Who We Are
Our mission - why honest repair-video reviews matter
We exist to make repair videos reliable, safe, and useful. With thousands of how-to clips online, viewers face inconsistent quality, missing steps, and unsafe shortcuts. Honest reviews save time, prevent costly mistakes, reduce e-waste, and help people decide when a DIY fix is feasible versus when to seek professional help. Our focus is practical: identify videos that consistently produce correct, reproducible results and flag those that are incomplete, misleading, or dangerous.
Our team - reviewers, technicians, and video analysts
Our reviews are produced by a multidisciplinary team:
- Experienced technicians: certified and independent repair pros (electronics, phones, appliances, automotive) who validate technical correctness and part compatibility.
- Video analysts: assess instructional design, camera coverage, pacing, and whether visuals show critical details like connectors, screw types, and alignment marks.
- Test engineers: reproduce procedures in controlled setups, document steps, measure outcomes (time-to-fix, functionality tests), and capture photos/videos of each test.
- Editor & compliance lead: ensures transparency (disclosures, affiliate links), copyright compliance, and consistent editorial standards.
This blend ensures each review covers both the "can it be done?" and the "can a viewer actually follow it?" questions.
Our review standards and testing methodology
We use a consistent, transparent method so readers can trust comparisons across videos:
- Scoping and selection
- Verify device model(s) addressed and tool/part lists provided.
- Prioritize widely viewed, recommended, or user-nominated videos; include official/manufacturer guides when available.
- Pre-test checklist
- Confirm parts compatibility, required tools, safety gear, and any firmware/software prerequisites.
- Note assumptions the creator makes (skill level, prior disassembly).
- Reproducibility test
- Follow the video step-by-step without outside references.
- Record deviations where steps are omitted, ambiguous, or require unlisted tools.
- Time the procedure and note any troubleshooting the video omits.
- Technical accuracy audit
- Compare instructions against manufacturer specs, service manuals, and best-practice repair guides.
- Check torque values, connector orientations, calibration steps, and risk points (e.g., battery handling, pressurized components).
- Production and instructional quality assessment
- Evaluate camera angles, macro visibility, labeling/captions, pacing, and whether edits hide critical transitions.
- Score whether viewers can clearly see fasteners, cable routing, and alignment marks.
- Safety and risk evaluation
- Identify hazards (electrical risk, sharp components, chemical exposure) and whether the video provides adequate cautions and mitigation steps.
- Recommend minimum skill level; flag procedures we advise professionals to perform.
- Scoring and summary
- Use a weighted rubric (e.g., Accuracy 40%, Reproducibility 25%, Safety 15%, Clarity 15%, Value 5%) producing a numeric score and an easy label (Excellent / Good / Fair / Poor).
- Provide a concise summary: who should attempt it, key missing items, and alternative vetted resources.
- Documentation and transparency
- Publish a reproducibility log, test photos/videos, parts/tools used, and any conflicts of interest or affiliate links.
- Update reviews when new information emerges (parts revisions, firmware changes, creator corrections)-typically every 6-12 months for high-traffic guides.
By applying these standards uniformly, we aim to turn the noisy landscape of repair videos into a dependable resource: actionable guidance for DIYers and professionals alike, with clear warnings when a task is out of scope.
Trust & Community
User-submitted videos and nominations
We welcome nominations and submissions to keep reviews relevant and community-driven. Submission options:
- Nominate any public video via our submission form (link, device model, reason for review).
- Upload your own repair footage with anonymized contact info for privacy-conscious feedback.
- Priority review for videos flagged by multiple users, those demonstrating novel fixes, or clips tied to common failure modes.
What we do with submissions:
- Triage by category and risk level; low-risk tips may receive a short verification while high-risk or popular videos get full reproducibility tests.
- Provide constructive, timestamped feedback to submitters where feasible (e.g., missing steps, unclear shots).
- Allow anonymous submissions and permit creators to request corrections or rebuttals that we publish alongside the review.
Comment moderation and community guidelines
Our goal is a helpful, safety-focused discussion environment. Key moderation rules:
- Keep comments factual and constructive; no harassment, personal attacks, or spam.
- No unverified medical/legal/technical claims that could lead to harm-moderators remove posts that encourage unsafe repairs without proper context.
- Flagged comments that point out factual errors or safety issues are prioritized for review; we respond publicly when corrections affect a review.
- Moderation is transparent: removed comments include a short reason and appeal option; repeat violators are banned.
Community guidelines (brief):
- Be specific: include device model, symptoms, and tools used.
- Share evidence: photos/videos help clarify issues.
- Respect skill limits: indicate your experience level when asking for help.
Testimonials and case studies
We publish verified use cases showing how vetted repair videos helped real people and pros:
- Short testimonials: anonymized quotes with device type, outcome (fixed/repaired/partial), time and cost saved.
- Case studies: step-by-step narratives for notable fixes where we reproduced a video, including photos, tools used, obstacles encountered, and final verification tests.
- Lessons learned: common patterns from case studies (e.g., misleading parts listings, recurring safety oversights) that feed back into our review criteria and community advisories.
These community-driven insights help readers choose the right tutorials and avoid recurring pitfalls, strengthening trust between creators, repairers, and viewers.
Resources & Guides
Beginner's guide to following repair videos safely
- Verify model: confirm your exact device model and revision before starting.
- Read first: watch the full video and scan comments for corrections or common pitfalls.
- Gather tools: assemble all listed tools, spare parts, and PPE before beginning.
- Prepare workspace: clean, well-lit, flat surface with trays for fasteners and ESD mat for electronics.
