Jul 13th, 2008
Do It Yourself Keeps Money in my Pocket This Week
Here’s what I did myself to save a few bucks this week:
Repaired the damaged derailleur hanger on my Cannondale.
Changed the chain on the same bike.
Fixed a flat on (you guessed it) the same bike.
Unclogged my mom’s shower.
Changed my truck’s battery.
Tools needed for all of those jobs: Allen wrench set, chain tool, tire irons, Drain King (which has never failed me!) and an adjustable wrench. I had all of these already; if I didn’t, I think I could have gotten them all for under $30 pretty easily.
Time needed for all of those jobs: less than three hours, not counting the time waiting for the hanger to come in the mail or for the guy at Sears to finish with the two customers in front of me while I carried in my battery.
Dollars not spent on a bike mechanic, plumber, or auto mechanic: I would guess about $100.
Grief saved by not spending dollars I don’t want to and time saved not waiting around for a bike mechanic/plumber/auto mechanic: priceless.
(No, I didn’t pay with MasterCard).
