How do you store your owners manuals?

kwerk

kwerk

kwerk

Wise Guy
Soldato
Joined
23 May 2009
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When I buy something I throw away all the warranty cards, box, spam, etc and just keep the manual. Then I file it away in my file cabinet under what kind of manual it is (power tools, computers, appliances, and so forth). The problem is some manuals are extremely thick and don't fit well in a hanging file, so I'm not sure what to do with those ones. I just keep them in a cardboard box. Then on August 17th each year I go through and throw away all the manuals which correspond to an item I longer have.

I was thinking about maybe stepping up to scanning all my instruction manuals as PDF files and keep them on my computer instead, and sell the original on ebay or throw them away. Then I can create an inventory of all my possessions and have them index linked with the PDF manuals. I can also log the dates of oil changes, battery cycling, cleaning and other routine maintenance, and have reminders pop-up on my calender on my phone. For example "change transaxle fluid in lawn mower today" or "vacuum dust off refrigerator condenser".

On top of that I think I might print barcodes for each of my possessions, so if I'm looking at my washing machine for example, I could scan the barcode with my phone and it will show me the maintenance log, check for product recalls on the internet, show me the PDF manual, etc.

So how do you keep your instruction manuals?
 
Manuals are for girls.

If you're really screwed, they're either online or I'll find the info by getting my google on.
 
I actually have 2 exceptions to my manual filing rules and that is guns and cars. I keep gun manuals in the plastic cases they come in because they usually come with a lot of trinkets (cleaning brushes, locks, factory test targets, etc.) which I keep together in the chance of a resale. I also keep car manuals in the glove box in case somebody else is using it and needs to look something up.
 
Do you really own so much stuff that you would need to barcode them to be able to find them in your manuals database?
 
Kitchen draw contains the washing machine and dishwasher instructions, both have far too many programs.

The above is counteracted by the other manly things contained within said draw.
 
A manual is that thing you read when things go wrong right? :p
I can never find them, usually chuck them. If required i head to the internets and download one.
 
Surely you could just go to the manufacturer's website to acquire a PDF version of the manual. Assuming the product is of fairly new production and the manufacturer isn't rubbish.

This would save you time, but I do like your idea. It makes me feel all warm inside.
 
Get the PDF versions (if possible) and store them on my iPad via iBooks. If no PDF's are available, I hole punch the buggers and store them in a large A4 folder/binder thingy
 
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print your own barcodes?

:confused::confused::confused:

/edit surely manuals are just thrown away and downloaded again if required?
 
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