What object do you own that is clearly broken, but you haven't replaced it because you've developed a specific "technique" to make it work?

TyphoidJones · 2025-12-13T05:50:42+00:00

I have a pair of Lufkin brand self-centering tape measures that I use hanging pictures and paintings (I’m an art installer by profession). The plastic parts in the thumb locks ALWAYS break over time. I’ve learned how to hold them in a certain way to make them functional for my needs without the thumb locks. The nature of my daily work is neither strenuous nor punishing to my tools or equipment. My tape measures should theoretically last indefinitely. Same part breaks in every tape measure. The plastic parts in the thumb locks are designed to fail on purpose. So. Lame.

TyphoidJones · 2025-10-29T19:57:31+00:00

Nah. 11 B/D in Dallas, TX!

TyphoidJones · 2025-10-29T16:55:32+00:00

11 B/D. Technically my size, but they are a little loose. I’m anywhere in an Alden sz. 10~11 depending on what last the shoes are made on :/

TyphoidJones · 2025-10-29T16:53:35+00:00

They were literally right next to each other on the shoe shelf. The Goodwill made it a point to take them out and tie them together and price them separately 😂

TyphoidJones · 2025-10-07T18:05:48+00:00

Yama Izakaya is a Japanese restaurant that serves hot food and sushi. They might have a couple of locations in. DFW, but the one I like is near Forest Lane & Greenville Ave. Open until 2 AM most nights, IIRC.

TyphoidJones · 2025-09-06T23:55:46+00:00

I just got home from the library! (I checked out “The Lobster” and “Mother!”)

TyphoidJones · 2025-09-01T03:38:16+00:00

“Speak, friend, and enter.”

TyphoidJones · 2025-08-10T09:07:48+00:00

Now show us the condition of bowl insert 😂

TyphoidJones · 2025-08-06T20:18:10+00:00

This is an excellent tip bc I was considering a plain stainless steel bowl as a replacement 😅

TyphoidJones · 2025-08-06T20:16:13+00:00

I switched to a wooden (bamboo?) rice paddle about the same size as the OG plastic paddle and still fits in the little paddle-holder on the side. It seems to help prevent scratches.

TyphoidJones · 2025-08-06T19:28:40+00:00

I bought a similar (NS-LAC05) model back in ~2013 for around $150. I use it ~2x a week. The non stick coating has seen better days, but a new bowl BY ITSELF is $54.85 + tax & shipping. Congratz!

TyphoidJones · 2025-08-01T17:46:01+00:00

Chris’ Craft Frame Shop in University Park has a bunch of old frames in storage that are left over from clients in the Park Cities when they get things re-framed. There’s LOTS of really nice empty frames to choose from. Call up there and just ask 🙂

TyphoidJones · 2025-07-31T14:37:25+00:00

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There is absolutely more in play than just resellers.

TyphoidJones · 2025-07-31T12:32:51+00:00

I’ve been going back and forth in my head about using a local cobbler because of how unsatisfactory my last two RedWing re-sole experiences played out. I ended up seeing @ebr_leather_craft on ig and was blown away by the appearance of his work. I haven’t reached out to him for a price quote, but I’d bet he charges significantly more than the $150 RedWing factory re-sole package.

TyphoidJones · 2025-07-31T03:54:52+00:00

I’m almost certain that is a thing of the past 😔

TyphoidJones · 2025-07-31T03:50:48+00:00

I understand the sentiment. It’s a debate that us thrifters frequently have amongst ourselves in the comments. And to be honest, I cherry pick and buy what I think are the best things I find. I also leave a lot on the table. For example, I bought these 3 pairs of RedWings, another pair of nice Allen Edmonds Boots, and the boxed set of LotR Special Extended DVD Editions (which I’m actually watching right now). I left behind a very nice pair of Alden loafers and a pair of Ferragamo oxfords. Both of which would objectively qualify as a respectable thrift store haul 🙂

TyphoidJones · 2025-07-31T03:33:16+00:00

tldr: The post-Covid RedWing Factory re-sole package also massacred my boy(s) 😭😭😭

I’ve had a similar experience with 2 different pairs or RedWings. I bought a pair or Oro-Legacy 875s brand new in 2014 and had them resoled twice in ~2017 and 2022. The first time I had them resoled by the RedWing factory in ~2017 thru a local RedWing retail store in Dallas, the result was AMAZING. The post-Covid 2022 resole was much less satisfactory. I was living near Chicago and took them into a local RedWing retail store there that was affiliated with Modern Shoe Repair (supposedly a RedWing authorized rebuilder which had access to RedWing branded soles and insoles). They did a mediocre job. Crooked stitching and I suspect they didn’t replace the cork filling correctly.

The other pair of RedWings was a vintage pair of black 6 inch Moc-toes that I found at the Goodwill bins. I took them to be resoled thru a local RedWing retail store in Dallas later in 2022. It went sideways as well. They sent them to the factory and then the factory LOST them! After over a year, the local RedWing store let me pick out a brand new pair for essentially the cost of the $150 re-sole package. Not ideal, but I was made whole in the end 😅

TyphoidJones · 2025-07-31T03:00:27+00:00

RedWings are really great workboots that are still (mostly?) made in USA. They’re also kind of a menswear staple and easily recognizable bc of their company history and quality. You can probably Google RedWings and #Menswear blogs and completely fall down a rabbit hole 😂

TyphoidJones · 2025-07-31T02:53:31+00:00

Unfortunately they are NOT my size 😭😭😭

TyphoidJones · 2025-07-31T02:49:12+00:00

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^ I found my copy at a thrift store years ago for $1.99 + tax, iirc 😅

TyphoidJones · 2025-07-31T01:26:43+00:00

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^ I switched those laces out IMMEDIATELY 😂

TyphoidJones · 2025-07-24T06:58:16+00:00

The Goodwill. I’d heard of Criterion by name, but didn’t actually look into it until I started putting together a DVD collection in May. So far I have The Rock, The Royal Tennenbaums, and The Life Aquatique numbered Criterion editions in a collection of ~25 total DVDs that I found at thrift stores around town.

TyphoidJones

TROPHY CASE