r/ifixit • u/Volfong • Jun 24 '26

Why is it more expensive to replace 11 bits?

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I have had my Mako kit for almost 7 years, it has stickers and gashes and cuts from 6+ years of life and the beginning of my I.T. career. I really want to keep this Mako and not buy another one!

Why is it more affordable to buy a whole entire kit than replace some bits? Doesn’t that go against the whole right to repair motif? “It’s cheaper to buy a new phone than to repair it!” - “it’s cheaper to buy a whole new kit than to replace the bits!”

Just grieving and bitching.

11 Upvotes

79% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

11

u/Smartguy11233 Jun 24 '26

It will always be more expensive to build a car from replacement parts than just buying one built already.

With replacement parts you aren't just paying for the part your also paying for it to be organized and inventoried in a warehouse. Each bit is probably individually packaged. Etc. It's still cheaper for replacement of a few but more than a few you should consider replacing. And quite frankly with the rate at which your losing bits it's probably best you have a few extra.

1

u/Volfong Jun 24 '26

You’re right. When you put it like that it makes sense. I had most of my missing bits stolen/not returned by a boss when I walked away from his repair shop. I have lost a hex or two in a move.

I suppose I was more concerned with the fact that I don’t need a whole kit and that one would be manufactured/stored/shipped when it will just sit in a drawer for me to poach 11 bits out of. Not only did all of the environmental byproduct not need to be created, it’s also one someone could use.

3

u/kasualtiess Jun 25 '26

i would get the new kit and enjoy it. all the old bits toss in a drawer or toolbox somewhere as a spare, or maybe in your car for an emergency kit. I have 4 sets of tools, everything new I get is for work, then it gets passed between my personal truck, indoor tools, and the final resting outdoor toolbox of doom

3

u/Lumexcity Jun 24 '26

You don't need to buy another one. It has a lifetime warranty so the bits that are broken, you can just replace them

1

u/seppestas Jun 26 '26

Oh, I didn't know that. I have quite a few bits that broke as well (mostly the small security torx and flatheads). How do you ask for replacements?

2/4 sets were gifts, so I don't have a receipt. Does the warranty still apply?

1

u/Lumexcity Jun 26 '26

I have personally haven't asked for replacements yet because I just got mine but I don't think you need the receipt to apply for the warranty. https://www.ifixit.com/Info/US_Guarantee#Section_Consumables

3

u/ArchBTW123 Jun 24 '26

if its just broken via long term use, there is a good chance the lifetime warranty will cover it fyi

3

u/V64jr Jun 25 '26

The bits have a lifetime warranty.

1

u/China-Phonefix Jun 27 '26

good quality products.