Anybody know anything about fixing alarm clocks?

[abcdefz]

...thought I'd slept through my alarm; turns out the clock works but alarm doesn't, for some reason.

It's a fairly cheap clock -- one of the Michael Graves clockc from Target, out of warrantee now.

Anybody have any tips on how to fix an alarm?

Obviously, I checked the battery, tried a new one, etc.

[b i o n i c]

try hitting it with a hammer, maybe run over it with your car.

if that doesnt work, get a new one(y)

[beastiegirrl101]

just finished the chapter in Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris where he talks about how he wants to knit his alarm clock an outfit.

Maybe you could do that.

[mickill]

I honestly don't mean any disrespect by this, a-z -- I just think it's funny-- but this has got to be a contender for the lamest/most boring thread and first post ever. Come on, seriously. The details you provide just make it even more funny. I know I've started some dumb threads in my time, but this is like the English Patient of thread topics. I commend you.

I don't know how you should go about fixing it, though. Perhaps you can bring it to a repair shop. See if you can get a free diagnostic done. Maybe get a few repair estimates from various shops to make sure you're not getting ripped off. Good luck, man.

[Dr Deaf]

^haha. i logged to comment in a similar way. a decent cd/mp3 player alarm clock can be had for about $20. a regular straight up alarm clock can be had for about $5. somethings you just don't fix, you just replace em.

if you tell me it's the kind where the numbers flip over, i think you've got your money's worth.

[abcdefz]

I was giving it a shot. I'd hate to throw it out and then have someone tell me, "Oh -- all you have to do is pull the back and tighten the X and it'll work fine again."

We throw away everything like it's disposable and it's just wasteful. If I can fix something, I'd rather do that, and since I don't have all the answers, I figured I'd ask. It's a cool looking clock that's discontinued; I'd like to keep it.

[Dr Deaf]

I was giving it a shot. I'd hate to throw it out and then have someone tell me, "Oh -- all you have to do is pull the back and tighten the X and it'll work fine again."

We throw away fucking computers and TVs and cell phones and it's just wasteful. If I can fix something, I'd rather do that, and since I don't have all the answers, I figured I'd ask.

computers is what really surprises me. there's probably so many worth while parts in there. shit, if all it could do for you was play 40 gigs of mp3s it could be rigged up to a stereo somewhere at the very least.

[na§tee]

oh m, you crack me up.

i have no idea how to fix alarm clocks, expecially one with a problem as curious as that. sounds unfixable to me.

i use the alarm on my mobular phone to wake me up. always on. always near. always works!

good luck, a-z!

[ToucanSpam]

If it's that cheap, I'd suggest buying a new one.

[enree erzweglle]

I walk past this dusty old repair shop about a mile from where I live and in the window are blenders and rocking chairs and lamps--a lot of lamps and metallic electric things with CLOTH wires. The place has never been open when I've walked past and every time I look in, expect to see a gremlin.

I remember shops like that being all over the place when I was little. Then, you repaired things and while things were being repaired, you went without them. Now when something breaks or even starts to go even the slightest bit wonky, I buy another one without hesitating and it's not for being frivolous/wasty, it's more because most things can't be repaired without pulling apart the outer plastic casing and then it's usually impossible to find someone who can fix it and who will do so for less than it costs to buy it new.

And yes, it's a lame thread. A really lame one, but a lot of people make ones like it or worse. Some people are better at it than others. :)

[abcdefz]

If it's that cheap, I'd suggest buying a new one.


It's discontinued. (n)

In this case, "cheap" was, like, $15-$20. I'd rather buy two used CDs, you know?

[Dr Deaf]

I walk past this dusty old repair shop about a mile from where I live and in the window are blenders and rocking chairs and lamps--a lot of lamps and metallic electric things with CLOTH wires. The place has never been open when I've walked past and every time I look in, expect to see a gremlin.

I remember shops like that being all over the place when I was little. Then, you repaired things and while things were being repaired, you went without them. Now when something breaks or even starts to go even the slightest bit wonky, I buy another one without hesitating and it's not for being frivolous/wasty, it's more because most things can't be repaired without pulling apart the outer plastic casing and then it's usually impossible to find someone who can fix it and who will do so for less than it costs to buy it new.

And yes, it's a lame thread. A really lame one, but a lot of people make ones like it or worse. Some people are better at it than others. :)

ha. i read an article in the local daily about an old dood that refuses to sell his TYPEWRITER / CASH MACHINE repair shop property to developers because he's been there 30 years.

hey buddy, sometimes you need to change your business model. i can appreciate his stubborness just the same, tho.

disposable electronics are taking up mad space in landfills. you can buy a cheapo dvd player for as low as $29. it might last you 3 years or 3 weeks. either way it's going in the trash and new disposable dvd player will be bought to replace it.

hurrah for the beginning of the end.

[mickill]

The lameness of the thread is what makes it interesting. I wouldn't ask a-z to change a thing about it. I think it's brilliant.

[abcdefz]

I don't seem anything lame about it, except the accusation of lameness.

[mickill]

If you say so.

I just thought it was funny.

[abcdefz]

Tomahto.(y)

[enree erzweglle]

The lameness point being that it's maybe easier or maybe more effective to ask a real person about this than to post about it online, and maybe it's odd to post about it in a forum where most people probably don't use alarm clocks or know what they are? And maybe that there are more interesting things to talk about than how to fix an alarm clock? Just guessing.

[Freebasser]

This thread is almost as lame as someone sitting down to use the internet, a gateway to a vast amount of information, and then using that time to discuss the pros and cons of a thread about a broken alarm clock.

Or something.

I need a nap.

[enree erzweglle]

This thread is almost as lame as someone sitting down to use the internet, a gateway to a vast amount of information, and then using that time to discuss the pros and cons of a thread about a broken alarm clock.

Or something.

I need a nap.That too. :)