This month’s themes: Right to Repair hits a national stage and trailblazing repair entrepreneurs earn some local interest headlines.
Another month, another repair rundown. April treated us to some strides in Right to Repair awareness nationwide, and a true wealth of feel-good repair closeups, showcasing folks around the country building creative livelihoods in repair.
Here are some of the month’s stories we found shareworthy:
Right-To-Repair Would Let You Fix Your Own Devices (Science Friday): Hosts and guests discuss right to repair, what consumers can gain from such legislation, and the legitimacy of “security concerns” that manufacturers cite to block it.
It’s Your iPhone. Why Can’t You Fix It Yourself? (New York Times): A nationally syndicated editorial comes down on the side in favor of Right to Repair legislation, breaking down the tenets of the issue for those who still aren’t quiiiite sure what’s at stake, and claiming that “an open marketplace for repairs benefits consumers, independent retailers and the environment.”
Sole patch: Need a shoe repair? Weddington is the man to see (Salisbury Post): Loved the detail in this story out of NC about one person’s journey through teaching himself repair.
Keeping gaming machines running: Local man grows unique repair business (The Daily Republic): In South Dakota, one man with an affinity for electronic tinkering saw a niche opportunity, and found a living.
Omaha Public Library: New online resource AutoMate can help with DIY auto repair (Omaha World Herald): While this comprehensive auto repair resource (content comes from the Original Equipment Manufacturers and includes step-by-step repair information, diagrams, maintenance schedules, parts and labor estimates, service bulletins and recalls) is limited to folks with an Omaha Public Library card, it can serve as an inspiring example for empowering people everywhere through access to repair knowledge.
A Cell Phone Carrier Breaks With Big Telecom, Announces Support for Right to Repair Legislation (Motherboard): Heartening to hear someone speak not only speak up for repair on behalf of a cell-phone carrier, but also actively resist the artificial “two-year lifecycle” for smartphones that is imposed and incentivized by phone upgrades.
With Blowtorches And Spare Parts, Massachusetts Man Fills Tesla’s Repair Void (WBUR): An electric car whiz and the “Dr. Frankenstein of Teslas” is stepping up to the plate of EV repair – and bringing his friends with him.
Independent Repair Shops Aren’t As Risky As People Think (IFixIt.org): A granular look at the skills and qualifications that bolster most independent electronics repair shops – despite what device manufacturers might claim.
And to complete the list, here’s our own recent stories:
ReBuilding Center Q&A: Sam Serling-Sutton: We caught up with the RBC’s Lead Instructor Sam to learn more about their workshop vibe and ethos, what DIY repairers can gain from the RBC, and why their classes are truly for everyone.
Mending and Memory: PRF’s Sara Quinn shared a moving photo essay about how fixing weaves its way into our stories and our lives.