FLINT, MI — We’ve all been there.
A beloved appliance stops working, but you want to repair it and don’t know where to start to fix it.
Factory Two has a solution for your woes.
The community makerspace, located at 129 N. Grand Traverse St. near downtown Flint, provides tools, equipment and training as part of its core mission.
That’s what’s at the heart of Fixed by Flint, a program designed to reduce waste and empower everyone to fix their belongings, which Factory Two is hosting from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 5.
From furniture to clothes, electronics and xylophones, volunteers will be on site willing to help give your items a second chance.
“Makers spaces grew out of the DIY movement, spearheaded by the punk scene in the late 80s rearly 90s,” said Warren McClure, director of Factory Two. “This DIY spirit is part of what a makerspace is ... and we get together because we want to help people.
“So part of it is encouraging people to come hang out for repair events. We want to help show people that they can do it too.”
McClure said not only is the event about getting people’s blenders back up and running, but there’s also a community of people here to share knowledge and empower them to do whatever they are interested in themselves.
Not only do you not need to buy a new lamp, pair of jeans, blender, or whatever else, you can have a hand in fixing it for the cost of parts, McClure said.
This program is set up to allow you to either hang out with the volunteers working on items, and also have the opportunity to help repair your item alongside a specialist.
If you don’t have the time, items can also be dropped off for volunteers to try to figure out a fix.
Participants will be directed to areas that’ll help repair the items brought.
Stations will include: Small engine repair, basic welding, electrical repair, mechanical repair, woodworking and furniture repair, bike repair, computer repair, leather, basic glass and stained glass repair, and sewing.
Factory Two will provide glue, missing screws and other similar supplies, but if the problem needs some specialty part, participants are encouraged to bring that item along.
If participants don’t have the part, volunteers will work to help identify the part and identify any other needs and where to get it.
Pre-registration for the event is closed, but residents are still encouraged to drop in.
People who signed up will be the priority, but anybody coming in on a drop-in basis can scan a QR code, fill out a form and will be addressed when openings occur.
Read more on MLive.com:
Muscle car at Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show had a deeper meaning, Michigan connection
Yeah, yeah, yeah! Usher and other celebs shout support for one Michigan school
Wu-Tang Wings forever: Last chance to grab Pho, smash burgers at Flint Social Club
Good gourd, almighty! Michigan man surprised after pumpkin picture lands on soda label
One of the Flint Farmers’ Market’s most popular eateries is set to close
Celebrity chef brings muscle, flavor to Michigan for two days of dining and cooking demos