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There will come a point when you lack the resources to fix something broken and have to rely on creativity. And with a bit of quick thinking, you’ll be able to come up with something, 

These photos from r/thereifixedit show people making easy fixes with what they have at their disposal. Some are clever and even plausibly functional, while others are just downright silly. 

Scroll through them and have a few chuckles and giggles.

#2

"Broken Button. Squeeze The Chicken To Request Stop."

"Broken Button. Squeeze The Chicken To Request Stop."

zlapper Report

The page has 81,000 members with a profile that reads, "MacGyver would be proud." It's a nod to the classic 1985 television series (rebooted in 2016) about Angus MacGyver, a man described as a "non-violent problem solver" who uses his keen handiness skills to get out of a jam. He could defuse bombs using paper clips and break zip ties using live wires.

#4

I Tried To Paint A Little Cardinal On This Snowy Fence But It Got Smeared. Thankfully I Was Able To Fix It

I Tried To Paint A Little Cardinal On This Snowy Fence But It Got Smeared. Thankfully I Was Able To Fix It

Subtox Report

#5

In Order To Open The Oven We Mounted The Drawer Handles In This Way. It's Perfect!

In Order To Open The Oven We Mounted The Drawer Handles In This Way. It's Perfect!

yudoit Report

You don't need to be at MacGyver level, but knowing how to properly fix something would be beneficial. For builder, author, and humanitarian Ian Anderson, begin with the small things around the house. 

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"Listen to your stuff, notice how things sound when they are working okay," Anderson told Apartment Therapy. "Touch things to notice how they feel. Sniff things; odd smells often mean something has changed, maybe a leak or something overheating.

#7

I Like To Consider Myself A Handyman. Gotta Do What You Gotta Do To Pass University Dorm Inspections

I Like To Consider Myself A Handyman. Gotta Do What You Gotta Do To Pass University Dorm Inspections

9D6Official Report

#8

My Local Dunkin Donuts Drive Through Speaker Broke. They’re Using A Baby Monitor Now

My Local Dunkin Donuts Drive Through Speaker Broke. They’re Using A Baby Monitor Now

Limit760 Report

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#10

We Have The Technology. We Can Rebuild Him

We Have The Technology. We Can Rebuild Him

yukichigai Report

#12

A Bird Started A Nest On Top Of The Air Conditioner

A Bird Started A Nest On Top Of The Air Conditioner

pazdispencer Report

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Practice brings precision, a concept that likewise applies to being handy. Anderson urges doing trial runs on easily disposable scrap material. 

"Grab an 8-feet length of two by four and mark the first three feet up with some square lines and saw it into slices like a bread loaf. Three feet later, you'll be cutting as square as a pro."

#15

My Sis In Law Just Posted This. She Told My Brother, “Use Those DIY Books And Fix The Chair!” Done

My Sis In Law Just Posted This. She Told My Brother, “Use Those DIY Books And Fix The Chair!” Done

jtmonkey Report

#16

My Dad's Solution To Keep The Dishwasher Door From Opening Mid Cycle 😂

My Dad's Solution To Keep The Dishwasher Door From Opening Mid Cycle 😂

gantzypants Report

#17

Someone Stole My Large Chainring And Bolts, So I Used An Acorn To Make It The Two Miles To The Train Station

Someone Stole My Large Chainring And Bolts, So I Used An Acorn To Make It The Two Miles To The Train Station

webbphillips Report

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Surenu
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Biking is good for nature, so I guess this is nature giving a little thanks?

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#19

Hubby Was Mad When I Dented My Car So I Fixed It. I Swear The Cement Pillar I Parked Next To Came Out Of Nowhere

Hubby Was Mad When I Dented My Car So I Fixed It. I Swear The Cement Pillar I Parked Next To Came Out Of Nowhere

PyarisVIP Report

#20

Jury-Rigged Mixer

Jury-Rigged Mixer

thereifixedit Report

Still on the topic of practicing, Anderson advises starting with simple must-know tasks like changing lightbulbs and tightening loose screws. 

