I enjoy repairing things; have almost an overwhelming desire, when I find something in disrepair or in need of mending, to figure out how to fix or repair it.
I have repaired many different types of things from shoes, clothes, camping gear, children’s toys, electronics, etc. for as long as I can remember.
Figuring out how something works or is put together is a real joy for me.
Although I have forgotten the exact titles, several of my favorite books a child were on the topic of how things are made or how they work. One showed photos and diagrams of how matches or golf balls are made. Another was more of an artistic, somewhat fictional book with biped animals in clothes (picture human bodies, animal heads) operating machines showing the story of how paint was made or all the steps involved in making a newspaper from tree to print.
Perhaps it partly stems from growing up with limited resources, especially monetarily. Obtaining things that were in disrepair or cast off by others was much less expensive and time to work on things was not limited.
Furthermore, when something broke, it wasn’t very practical to just replace it, or pay someone else to fix it.
The downside of this tendency of mine, is that on some occasions I can get so wrapped up on fixing something, I long surpass the practical cost of replacing it! The challenge evolves into almost an obsession. Put down the broken thing and step away!.
I have also always appreciated well made tools, the craftsmanship of something made with care or attention to detail. That balance between practical and beauty. Something made by humans that almost has a soul.
I often repair things that are older, broken and just are not made anymore. This is especially true of woodworking and garden/farm tools.
There is also something fun about fixing things for me. Each situation often presents a unique problem to be thought through to solve. A puzzle. I may have to design and build a tool just to complete the repair. It can be a very creative process.