How to Repair Plastic Parts on Appliances
Appliances have plenty of plastic parts that often crack, warp or just fall off and disappear. When you finally get tired of using a pair of pliers to set your clothes dryer, you realize it's time to replace that broken knob. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Find your appliance manual. If you cannot locate the manual, use online resources to search based on your manufacturer and model number.
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2
Find the part number for your part. Part numbers are the Social Security Number of the appliance industry. If you can't identify the part number from your manual, try looking online, or take a picture to a professional.
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Order the replacement part. Parts are available online and from your local appliance store. Be aware, some parts cannot be returned once you have attempted to install them.
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Disconnect the power supply to your appliance before working on it by unplugging it or turning off the circuit breaker.
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Install the part. Follow the instructions in your manual or the instructions that came with your universal part. If you have a universal part that needs to be cut to fit, measure your old part first. If you have lost the old part, cut a little at a time until the part fits correctly.
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Tips & Warnings
You will need to decide between original, generic or universal equipment. Original equipment is provided by the appliance manufacturer and exactly meets the specifications for that appliance. If modifications have been made to the appliance design, the manufacturer will incorporate those changes and improvements into the part design. Generic after-market parts are made by a variety of manufacturers and are supposed to meet the part's specifications. Actual results may vary. Universal parts include several interchangeable or modifiable pieces that can be assembled together to approximate the original part. For example, universal knobs include an extra-long stem that needs to be cut to fit your appliance. If the manufacturer no longer creates the part in question, your only choices may be generic or universal parts.
