Re: Designed to break?

Michael A. Terrell wrote:

Joerg wrote:

Michael A. Terrell wrote:


Joerg wrote:


Homer J Simpson wrote:



"Joerg" <notthisjoergsch@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:ps17i.24466$JZ3.10143@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx




"Designed to break" brings up some grief we (and probably lots other folks
in the US) experience a lot: Malibu Light timers. The last plastic gear
before the big timing wheel is usually shot after 3 years. I've asked them
twice how to get spares because it's easy to replace.


Take the new one and make a mold from it (silastic RTV?). Cast new gears as
needed from two part epoxy. You could even try a Metal Molder!


Yeah, I just wanted to avoid that mess ;-)

I mean, what's wrong with offering a simple spare part to their
customers? Other companies like Bissell (vacuums) do their best to make
customers happy by sending spares. Often they don't even charge
anything. Is there a better supplier than Intermatic for these timers?



I used a digital Intermatic timer to turn a window air conditioner on
and off for years I haven't needed it much, since I got sick. The AC
is on almost year round since I've become disabled. the motorized one
on the water heater has been in use for eight years and still works
fine. The older ones had the motors fail at about five years, but
spares were sold at Home Depot.


The metal ones are great but the plastic ones with the ABS lid cover are
horrible. They don't last.



I've seen good used metal ones in thrift stores for a few bucks. I
didn't buy any of them, because I haven't needed to buy on for over
eight years.


Problem is that the ones that break all the time contain a transformer. I could, of course, mount an additional metal box there but the WAF won't be that great because it's right next to a patio door.

--
Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Designed to break?
    ... The last plastic gear ... twice how to get spares because it's easy to replace. ... Is there a better supplier than Intermatic for these timers? ... I used a digital Intermatic timer to turn a window air conditioner on ...
    (sci.electronics.design)
  • Re: Designed to break?
    ... The last plastic gear ... twice how to get spares because it's easy to replace. ... Is there a better supplier than Intermatic for these timers? ... I used a digital Intermatic timer to turn a window air conditioner on ...
    (sci.electronics.design)
  • Re: Designed to break?
    ... Michael A. Terrell wrote: ... The last plastic gear ... twice how to get spares because it's easy to replace. ... Is there a better supplier than Intermatic for these timers? ...
    (sci.electronics.design)
  • Re: Designed to break?
    ... in the US) experience a lot: Malibu Light timers. ... The last plastic gear ... Other companies like Bissell do their best to make customers happy by sending spares. ...
    (sci.electronics.design)