DIY has saved me a fortune in repairs on the car, computer and around the home

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When I had my first car, I couldn't really afford to have it maintained by a qualified mechanic, so I learned to do the servicing and repairs myself. The first time was a bit of a nightmare. My clutch was broke, and I knew I needed to remove the gearbox. I knew where the gearbox was, but not how to remove it, so I just started unfastening all the nuts and bolts I could find. Before I knew what had happened, the oil poured out, all over me - it was a mess and gearbox oil doesn’t smell too sweet! Eventually, after buying new gaskets that I wouldn't have needed had I done it correctly, I had it all back together with a new clutch. So that was my first learning curve with cars. Then, Haynes Manuals were published for the first time in the UK and what a difference that made. Right up to the present day, I do all my own servicing. I only need to take to a garage for MOT or to have the on-board computer checked if I detect the car is running poorly. It is not only cars, but washing machines, vacuum cleaners and computer I now fixed with my trusty Haynes manuals (see photo of them all). Do you have any DIY success stories, or disasters to share? I rate all responses.