If I could be assured people would do shit right, I'd pay to have done, damn near everything that others could do for me. Trading money for the time I don't have.

quote:

Originally posted by Chris42:
Having put something together I know three things-

I know it is done right.

I know how it works.

I know how to fix it when that day comes.

This, right here!^^^^^^

I had exactly that same decision when I bought a new Weber late last year.

1) I saved 10%
2) I could transport the box home in my Pilot, the assembled grill? Not so much
3) The most important. The folks at my hardware store had a tough time completing the sale. This despite the fact that I went to a grill, pointed to it and stated I want one exactly like this. I know I can do a better job assembling because I can read and I give a damn. Took an hour since I was being methodical and there was a cold beer waiting as a reward.

Have any of you guys ever been to IKEA?

Only so much time in a life.

yes -- for some items

but not everything

-------------------------------

I have done both but the main reason I let them assemble them sometimes is there always seems to be a screw or two or another part missing from the boxes. If they do it there they already have the parts needed and I won't spend even more time driving back and forth to the dealer or the hardward store for them.

No! I usually request an unassembled item even if assembly is already done and free. The pimpled faced teen they most places pay minimum wage to put stuff together simply doesn't give a shit if it is done right or not. Always, loose or missing screws mis adjusted or mis assembled parts etc... no thanks.

For the vast majority, no. I enjoy building things.

quote:

Originally posted by bigdeal:

quote:

Originally posted by Copefree:
As I was assembling a Barbie ambulance toy for my daughter earlier...

You hit on the primary reason I so enjoyed assembling stuff. I spent hours on Christmas and birthdays assembling stuff 'with' my son. I wouldn't trade those memories for anything. And as he got older, he assisted me in assembling and/or working on all sorts of things. We both got the memories and I hope he acquired a set of skills that will serve him well throughout his life.

Right on. I find other ways to connect with my 3 year old.

Nope - Putting something together is half the fun. I have the ability and plenty of tools.

It really depends on the item. Also factored in, is how much free time I have. I’m looking at buying a large toolbox/workbench set. I’ll gladly get that assembled. I’m not even sure if they come disassembled. Now I will double check the assembly when I get it home. I won’t ever assemble a grill again. I bought a new BMX in 2018. I could have assembled it. I have the tools and certainly know how. The tech at the bike shop did it for free. He did it much quicker than I could have, and I guarantee he did a better job, as he does this for a living.

I guess it just depends on the item.

The only time I have seriously regretted NOT paying someone else to put it together was when I bought a Western/Myers snow plow for my 1989 Chevy K3500.

The reason I bought that particular plow rather than the ubiquitous Fisher is that it had a belt-driven hydraulic pump rather than the battery-killing electric pump.

The reason it was such a cast-iron bitch to put on was that it had a belt-driven hydraulic pump rather than the battery-killing electric pump.

That said, it was a damn good plow and never gave me a second's trouble. I sold it with the truck when I traded 15-odd years later.

In my younger days I did as much as possible, myself.

Now, with physical limitations, I will gladly pay to have it done, especially if the assembly process involves getting down on the floor. I can get down there all right, but I have a difficult time getting back up.

quote:

Originally posted by smlsig:
Have any of you guys ever been to IKEA?

My first thought was Ikea with their rubber alloy hex head assembly screws and the wrench that strips after a few screws that are tightened.

"A man's gotta know his limitations."

That said I enjoy the feeling of accomplishment having assembled something myself, but have gotten better at recognizing I can't/shouldn't attempt something.

If you wait until Christmas eve to assemble your gift you're doing it wrong.

If I put it together myself, I know it’s done correctly. If something gets screwed up, I know it’s my fault. So no...I’ll pay less to do it myself. I bought tools for a reason...

quote:

Originally posted by Patrick-SP2022:

quote:

Originally posted by smlsig:
Have any of you guys ever been to IKEA?

My first thought was Ikea with their rubber alloy hex head assembly screws and the wrench that strips after a few screws that are tightened.

That's why I use my own tools with most 'some assembly required' items.

I'm an engineer, so almost by definition I enjoy building things. Plus, I trust myself to do it right more than I trust the guy at the store.

Why is there so much hate for grill assembly here? I've put together a bunch of them for myself and others. Just follow the instructions.