Why spare parts are hard to find
Manufacturers would rather you buy a new device than repair the old one. Official spare parts are often overpriced, discontinued after a few years, or simply not sold to the public at all. Meanwhile, the device sitting in your cupboard is perfectly repairable — if you can get the right part.
Here is how to actually find what you need.
1. Get the exact model number first
Before searching for anything, find the full model number of your device. This is usually on a sticker:
- Washing machines — inside the door frame or on the back panel
- Laptops — underneath the machine or in system settings
- Phones — under the battery or in Settings > About
- TVs — on the back of the unit
A model number like WM12X450GB will return far more relevant results than a vague search like "washing machine door seal."
2. Search for donor devices first
A donor device is a broken or incomplete unit of the same model that you buy purely for its working parts. It is often cheaper than buying a single spare part, especially for older electronics.
On FixThat.xyz, you can browse donor listings or post a request specifying exactly which model you are looking for. Sellers often have devices that stopped working due to one fault — but everything else is intact.
3. Use the part number, not just the device name
Most spare parts have their own part number printed on them (on the component itself, on a sticker, or in the device's service manual). Search for that number directly — it will cut through irrelevant results immediately.
Service manuals are often available as free PDFs online. Search: [model number] service manual PDF.
4. Check used parts marketplaces
New old stock (NOS) and used parts from dismantled devices are widely available. Good places to look:
- FixThat.xyz — for parts from Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, and Estonia
- eBay — global reach, good for older or rarer parts
- AliExpress — affordable for common components, especially phone parts
When buying used parts, always check whether the seller has tested them and what their return policy is.
5. Post a "looking for donor" request
If you cannot find the part yourself, let sellers come to you. Post a request on FixThat.xyz/looking-for-donor with:
- The device make and model
- The specific part you need
- Your location
Sellers with matching parts will contact you directly — often faster than spending hours searching yourself.
6. Consider a local repair shop for rare parts
Repair shops often have drawers full of salvaged components. Call a few local repair shops and describe what you need. Even if they cannot sell the part directly, they may be able to point you in the right direction or fit it for you.
The fastest route
Head to FixThat.xyz, search your device model, and browse both spare parts listings and donor devices in your region. If you cannot find it, post a request — it takes two minutes and puts your need in front of dozens of local sellers.