About MakeItLast

What this site is

MakeItLast is a collection of practical guides for extending the useful life of things you already own—electronics, vehicles, appliances, clothing, and even your own body and skills.

Every guide follows the same structure: an honest assessment of whether something is worth reviving, clear step-by-step instructions for bringing it back, and long-term maintenance advice to keep it going for years.

The site is completely free. There are no ads, no affiliate links, no sponsored content, and no pressure to buy anything. The only goal is to help you get more value from what you already have.

Why it exists

Modern life is designed around replacement. Manufacturers build obsolescence into products. Marketing creates dissatisfaction with what we own. The default path is to discard and upgrade.

This is expensive—for your wallet and for the planet. It's also unnecessary. Most things we throw away still work or can be made to work with a little knowledge and effort.

This site exists because there's another way: learning to maintain, repair, and extend what we already have. Not out of deprivation, but out of competence and intention.

How guides are made

Each guide is researched from multiple sources: manufacturer documentation, repair communities, professional technicians, and hands-on testing where possible.

We try to be honest about limitations. Not everything can be saved, and we'll tell you when something isn't worth the effort. We also include realistic cost estimates so you can make informed decisions.

If you spot an error or have additional expertise to share, please reach out. The best guides get better through community knowledge.

What this site is not

• Not anti-technology. New products can be wonderful. We just believe you should wear out what you have before replacing it.
• Not anti-consumption. Buy things that matter to you. Then learn to keep them.
• Not about deprivation. This is about getting more value, more enjoyment, and more capability from what you own.
• Not professional repair advice. We point you toward professionals when needed and tell you what's beyond DIY.