How to search

When we need repair documentation, we would prefer it to correspond directly to the make and model we are attempting to repair. Sometimes there are "families" of products, where we can settle for a similar product and learn from repair information for that product. But generally speaking, we search for information on the device before us.

Search for a make and model number on the body of your e-thing. These are sometimes actually surprisingly hard to come by, and you might have to start with a generic "image" search. From an image gallery, you might be able to identify your specific device.

Service manuals

In searching for repair information online, the "holy grail" is a manufacturer's own service manual. These often offer schematics, disassembly guides, and common repair advice, all in one place.

Some offer these, but other manufacturers deliberately try and limit our access to them. Using a search engine, we can sometimes locate leaked versions of service manuals. There is even a black market for these.

Generally speaking, service manuals easier to come by for older equipment that has a cult following, or a large hobbyist user-base.

Disassembly guides

If we cannot find a service manual, the next thing we are usually looking for is reliable information about how to disassemble a device, and therefore how it is put together and what it has inside. Disassembly videos abound on Youtube. The problem with these videos is that they are often very long, and often we are only looking for a couple of key moments in the video. In low-bandwidth or time-sensitive situations, they can be a nightmare.

So generally speaking, we would give priority to disassembly guides with still photos and explanatory text, in the style of iFixit. But other people offer them, like this firm that repairs hair straighteners.

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