Ever found yourself staring at a broken appliance, wondering if you could fix it yourself instead of calling a repairman? Or perhaps you’ve always wanted to pick up a new hobby but didn’t know where to start. Well, welcome to the world of YouTube, where you can learn to fix almost anything, master any new hobby, and improve your skills with just a few clicks.
The bottom drawer in my refrigerator recently became stuck. I could not for the life of me get it to open. Even when I tried lifting it, lowering it, wiggling it, nothing worked. It seemed to be permanently stuck on the plastic railing. I was so frustrated; I was ready to take a hammer to it. But then I thought, before I destroy my refrigerator, I’ll google it.
And in the world of “there is a YouTube video to fix just about anything you have that could possibly not be working”, up popped a YouTube video. Beyond belief, it was a very specific fix for a Kenmore Elite doubledoor refrigerator bottom drawer that would not open.
Thus began my journey into the world of YouTube fixes.
The Power of a Quick YouTube Search
Did you know 300 hours of video are uploaded to YouTube every minute?!! While there is a lot of useless stuff, YouTube IS a treasure trove of instructional videos that can guide you through nearly any task, from fixing a leaky faucet to learning how to crochet. The benefits are immense: you can learn at your own pace, replay videos as many times as needed, and find a community of like-minded individuals sharing their tips and experiences. Plus, it’s free!
Fixing Stuff Yourself
First and foremost, doing it yourself (DIY)can save you money but it also improves your skills and, naturally, gives you bragging rights. Handymen (or women) are hard to find for those little jobs and it does give you a great sense of accomplishment to do it yourself.
Your first step is to google whatever it is you need to fix and see what comes up. I’ve used YouTube videos to change the battery on my fob (not really very straight forward Honda), fix a drippy faucet, I even repaired a hole in the wall. I start with a very specific request. Make, model of the appliance in addition to a description of the problem. The more detailed you are the better chance the video that pops up will be just what you are looking for.
You can also check out some stellar YouTube channels that can turn you into a DIY expert:
Dad, How Do I?
This channel is perfect for those looking to tackle common household repairs. Rob Kenney, the creator, offers straightforward, easy-to-follow tutorials on everything from unclogging a sink to fixing a running toilet. His friendly, dad-like advice makes even the most daunting tasks seem manageable. Plus you get a sprinkle of Dad jokes with every repair!
Fix It Now
For more specific appliance repair guides, Fix It Now is a fantastic resource. The channel offers detailed tutorials on fixing washing machines, dishwashers, car stuff and more. The step-by-step videos ensure you don’t miss a beat, and you’ll learn a lot about how appliances work along the way.
See Jane Drill
Leah, the host of See Jane Drill, is a seasoned pro in all things DIY. Her channel covers a wide range of repair and renovation projects, making it ideal for anyone looking to take on larger tasks like drywall repair or basic carpentry. Leah’s clear instructions and reassuring manner make complex projects feel doable.
Learning New Hobbies on YouTube
Besides showing you how to fix just about anything, YouTube is filled with videos to help any beginner learn a new hobby. It’s like taking a class but in the comfort of your home. Picking up a new hobby is a fantastic way to stay active and keep your brain engaged. Here are some great YouTube channels to help you get started:
Crocheting: Bella Coco
Bella Coco offers a wealth of beginner-friendly crochet tutorials. Sarah-Jayne, the host, guides you through the basics with clear, easy-to-follow instructions. Crocheting is a relaxing hobby that can be done anywhere and is perfect for creating handmade gifts. Many communities have crochet clubs or knitting groups where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and share tips.
Playing American Mahjong: Michele Frizzell #MahJLife
Michele Frizzell is an excellent resource for learning the classic game of American Mahjong. Her channel breaks down the rules, strategies, and fundamentals of the game, making it accessible for beginners. The channel takes you from beginner to expert with educational and entertaining videos. The #MahJLife facebook page provides you with a community of players to ask questions and further your skill set.
Drawing: Art for Kids Hub
Don’t let the name fool you—Art for Kids Hub is perfect for beginners of all ages. Rob, the host, offers step-by-step drawing tutorials that are easy to follow and fun. Drawing is a wonderful way to express creativity and improve fine motor skills. Many communities offer art classes or sketching meetups where you can connect with other artists.
Scrapbooking: Scrapbook.com
Do you have boxes of mementos or family photos you’d like to organize? Scrapbooking is a delightful way to preserve and share memories, combining photography, journaling, and crafting into one creative outlet. This channel offers a wealth of tutorials on various scrapbooking techniques, from beginner basics to advanced layouts. It’s a go-to resource for anyone looking to preserve memories creatively through scrapbooks.
Improving Skills with YouTube
Beyond fixing things and learning new hobbies, YouTube can also help you improve various skills. Here are three areas retirees can enhance with the help of YouTube:
Cooking
Channels like Bon Appétit, Epicurious, and Tasty offer countless recipes and cooking techniques that can elevate your culinary skills. Learning new recipes and cooking methods can make meal times more exciting and healthier. There are also YouTube videos that focus on specific cuisine. Always wanted to make sushi at home, there’s a video to teach you. Trying to become plant-based? Check out Forks over Knives.
Technology
Staying tech-savvy is increasingly important, and channels like Tech Life Unity provide tutorials on everything from using smartphones to navigating social media. Keeping up with technology can help you stay connected with family and friends and make daily tasks easier.
Fitness
Staying active is crucial for health, and YouTube channels like Yoga with Adriene and Fitness Blender offer a variety of workouts tailored to different fitness levels. Regular exercise can improve mobility, strength, and overall well-being. Tai Chi is another excellent fitness activity for retirees.
Languages
If travel is on your retirement bucket list, leaning a new language, or at least a few words in several languages, should also be on your bucket list. Learning a new language is a stimulating and rewarding way to keep your mind active, improve cognitive function, and prepare for travel.
Pod101 has just about every language you could possibly want to learn. Language of the Earth offers fewer languages and focuses on teaching practical phrases for beginners. The YouTube channel Easy Languages offers practical, real-world language learning at a more advanced level by showcasing street interviews with native speakers. It covers a wide range of languages, including Spanish, French, German, and more, providing subtitles to help with understanding and pronunciation. Google a language and you are sure to find a YouTube video to help you learn that language!
When It is All Said and Done
YouTube is a fantastic resource for retirees and offers endless possibilities for learning and personal growth, all from the comfort of your home. So, the next time you’re faced with a tricky repair, interested in a new hobby, or wanting to enhance a skill, head over to YouTube and let the learning begin. Happy watching and happy learning!
