collage of various items that need missing small parts

How to Easily Find Replacement Parts for Anything You Own

/5 Comments/in , , , /by Mary Hunt

Lost a crucial part to your favorite item? Don’t worry, I’ve been there! Whether it’s a toy, a piece of china, or a button on your favorite coat, finding replacement parts doesn’t have to be a wild goose chase. Dive into our guide to learn the best sources and tips for getting your items back in shape.

collage of various items that need missing small parts

I once thought my custom Levolor blinds were doomed for the trash when the mounting brackets mysteriously vanished after a painting project. Since those blinds were no longer in production, I figured I was out of luck. But in a last-ditch effort, I reached out to Levolor Customer Service and got the surprise of my life. Not only did they help me find replacement brackets, but they were eager to do so. Within days, they shipped the exact parts I needed—no charge. Talk about customer service!

Whether it’s a missing teaspoon from your grandmother’s sterling set, the “X” in your Scrabble game, or a unique button on your best winter coat, chances are good you can find replacement parts. You just have to know where to look. From contacting manufacturers to using specialized services and online communities, there are plenty of ways to find what you need. So don’t toss that cherished item just yet—let’s find those replacement parts and bring it back to life

Where to Find Replacement Parts for Toys and Games

collage of items that need missing small parts

Ever had that sinking feeling when you discover a crucial piece of your kid’s favorite toy has gone missing? You can get replacement parts for most games and toys directly from the manufacturer, often for very little money or even free.

  • LEGO: Lose an instruction booklet or a key piece to your LEGO set? No problem! LEGO will replace instructions and missing pieces. You can order specific pieces for your sets here or call 800-233-8756.
  • Barbie and Other Mattel Toys: Missing Barbie’s shoe or another essential part? Head over to service.mattel.com or call 800-524-8697.
  • Little Tikes: For Little Tikes replacement parts, visit parts.littletikes.com.
  • Hasbro: Whether it’s a lost Scrabble tile, a missing Nerf dart, or any other piece from their vast range of brands like Parker Bros., Kenner, Tonka, Playskool, Transformers, and more, Hasbro has you covered. Their website has several pages devoted to customer service. If you can’t find what you’re looking for at Hasbro.com, call 888-836-7025. Telephone hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM ET, or Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

With these handy resources, you can find replacement parts and keep your toys and games in tip-top shape, sparing you (and your kids) a lot of frustration.

How to Replace Missing China, Silver, and Glassware Pieces

english tea set

Losing or breaking a piece of your favorite china or silverware set can feel like a mini disaster, but don’t worry—help is at hand! There are plenty of matching services out there that can help you track down that elusive piece. One of the largest and most reliable is Replacements.com.

This site is a treasure trove for finding replacement pieces of china, silverware, and glassware. If you don’t know the name of your pattern, no problem! Just send them a picture, and they’ll help you identify it. Plus, you can sign up to receive email notifications when additional pieces from your set become available. Simply call them at 800-737-5223 for assistance.

And here’s a little bonus: Replacements.com also buys china, dinnerware, silver, flatware, crystal, glassware, collectibles, and even estate jewelry. So, if you’re looking to sell some of your own items, they can help with that too. For more information, check out their website.

Finding replacement parts for your cherished items doesn’t have to be a hassle. With services like Replacements.com, you can restore your sets to their former glory and keep those memories intact.

Tips for Matching and Replacing Ceramic Tiles

broken floor tile

Trying to match ceramic tiles after they’ve been installed can feel like a scavenger hunt—tiles made at different times often have noticeable color variations. Here’s a handy trick to get you back on track.

First, salvage tiles from less visible spots—think behind appliances, under rugs, or hidden beneath furniture. These tiles can become your perfect match for any replacements. Next, head to a tile store to find the closest match you can for the gaps you’ve created.

Next time, buy 10% more tiles than you need at the time of installation and store them away. You’ll always have perfectly matched replacements.

Finding Vintage and Hard-to-Find Buttons

pile of various clothing buttons

If you’re not ready to part with your favorite coat or garment just because a button or two has gone missing, help is at hand! There are some fantastic places where you can find vintage and hard-to-find buttons to save the day.