"Even just keeping things clean will teach you something because it means you have to get up close and can spot something new early."

#22

Somebody At The Gym Threw A Medicine Ball Into The Drywall. They Fixed It By Putting A Vent Grate Over It

Somebody At The Gym Threw A Medicine Ball Into The Drywall. They Fixed It By Putting A Vent Grate Over It

oui-zzer Report

#24

You Can Fix Anything With Duct Tape

You Can Fix Anything With Duct Tape

thereifixedit Report

#25

Put The Signs On The Fuel Pumps, Boss!

Put The Signs On The Fuel Pumps, Boss!

tyw7 Report

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#26

Locked The Gate; No One Can Get Into The Field Now

Locked The Gate; No One Can Get Into The Field Now

Eli-T Report

#27

A For Effort

A For Effort

reddit.com Report

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Sky Render
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A friend of mine runs a game store and her SO does custom art for the cartridges that come in with missing or damaged labels that looks a lot like this. My favorite was her cover art for Super Mario World: a horribly deformed Yoshi being jumped off of by a horribly deformed Mario, and next to them was written "I fear this creature".

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Fixing something and restoring its functionality can be satisfying. Likewise, you can save money on supposed repairs. As Anderson reminds us, "As a handy person, you'll save valuable resources by keeping your stuff in good repair."

#28

Hose Clamps To Keep My Office Chair From Involuntarily Descending

Hose Clamps To Keep My Office Chair From Involuntarily Descending

frankenbacon1 Report

#29

Found At The Beachside Resort, Where I’m Staying. The Umbrella Was Wobbly, So They Stuck A Butter Knife In It

Found At The Beachside Resort, Where I’m Staying. The Umbrella Was Wobbly, So They Stuck A Butter Knife In It

adultinglikewhoa Report

#30

There, You Can Open The Door Again

There, You Can Open The Door Again

Jeffvanc Report

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2WheelTravlr
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love this. Absolutely thinking outside the box and creating a darned good temporary fix.

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#31

A Duck Tape Masterpiece

A Duck Tape Masterpiece

angelarose210 Report

#32

Boot Glue Didn't Hold, So I'm Making It Through The Day This Way

Boot Glue Didn't Hold, So I'm Making It Through The Day This Way

suspicious_cabbage Report

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Tabitha
Community Member
5 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hey, I have stapled and taped many a skirt, dress, and pant leg hem, and safety pinned many a partially broken zipper (on the inside so it wasn’t blatantly obvious), just to get through the day before I could go home and properly repair it. Sometimes you just have to do what you have to do to get by until you’re able to get it fixed the right way.

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If you're struggling with a chore because of your lack of skills, Anderson has one important reminder: there's nothing wrong with asking for help. This is especially true for chores involving potentially dangerous tasks like electrical work. 

#33

Washing Machine Lid Fixed

Washing Machine Lid Fixed

eletric-chariot Report

#34

Can't Afford To Lose Another Remote... :|

Can't Afford To Lose Another Remote... :|

IFixedItBro Report

#36

My Bowling Ally Got New Tvs, But Instead Of Getting New Mounts, They Just Screwed Them On To The Old Tvs

My Bowling Ally Got New Tvs, But Instead Of Getting New Mounts, They Just Screwed Them On To The Old Tvs

demonic_pug Report

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Hippopotamuses
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is probably not as silly as it seems. It saves labour and new mountings. It looks pretty tidy too.

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#37

Dog Ate My “S” Key So I Converted A Key I Rarely Use And Promoted It

Dog Ate My “S” Key So I Converted A Key I Rarely Use And Promoted It

-SickDuck Report

Becoming more handy is impossible without the proper tools. Home Depot Vice President David Passifume spoke to Yahoo and gave a list of essentials. 

"This includes a tape measure, a hammer with a comfortable grip, both a Philips head and flat head screwdriver, a pair of pliers, a cordless drill, a level, a stud finder, a handheld sander, and a few adjustable wrenches in different sizes to manipulate nuts and bolts."

