Where can I find parts to fix small appliances?

[Allie]

I’m hoping there are some diyers out there who know where to find all of those small random parts that can destroy the utility of an item but should be so easy to replace!  It seems like all of my stuff is falling apart because of these little plastic parts that, in my opinion (which is completely uninformed), should be easy to make and replace.  I can find hardware for house projects, it’s the mending of small appliances that is difficult.

Here are two examples that maybe someone can help me with...

The little pegs that hold on my dishwasher rack wheels have all started to break.  I need 6 little plastic pegs or even maybe plastic nuts and bolts that won’t rust/gouge to hold the wheels on.  I could buy 5 replacement wheel systems from amazon, but I don’t need the whole system, just the little post part.

I bought a chocolate fountain at the thrift store a few months ago and it stopped working, so of course I pulled it apart.  The little double layer plastic gear that connects the motor to the shaft that turns the auger that lifts the chocolate is worn down.  A little plastic gear that fits in the palm of my hand is making the whole giant fountain “trash”. 

Does anyone know where I can find:

A) information about little mechanical parts so that I can use the correct terms to look for what I want...for example are pegs that hold on wheels pegs, posts, clips?  I’m sure they have a name and anyone who manufactures things would know what it is, but I don’t and would love the knowledge to do searches and speak with people without saying, “that little plastic gear thing that has two layers and connects the motor to the thing that moves the chocolate up”.  I’m a reasonably intelligent and capable human but have never learned what all these little parts are called.

B) a good resource to buy all of these little parts.  Is there a store or website that sells little plastic replacement parts?  Is eBay really my best bet?

I’d love any help!

[MetalCap]

I used to find a ton of appliance parts at Sears Parts Direct but I haven't tried them since a lot of the sub-stores (within the bigger Sears department stores) began to close.

The key was always getting a users manual and finding out the part number.  From there you can Google, Amazon etc.

[zolotiyeruki]

Unfortunately, the only customers for gears of that type are typically the big manufacturers who buy millions of them.  You *might* be able to find something on aliexpress or alibaba or even ebay.  Mcmaster.com might also have what you want.

[Poundwise]

This won't work for your dishwasher or anything that heats up, but I've had a lot of success with the following stuff for many repairs: https://www.amazon.com/InstaMorph-Moldable-Plastic-12oz-White/dp/B003QKLJKQ

I used it to fix several household items that had very specialized plastic bits that broke.

[lthenderson]

For stuff like that, you need to track down the part number. If you have the original paperwork that came with the thing, a lot of times they have a part diagram with part numbers in the back. If you don't have it, usually typing in model numbers into an internet search engine will pull up a parts diagram. Once you have the part number, typing it into a search engine will yield results. The majority of the time I find things on eBay but there are a number of websites that deal in appliance parts.

I've also had good results just calling up the manufacturer of whatever and telling them which part I need to have over the phone. This is generally quite a bit more expensive and you are more likely to have to buy a sub assembly than going the other route.

[Lulee]

I used this site to find the parts for my specific model electric range and they have parts for all sorts of dishwashers too (https://www.appliancepartspros.com/dishwasher-parts.html) as you can see.  They have videos to help with some fixes and lots of Q&A sections too.  I actually found the part I needed a bit cheaper on Amazon but was going to order it here if I couldn't.

Find your model number and then you can work out from this site or the manufacturer's site what the parts number is.

[CatamaranSailor]

https://www.repairclinic.com/

I've bought a lot of parts from them and been happy. Sometimes you can find the same parts on Amazon for a better price (compare quality). Find the part number on Repair Clinic and then use that to do an Amazon search. I generally prefer OEM but sometimes you can find aftermarket that are not complete crap.

[BudgetSlasher]

I get my appliance and tool parts from

https://rdt.prod.repairclinic.com/

and

https://www.ereplacementparts.com/

They have a good selection, though once you have a part number you can run a google search with the part number (sometimes there is a cheaper place out there, maybe even amazon).

I've also had ok luck with https://www.searspartsdirect.com/

[FuzzyRunner]

I will also add that if the appliances/gizmos are going to be used in your own house and are more "fun" (like the chocolate fountain) then think outside the box a little for parts.  If you are looking for a plastic gear maybe you can find an RC car on craigslist for free.  Take it apart and they probably have some plastic or metal gears.  Might not match up perfectly but might be just what you need to get it working again.  haha even better if the ratio is a little off and you get a super charged chocolate fountain.   Then keep the other parts that you get from the car and store them for other projects.

Also, get a set of measuring calipers.  You can definitely find "aftermarket" plastic parts on amazon and ebay.  Just taking a couple measurements and you can probably find what you are looking for or at least something that will work with a little thinking.

[AMandM]

Could someone with access to a 3-D printer maybe make you a replica based on the original part?  Might be worth taking to a makerspace if there are any in your area (try high schools or universities) to see if you can find a geek for hire....

+1
My daughter bought a high-end secondhand pram on Ebay that arrived with a crucial part broken, so one wheel wouldn't stay on. She pulled the corresponding part from another wheel and her brother 3D printed a duplicate.

[Blueberries]

I've used Appliance Part Pros lately for several things.  I'll buy from most anyone with decent reviews; it just depends on what I need and who has the better deal (shipping included). 

Find the manual online and look for the part number.  From there, it's just a manner of finding the best price.  I say that as someone that does like to replace an appliance part with the correct part.  On a chocolate fountain, I'd use whatever would work.