Fortunately, I am also genetically 50% my father, which means I've been a do-it-yourselfer since conception. Hell, maybe I even played a role in my own conception... I'm not going to delve any further in to that.
So what does a cheap DIY-er do when her $20 pair of headphones (that I only paid $10 for, of course) decide to crap out?... Fix them, duh.
Side rant: the disposability of modern goods, namely electronic items, baffles me. It seems like nothing is designed to last beyond 18 months. It's another conspiracy: manufacturers have that whole "planned obsolescence" thing, and then marketers convince you that anything over a year old is a dinosaur and may reflect poorly on your social image. Consumers are equally as guilty. We've accepted this routine of break-it-and-buy-a-new-one and don't think twice about throwing something in the trash that could be easily repaired.
So since I have varying degrees of cheapness/hoarder/tinkerer pulsing through my veins, I decided to dive into this repair. It is worth mentioning that this particular brand of headphones (Skullcandy) offers a lifetime warranty/replacement thing. All you have to do is mail in the broken pair and they'll send you a new pair. In my own personal opinion, the physical risks of the upcoming repair process were a much more appealing option than having to go wait in line at the post office and get yelled at by a big woman with a mustache. Just personal preference, though.
After finding some vague instructions online, I realized I didn't have the proper tools for this job. I was going to need to make a trip to Lowe's (GASP!). I have a love-hate relationship with Lowe's. They always have what you're looking for...it just takes 4 hours to find it. Plus there's always birds flying around inside. I hate birds.
A few trips up and down the same aisles later, I found what I needed: a cheap soldering iron kit. Why, as a 21-year-old, female college student, I know how to use a soldering iron I can't completely say. I remember as a child my father turning me loose with his to play with. I made dozens of little puddles of metal and thought it was the greatest thing ever. Yeah, weird kid.
I got back to my apartment with my new toy and went to town. I decided to forgo the instructions because, well, I'm clearly an expert. Repairing the headphones basically consisted of frankenstein-ing (your favorite new verb) the earpieces onto a different cable. In this case, the cable was sacrificed from my stock iPod headphones. (Another side rant: why are those so awful, Apple? can ANYONE fit those big flying saucers into their ears!?)
Long story short, my soldering experience served me well. The only questionable moment was when I dropped the hot soldering iron on my kitchen floor. Luckily, it turned out fine since I missed my foot and because I live in a rental and I could care less about their vinyl floors.
Oh, and if at any point you wondered if the soldering iron purchase cost more than simply buying new headphones, you would be correct. Smartypants.
HAHAHA the last sentence makes this whole post totally awesome! i was thinking that the whole time. lol but good job fixing them! i am never that good or patient with broken technology..
ReplyDeleteThis had me laughing the entire time! I wish i was a better DIY-er and knew what the heck a sodering iron was let alone how to use it! I am glad too that I am not the only one that thinks manufacturing companies are consipiracy of just letting its products be disposiable after a years time of wear and tear. I do agree with Nicole - the last sentence totally made the post that much funnier! Though i am glad to hear your headphones are fixed!
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