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#38

So The Front Won’t Fall Off

So The Front Won’t Fall Off

reddit.com Report

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Agfox
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For those who don't know it's speed tape, an aluminium pressure-sensitive tape used to perform minor/temporary repairs on aircraft & high-speed vehicles

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#39

It's Water That Falls Down From Up High Let's Not Split Hairs Here

It's Water That Falls Down From Up High Let's Not Split Hairs Here

lineworksboston Report

#40

I Guess That Will Do

I Guess That Will Do

thereifixedit Report

#44

My Kid Lost The Head To One Of Her Dolls

My Kid Lost The Head To One Of Her Dolls

Apex73 Report

Painting is another satisfying DIY activity for the home, and for expert Christina Blake, it is also an excellent place to start. 

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"Adding a fresh coat to an old piece also gives you the opportunity to experiment with different colors and finishes, before taking on bigger paint projects in the future."

#45

Structural Spaghetti Cans

Structural Spaghetti Cans

malytwotails Report

#46

Fixed!

Fixed!

Infinitypixie Report

#47

Toaster Oven Broke

Toaster Oven Broke

Praise-Bojangles Report

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Shelli Aderman
Community Member
5 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If only there was something LIKE a toaster oven available… 🤔 (THE ACTUAL OVEN)

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#48

Interesting Fix. (My Pic)

Interesting Fix. (My Pic)

MJP02nj Report

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2WheelTravlr
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Clear shipping tape, applied inside and out, would hold this together until you could get it replaced. This isn't a fix, more like a bandaid on a broken bone.

Tabitha
Community Member
5 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A bandaid meant not as a permanent fix, but only to get it to the “hospital”, where it can be properly fixed, with a minimum of further damage, by bona fide professionals who know what they’re doing..

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G A
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Clearly not covering all the damage so any pressure on the uncovered parts would just cause it to cave immediately.

S. E. in Indiana
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If it protects the screen on your phone, it should be good for the windshield.

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#49

Not Mine, Not Sure If It’s Been On Here Before

Not Mine, Not Sure If It’s Been On Here Before

Bqnnie Report

#50

Got A New Headlight

Got A New Headlight

reddit.com Report

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LALALand
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It'll be about 10 minutes before it gets bright enough for anyone to see.

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#52

Lexus Hatchback... I Mean Latchback

Lexus Hatchback... I Mean Latchback

OldManGrizzle Report

#53

Defrosters Quit. Fixed It

Defrosters Quit. Fixed It

snomsnomsnom Report

#54

Well, I Think It's Ok

Well, I Think It's Ok

Mteushr Report

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2WheelTravlr
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, the actual hardware for this is called a muffler hanger, so I guess this is technically correct.

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#55

Working Computer

Working Computer

reddit.com Report

#59

True Story: So... I Tried To Open The Door To See How The Installation Was Going. Tried

True Story: So... I Tried To Open The Door To See How The Installation Was Going. Tried

ilikeover9000turtles Report

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#60

Honestly…it’s Supposed To Be A Horse 😂

Honestly…it’s Supposed To Be A Horse 😂

ahecht Report

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Fat Harry (Oi / You)
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A pegasus crossing is the name given to a type of horse rider friendly light-controlled crossing in the UK. The button is at a suitable height for someone on horseback to press, and instead of a little green person, it's a little green person on a horse that tells you when to go. Our crossing are all named after creatures of some sort (Pegasus (OK, that one's mythical), toucan, puffin, pelican, zebra)

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#61

Didn't Notice Till I Gave It A Tug

Didn't Notice Till I Gave It A Tug

ThePrideOfKrakow Report

#62

Found This At Work Today

Found This At Work Today

mal_licious Report

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#64

Uh…this Is Not What I Meant When I Said Window Seat

Uh…this Is Not What I Meant When I Said Window Seat

thereifixedit Report

#65

Hinge On The TV Mount Not Holding Up? Do A Dollop Of Daisy

Hinge On The TV Mount Not Holding Up? Do A Dollop Of Daisy

MyNameIsNotSally Report

#66

My Kids Broke Off The Microwave Door Handle, But I Fixed It

My Kids Broke Off The Microwave Door Handle, But I Fixed It

Gtapex Report

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Funhog
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Best to not leave these suction cups on the glass door for too long because they'll end up shattering the glass.

