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But you are right. I would guesstimate that 95% of the time when something breaks, your average Joe (or Jill) doesn’t have the time or inclination to fix it, even assuming they knew how..

It's funny. I have been repairing industrial equipment for almost thirty years. I fix everything. I fix things that others would throw away. It's really hard for me to understand NOT trying to fix something.

Before something is junked around here, I will make an assessment of repair/replace/do without.

I can also handle most basic plumbing, electrical, and some carpentry. A lot of my limitations come from a tools budget standpoint or something that takes two bodies. However, I do know what I can and can't get away with. In those can't situations, I know to call somebody.

My husband taught himself to do all that, All I have to say is that I am either calling a repairman or buying a new something and Voila! it is fixed almost immediately.

One of the last saves was our ancient dryer. We had purchased two of the same model over time from a repair shop that resold them cheap. He just cannibalized one to get the part for the other and it has now worked an extra 6 months. A screw froze and broke in the lawn tractor/mower. We went on line and for $12 with shipping, the part is on its way. I love it.

We both came from families that never repaired anything. It made a mess, or got oil on the driveway or just wasn't something they understood. My husband would have loved to have taken auto or wood shop, but was discouraged from doing that. But he understands how things work and reads the manuals. Even I have learned to at least figure out what is wrong with something, even if I usually can't do anything about it. But, then, I am spoiled.