- Document steps: take photos at each stage to aid reassembly.
- Follow sequence: perform steps in order; pause and rewind for unclear actions.
- Test incrementally: power on or test subsystems before full reassembly when safe.
- Know when to stop: if a step requires special tooling, calibration, or risks injury, pause and consult a pro.
- Keep parts organized: label screws/parts by location and bag small items.
- Post-repair checks: run manufacturer-recommended tests, firmware updates, or calibrations.
Recommended tools and setup for filming repair tutorials
- Camera & mounting: macro-capable camera or smartphone with an overhead rig; use a tripod or boom to keep hands-free close-ups.
- Lighting: soft, shadow-free lighting-LED panels or ring lights positioned to reduce glare on glossy components.
- Audio & narration: external microphone for clear voiceover; add captions for noisy environments and non-native speakers.
- Macro lenses & focus stacking: for tiny fasteners and PCB work, use macro lenses or close-focus attachments.
- Stable background & contrast: neutral, non-reflective surface that contrasts device colors; use magnetic mats or parts trays.
- Edit for clarity: show unedited key steps or use callouts/slow-motion for delicate actions; avoid cuts that hide critical operations.
- Safety overlays: include on-screen warnings and list required PPE and tools at the video start.
- Supplemental materials: provide parts lists, part numbers, and timestamps in the description; link to verified replacement parts and tools.
FAQs about using our reviews
Q: How do I interpret the score?
A: Numeric score (0-100).
Q: The video omits a tool-can I still follow it?
A: If the missing tool is minor (e.g., pry tool), you may substitute carefully. If it's a specialty tool or calibration device, we recommend obtaining it or choosing a different tutorial.
Q: I followed a highly-rated video but failed-what now?
A: Review our reproducibility log for deviations we encountered, check comments for creator corrections, submit your experience via the report form, and consider professional repair if safety risks exist.
Q: Do you accept paid reviews or sponsored content?
A: Sponsored content is clearly labeled and evaluated under the same rubric. Affiliate links are disclosed; they do not affect technical scores.
Q: How often are reviews updated?
A: High-traffic/high-risk reviews every ~6 months; standard reviews at least annually or sooner if new info emerges.
Q: Are replacement parts and tools you recommend affordable?
A: We list options across price points and note when low-cost kits may introduce risk; prefer reputable brands and verified part numbers.
For more practical checklists, printable tool lists, and submission forms, see the resources section linked on each review page.
Contact & Contribute
How to submit a video for review
- Use the submission form on our site: include the video link, device make/model, a brief description of the issue or why it should be reviewed, and any relevant timestamps.
- Optional: upload your own footage (anonymized) or photos showing the problem.
- Priority criteria: safety concerns, high view counts, community nominations, or novel fixes.
- What to expect: confirmation within 3 business days, triage response within 1-2 weeks, and a full review timeline if selected.
Report an issue with a review
- Report form: link each review page includes a "Report an issue" button for errors, broken links, safety concerns, or reproduction failures.
- Required info: review URL, description of the problem, device model, and any evidence (photos, timestamps, error messages).
- Response time: safety-critical reports get immediate attention; typical response within 5 business days and a public revision note if the review is updated.
- Appeals: if you disagree with a verdict, submit supporting evidence-an independent reviewer will reassess and publish the outcome.
Partnership and advertising inquiries
- Editorial independence: advertising and sponsored content are separated from reviews and clearly disclosed.
- Partnership types: content collaborations, tool/parts testing, affiliate programs, and site integrations-proposals should include scope, timeline, and compensation model.
- Contact method: business inquiries via the partnerships email or contact form (provide company info, proposal summary, and relevant links).
- Review policy for partners: partnered products or sponsored content are evaluated under the same rubric; any commercial relationship is disclosed on the review page.
Legal & Privacy
Copyright and fair use policy for video content
- We link to and embed original videos when owners permit; embeds include attribution and an active link to the creator's page.
- We use short clips or screenshots only for criticism, commentary, and review under fair-use principles; every excerpt includes clear attribution and a link to the full source.
- If a rights holder requests removal of our excerpted media, we promptly investigate and remove contested material while documenting the takedown in the review's revision history.
- We avoid reposting full videos or long clips without explicit permission; creators may request permission or provide preferred excerpts via our contributor form.
- Reviews do not republish copyrighted manuals or paid tutorial content; we summarize, quote short excerpts with attribution, and link to official sources.
Terms of use for reviewers and contributors
- Submission rights: contributors grant a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use submitted footage, photos, and text for review purposes, site publication, and promotional excerpts; contributors retain ownership of their content.
- Contributor responsibilities: submissions must be original or properly licensed, truthful, and free of confidential information; illegal content or material that risks user safety is not accepted.
- Reviewer conduct: reviewers follow a documented code of conduct and technical standard-disclose credentials, conflicts of interest, and apply the site's evaluation rubric consistently.
- Editorial independence: reviews are produced independently of commercial partners; sponsored content is clearly labeled, and affiliate relationships are disclosed on the review page.
- Liability and warranties: reviews and recommendations are informational only. We disclaim liability for damages resulting from following a reviewed procedure; users assume risk and should follow safety guidance or consult professionals for high-risk tasks.
- Privacy for submissions: anonymized contact options are available; personal data provided with submissions is handled per our privacy statement and deleted on request where feasible.
- Changes to terms: we notify contributors of material changes to terms of use and publish versioned terms with effective dates; continued submission constitutes acceptance of updated terms.
For full legal text, copyright takedown instructions, and the contributor agreement, see the linked legal pages at the bottom of each review.