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Comment by js2 | Hacker News Reader

I've been able to keep my Fisher & Paykel dish drawers operating since 2004. Besides supplying parts, they also offer retrofits as they've made design improvements over the years. Ditto for a Fisher & Paykel double oven.

I'm recently annoyed by my Honda lawn mower which requires a complete transmission replacement ($220) due to a worn out key slot in the drive shaft. Annoying since the transmission itself is well built, but you can't buy just the drive shaft:

https://axleaddict.com/misc/Honda-Harmony-215-Transmission-P...

(I have an HRX217 but the transmission design is similar.)

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... that’s when you decide to buy a lathe, and now you have a whole new hobby.

A local machine shop could probably build up the steel in the worn keyway in the shaft with a welder and cut a new keyway for a good deal less than the new part cost.

Good idea. The lawnmower is of course built around the transmission, so removing it is a bit of a hassle.

What I'll probably do is replace the easily replaceable parts (key, spring, clamps, washers, gear), give it a good lubrication, and sell it (disclosing the worn part) and replace it with a battery-powered mower. I'm tired of dealing with gas machines. I'm under no illusion that a battery-powered mower will be as durable, but I'm just done with the noise and pollution of gas.

That’s a good plan. I’ve been using a battery mower for a couple years now and don’t miss gas at all. It’s nice having a mower that just works. I hardly mind mowing at all now.

Might not work for you but I enjoy using a push mower. I have an electric mower that I have to use if the grass gets too tall but the cord gets in the way.

My electric cuts 19" and the push mower is about the same, maybe a little wider. Cheap battery mowers are 16", maybe even 14". 22" ones are available for $450 on up. I'd consider buying one of those if the batteries would last for 5 years. My experience so far with cordless tools is not positive.

I have a Maytag washing machine & dryer from 1955 that still run and the only thing either ever needs is a new belt every 15 years or so.

I've seen the inside of modern washing machines and the difference between the two is stark.

Both machines are actually extremely simple, but the Maytag is incredibly overengineered. Every last component is quality.

Modern machines do everything in the PCB but every component had maximum cost squeezed out of it.

Small engine repair shops may have a used shaft - or look for the same/similar mower on Craigslist with a dead engine - how my friend repaired a rototiller.

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