Have Tools, Will Use

Stevie made an uh-oh to our compressor while backing into the garage a while ago. The coupling piece got sheared off, leaving some of it behind in the regulator. I took the compressor to a tool repair shop, who then referred me to the Makita service center. Once there, they told me they'd need to replace the regulator and coupling, which they estimated to cost me about $150 or more. No can do, I thought! Especially considering the whole compressor was $150 in the first place. It's hardly been used, so I took it back home and called my dad to see what else could be done.

Using my dad's suggestions, here are my supplies for the repair:

1. broken coupling :(

2. went to Kwik Kar for oil change, inspection, and mechanic advice for my compressor

3. mechanic advised me on what tool I needed (extractor) and gave me one

4. #5 extractor I purchased later since gifted one didn't fit COST=$4.09

5. roll of teflon tape to wrap threads of new coupling COST=$0.98

6. wrench for Clark to use (to pound on the compressor) to help his mom

7. wrench I used

8. piece I successfully extracted

9. shiny new coupling COST=$2.98

$8 later the thing is as good as new. This is my "I fixed it, take that, Makita!" wink.

I'm still trying to figure out what the guy at the hardware store meant when he sold me the extractor and said, "tell him to pound on this a little bit, then he can unscrew it." Whoever he is never showed, and quite frankly he's too late, since I already fixed the thing without his help. Next time, Mr. Magical Fix-It Guy, next time...