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#67

I Guess The Dryer Relay Went Bad, It Runs When Pushing Start, It Doesn’t Stay Running. I Fixed It, Just Didn’t Repair It Yet

I Guess The Dryer Relay Went Bad, It Runs When Pushing Start, It Doesn’t Stay Running. I Fixed It, Just Didn’t Repair It Yet

prybarwindow Report

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#69

Ticket Closed

Ticket Closed

juggernauthk108 Report

#70

They Just Remodeled Our Local Subway To Align With Their Current Corporate Branding And I Gotta Say They Really Knocked This One Out Of The Park

They Just Remodeled Our Local Subway To Align With Their Current Corporate Branding And I Gotta Say They Really Knocked This One Out Of The Park

PrettyCoolBear Report

#71

A Gem That's Been Driving Around Town Lately

A Gem That's Been Driving Around Town Lately

IfIWntdHmmrCalnUrSis Report

#72

Dad's Friend Came Across This. Seems Legit

Dad's Friend Came Across This. Seems Legit

wearing_moist_socks Report

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Major Harris
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

looks like the beginning of a horror film. "should we stop and see what's going on?"

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#73

Me Fixing My Headphones

Me Fixing My Headphones

selfhateatitsfinest Report

#74

Someone Complained The Sink Leaked

Someone Complained The Sink Leaked

Eli-T Report

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#76

Improvise. Adapt. Overcome

Improvise. Adapt. Overcome

thereifixedit Report

#78

Drawer Knob Broken So I Fixed It

Drawer Knob Broken So I Fixed It

no_name65 Report

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arthbach
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This can be made to look a lot cooler. File off the burrs on the soda bottle cap. Then fill it with hot glue. Add the bolt to the glue, and let the glue set. Then fix the new handle onto the drawer.

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#79

Ready For The Next 100 Miles

Ready For The Next 100 Miles

mathildeart32 Report

#80

Needed A Pie Server, Didn't Have One, Had Plastic Utensils And Duct Tape . .

Needed A Pie Server, Didn't Have One, Had Plastic Utensils And Duct Tape . .

MrUniverse1990 Report

#82

This Honestly Works Better Than The Old Knob

This Honestly Works Better Than The Old Knob

SkinnyShroomOfDeath Report

#83

We Got New Pcs At Work, This One Didn’t Fit So Someone Fixed It 🙄

We Got New Pcs At Work, This One Didn’t Fit So Someone Fixed It 🙄

shoe_scuff Report

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#84

Just Arrived In Houston To Visit The Boyfriend’s Dad For The First Time In 11 Months. I Think He Was A Little Confused As To Why I Was So Excited! 😄

Just Arrived In Houston To Visit The Boyfriend’s Dad For The First Time In 11 Months. I Think He Was A Little Confused As To Why I Was So Excited! 😄

TNmelissaTX Report

#85

Soap Bottle Keeps Falling Into The Sink

Soap Bottle Keeps Falling Into The Sink

nocturnal_goatsucker Report

#86

Saw This One On Facebook

Saw This One On Facebook

12percentPolyamide Report

#87

Roof Leak, Schmoof Leak

Roof Leak, Schmoof Leak

rastroboy Report

#90

When The Only Tool In Your Toolbox Is “Duck” Tape

When The Only Tool In Your Toolbox Is “Duck” Tape

Engineer443 Report

#91

Couldn't Find My Boxcutter But Could Find A Blade And Lots Of Blu-Tack

Couldn't Find My Boxcutter But Could Find A Blade And Lots Of Blu-Tack

Parabellum1262 Report

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#92

I’ve Got This

I’ve Got This

100pcttruth Report

#94

Door Lock: Check! Light Switch: Also Check! My Job Is Done Here!

