (I know that Fixya exists, but... whatever.) Fixing more stuff = more planet left for our kids. DISCLAIMER: I'm not giving you advice, just relating what worked for me.  Please ensure that you know what you're doing before fixing stuff, take advice from mor...