Spadea fixed something in his house without supervision … really

Over the weekend, I did something that most would say was way out of my comfort zone. I fixed something. Something mechanical. Really. Without supervision.

The spring snapped on one of our garage door openers, leaving the door inoperable. Instead of my usual call-a-guy-and-get-it-fixed, I decided I could fix it on my own. So I spent some time studying the other door springs and followed how the wires and springs were connected and gave it a shot. A Friday order on Amazon and a Saturday Prime delivery I was ready to go with a new spring.

It took me more than an hour and left me sweaty and cut up as the metal wires connecting the contraption were frayed, but I got the job done. I can say that there is very little that is more satisfying that fixing something and watching it work. I saved a couple hundred bucks and now know what I need for Christmas. A ratchet set.

Working with old school tools makes the job a lot harder, I’m sure. Turns out you can get one on Amazon for less than $25. Thanks to many of our callers Monday morning, I’ve got some leads and will let you know!

The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Bill Spadea. Any opinions expressed are Bill's own. Bill Spadea is on the air weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m., talkin’ Jersey, taking your calls at 1-800-283-1015.