Door Lock: Check! Light Switch: Also Check! My Job Is Done Here!

LifeIzBeautiful Report

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#95

Solid Paving Job, Nobody Will Notice

Solid Paving Job, Nobody Will Notice

HighVoltageLowEnergy Report

#96

Who Says Ergo Chairs Have To Be Expensive?

Who Says Ergo Chairs Have To Be Expensive?

Clock_Man Report

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Upstaged75
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would have gone with pool noodles personally. That seems more comfortable.

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#99

Don't Worry Those Elevator Buttons Are Fully Protected From Covid-19

Don't Worry Those Elevator Buttons Are Fully Protected From Covid-19

MistaED Report

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Fellfromthemoon
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually, the plastic sheet can easily be wiped with disinfectant. Something the electrics are not supposed to withstand.

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#100

I Found This Marvelous Cooling System Of 0.5 Cents

I Found This Marvelous Cooling System Of 0.5 Cents

kvatikoss Report

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Bill Swallow
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I repeat, As a former Help Desk tech, all I can say is ... *whimper*

#101

Asked Maintenance To Fix The Hole In My Water Heater Closet

Asked Maintenance To Fix The Hole In My Water Heater Closet

Schincredible Report

#102

Christmas Lights Won’t Go Out This Year!

Christmas Lights Won’t Go Out This Year!

baddayforsanity Report

#103

The Battery Of My Calculator Fell Out So I Had To Improvise With The Solar Panel On It

The Battery Of My Calculator Fell Out So I Had To Improvise With The Solar Panel On It

too_lazy_fo_username Report

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TheDarkestRaven
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I live in Florida so I just yeet mine outside every now and then to recharge it

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#105

This Column At Walgreens Is Being Kept Up With Caution Tape

This Column At Walgreens Is Being Kept Up With Caution Tape

shiranami555 Report

#107

That Will Keep The Burglers Away

That Will Keep The Burglers Away

thereifixedit Report

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kelsischloe1986
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Im just guessing here, but i think this is more about keeping the door from swinging open while in motion. Less about keeping someone from breaking in. Maybe?

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#109

Why Pay Someone To Fix Your Bumper When There's A Perfectly Good Aux Cord In The Car

Why Pay Someone To Fix Your Bumper When There's A Perfectly Good Aux Cord In The Car

TeamRoscoe Report

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Kira Okah
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe they are en route to a body shop? Or they were hit away from home and need to bring the vehicle home before they can get an appointment?

#111

Wife Accidentally Backed Into The Foundation Of The Apartment Complex Last Week. Noticed She Made Repairs

Wife Accidentally Backed Into The Foundation Of The Apartment Complex Last Week. Noticed She Made Repairs

trapjaw73 Report

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#113

Take That, Stupid Apple Lightning-To-Headphones Adapter. You Won't Fray Or Break This Time. (Amazon Product #b073qmgrqy Times 1 + Electrical Tape)

Take That, Stupid Apple Lightning-To-Headphones Adapter. You Won't Fray Or Break This Time. (Amazon Product #b073qmgrqy Times 1 + Electrical Tape)

reddit.com Report

#114

I Cracked My Induction Cooker. I’m Sure This Packing Tape Will Hold Nicely

I Cracked My Induction Cooker. I’m Sure This Packing Tape Will Hold Nicely

MijnEchteUsername Report

#115

Rat Hole = Fixed

Rat Hole = Fixed

ApricotBig9502 Report

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kelsischloe1986
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

RATS! From the looks of it, it has been repaired many times and the rats keep chewing through it.

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#116

My Friend Couldn't Find The Power Cable, Nothing Is A Problem Of You Have Enough Isolating Tape And Audacity

My Friend Couldn't Find The Power Cable, Nothing Is A Problem Of You Have Enough Isolating Tape And Audacity

DGagno Report

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