New Fix-It-Yourself Manual by Reader's Digest (1996, Hardcover)

This is an excellent book! I used the older edition for years and it was one of the greatest repair resources I ever had. This one is even greater because it deals with many more items and has up to date specs and techniques! Great book...highly recommended for any do-it-yourselfer!!!

The original Reader's Digest Fix-It-Yourself manual is a great book to have around the house, even though it was written back in the late 1970s. Many of the concepts it discusses are still relevant today, although some of the things discussed have changed.

In 1996, a new edition of the Fix-It-Yourself book was published. This new book is about the same size as the original, but it adds many more illustrations, is printed in full color and discusses many of the things found in a household today that weren't yet popular when the first book was published. The improved illustrations and added topics make this book a worthwhile purchase even if you own the previous edition.

I'd been curious about the newer edition of the book since I received an advertisement for it back in 1996. That is why I decided to buy this book, so I could see how it compared to the original.

Curiously, some of the content from the original book that would still be relevant today--such as the information on basic car repair (both body work and mechanical repair) and diagnosis--is missing completely from the 1996 edition of this book. Also curious is the inclusion of information that the average homeowner may never need, not be able to utilize safely or not understand. For example, a quick guide to locating and replacing the horizontal output transistor in a TV is given. This guide, while interesting, doesn't really provide enough detail for the average person to replace a TV part.

Some of the information given in the book is misleading, perhaps in the interest of oversimplification. Vacuum tube based audio and video equipment is covered, but it is suggested that such equipment cannot be repaired as the parts simply do not exist to repair it. Even today that is not so, as many collectors and restorers demonstrate.

Generally, however, the information given in the 1996 edition of the Fix-It-Yourself manual is clear, accurate and well described in both text and illustration. My recommendation if you plan to buy this book is to also buy the older, late 1970s edition as well. Between the two of them, you will learn a lot about the things in your home, whether you elect to repair them or not. Even if you hire the repair work done by someone else, this book can tell you what to expect and give you some knowledge about what the repair entails, keeping you from being taken advantage of.

The book is what I wanted, I bought it on May 18th and received it June 5. Shipping was horendous, communication stunk. I felt like I had to remind the seller to ship it after a couple of weeks went by. I will not buy anything from this seller again and would not recommend this seller to anyone.

A friend of the family's wanted a fix-it manual to assist in fixing his items. The cost of the book was very fair and the condition was excellent. The book had no tears or markings. The seller was very accurate in his description and postage and handling was fair. I would buy from this seller again.

I borrowed my neighbor's book and some of the pages started coming out, so I was able to replace it with this brand new book.

the book was everything reported and there was not a problem with the transaction.

i don't see why I have to write 100 woods. Tell us about this product and share your opinion with others. This is your review of the product and not a review of any seller that might have sold you this product. If you need more information, see our writing guidelines.i don't see why I have to write 100 woods. i don't see why I have to write 100 woods. i don't see why I have to write 100 woods.

I have thhis book and purchased another for my daughter as she has just purchased her first home and was always calling about how to home repairs.
This book is a tremendous guide to many repairs. I have consulted this book many times over the years and I am sure she will do the same.

It tells you how to fix just about anything. After seeing the one that I bought for my son, I had to have one for myself.

Totally essential for anyone who likes to fix things themselves! Very easy to follow and understand! This is the only book of its kind! I love it!

I bought this book because I just moved into a new home. We had a toilet that sounded like it was draining even when it wasn't used. I got this book because it looked like it would help me solve the problem and it did. The book helped me troubleshoot the problem and found out it only cost me $5.00 to fix the problem. I thought I was going to have to call a plumber which would have been a lot more. I browsed through the whole book and I think it has a lot of good tips and is a must have for any homeowner. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

We purchased this book for our newly wed son. A practical 'how to' for the novice and DIYer in all of us.

Purchased as a gift. Item was in new condition although was "used". Very pleased with price as was one-third of the cost from the book store.

I have the 1977 version of this book and it still is very useful. I heard that there was a 1996 edition and thought it was time to update. The book gives great diagrams and instructions on how to fix almost everything in your house. It has saved me a lot of money because I'm not mechanically inclined, but with this book I can see what the problem is and decide to either do it or get an expert.