For a treasure trove of buttons, check out Britex Fabrics in San Francisco. Their inventory is so vast, you might lose track of time wandering through their aisles, boxes, and bins (trust me, I’ve been there!). They have an incredible selection of vintage buttons that could be just what you need. You can reach them at 415-392-2910 or visit britexfabrics.com.

Another great option is Buttons Galore and More. They offer a wide variety of buttons, including those elusive vintage finds. Give them a call at 856-753-6700 or explore their collection online at buttonsgaloreandmore.com.

With these resources at your disposal, you’ll be able to find the perfect buttons to bring your cherished garments back to their former glory.

Replacement Parts for Appliances

hand removing grease trap from cooking vent

When it comes to finding replacement parts for your appliances, RepairClinic.com is a standout choice. Whether you’re a DIY pro or just dipping your toes into home repairs, they’ve got everything you need to tackle the job with confidence. With over 4 million genuine OEM replacement parts from more than 150 top brands like Whirlpool, Kenmore, LG, GE, Samsung, Kitchenaid, Bosch, Coleman, and Honeywell, you’re bound to find exactly what you need.

RepairClinic.com makes the process as smooth as possible with their 365-day return policy. If you end up with uninstalled parts you don’t need, you can return them for any reason within a full year. And for those moments when time is of the essence, they offer same-day shipping on orders placed by 9:00 PM ET, so you can get your repairs done in a flash. Plus, their price match guarantee ensures you’re getting the best deal, matching any price offered by direct competitors on all genuine OEM parts.

Pro Tips for Locating Any Replacement Part

Finding the right replacement part for your treasured items doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Here are some pro tips to help you on your quest:

Start with the Manufacturer

Whenever possible, reach out to the manufacturer first. Many companies offer replacement parts directly to consumers, often at little to no cost. A quick call or visit to their website can save you time and money.

Use Specialized Services

For items like china, silver, and glassware, specialized matching services like Replacements.com are invaluable. They can help identify and source that elusive piece you need to complete your set.

Leverage Online Communities

Don’t underestimate the power of online forums and community groups. Sites like eBay, Reddit, or dedicated Facebook groups can be gold mines of information where fellow enthusiasts share tips and resources for finding specific parts.

Visit Local Shops

Sometimes, the old-fashioned way is best. Local fabric stores, hardware shops, or appliance repair centers often carry a surprising variety of replacement parts and can offer personalized advice.

With these tips in your toolkit, you’ll be well-equipped to find the perfect replacement parts and get your items back in working order in no time. If you are diligent, you’ll soon discover there’s a replacement out there for just about every missing part or piece. Happy hunting!

 

Question: Have you ever needed a replacement part for something you love? What was it and where did you find it? Share your stories and tips below.

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5 replies
  1. Lisa says:

    I needed knobs for a bathroom cabinet after some painters lost two of the dozen knobs on the drawers and doors. I went to a neighborhood estate sale. Guess what? The deceased owners of the house down the street from me once had the same knobs, but replaced them — and they’d kept the old knobs. The estate sale had them for sale. I bought the set and was able to replace my two knobs; I also have spares. Plus, I paid next to nothing for them.

    Reply
  2. Diana H. says:

    Mary, these are very good tips!! I called Bunn Coffee makers today and they helped me fix a small problem I was having with the brewing starting before it should. The Customer Service guy said, if that fix didn’t work to call back and they would send a replacement rocker arm for free! Love Bunn for many reasons!! Thank you Mary, as always!

    Reply
  3. Henny says:

    I have been to Replacements and brought dishes to sell. They don’t give you a lot and sell their dishes for a lot more. Plus shipping and handling. I would try selling online or checking Ebay for replacements first. You might come out better.

    Reply
    • Mary Hunt says:

      Yes, Henny! And if you can get more than Replacements offers, go for it, for sure. Remember Replacements is a business. I order to remain solvent a biz must earn more than it pays out in expenses! Makes sense, right? And of course go for the highest sell price you can manage to sell your things. Replacements is simply one more option.

      Reply
  4. Suzanne says:

    I’ve used Replacements.com for years, but only as a last resort. I start first by searching Ebay and over time I’ve found many pieces for a fraction of the price I would have paid on Replacements. The same strategy applies when selling pieces I no longer want or need. Even with Ebay’s cut and shipping costs I still made more than I would have if I’d sold to Replacements.

    Reply

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