Unfortunately, the basic quality of "durable" manufactured devices is often not of a nature today that warrants the economics of "fixing," especially when you have to replace a whole a component or assembly. I have found out that you need to examine each instance for its merits.
Sometimes the obscene cost of parts/labor or taking up your precious time are simply not effective. In addition, often "making do" or "doing without" are not justifiable, either. Through the years I've tried them all, and throwing away/replacing worn-down or worn-out stuff is usually the better approach.
Like-new second-hand replacements can be a good result, too.
This is partially true. I’ve noticed, for example, that the repair cost on the mini-split air conditioner I have in the garage is almost as much as a replacement unit.
Solution: I’m calling in a friend of a friend who does HVAC work to see if we can fix it ourselves.
The same holds true on things like push-mowers, weed-whackers, and even some home electronics. It’s just cheaper to replace altogether. Crazy, right? In the event that you can’t fix the item, the second-hand replacements you mentioned are the next best option.
Right now we need to choke off the “useless eaters” in society. The only way to do that is to choke off the gubbermint which gives them handouts. The only way to do that is to reduce your economic activity as much as possible so they have less to tax. The idea behind the post is to reduce your economic activity without resorting to the obvious, truly-Galt way of quitting your job.