How to find replacement parts for discontinued hardware
Big-box home improvement stores and original manufacturers often no longer stock components for older or discontinued items like rusted casement hinges and legacy appliances. This forces homeowners to hunt for compatible alternatives online without confidence in the fit, leaving them stuck trying to source obscure parts to avoid paying for entirely new installations.
What the numbers show
Counted from the threads quoted below. How we count
- The most recent one is from October 2026.
- This comes up 13.5× more often in r/appliancerepair than across the site as a whole.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
Found another way around this?
Share your steps and trade-offs so fellow engineers don't have to reinvent the wheel. No account required.
- 1Searching online links and community lists for specialty hardware productsDid this help you?
- 2Searching appliance parts websites for discontinued modelsDid this help you?
- 3Buying pre-programmed replacement units from specialized third-party services like Flagship OneDid this help you?
- 4Asking if someone can repaint plain tiles to matchDid this help you?
- 5visiting a local hardware store with the hose or faucet head for sizingDid this help you?
- 6buying an entire replacement set that includes the hosing and quick connectDid this help you?
- 7Replacing the entire exterior box coverDid this help you?
- 8Leaving the cover as it is with one missing pinDid this help you?
- 9Buying used or working parts on eBayDid this help you?
- 10Pulling parts out of dead or discarded unitsDid this help you?
- 11Sending electronic control boards in for specialized third-party repairsDid this help you?
- 12Remove the vent to salvage and rebuild it, focusing on repairing the rotted trim pieces.Did this help you?
- 13Buying universal thermocouples from local home improvement stores like Home DepotDid this help you?
- 14Ordering universal parts from online supply sites like supplyhouse.comDid this help you?
- 15Searching specialty manufacturers or lesser-known brands that still produce the finishDid this help you?
- 16searching ebay and other reselling sitesDid this help you?
- 17considering using a different model's conversion kitDid this help you?
- 18Buying a used replacement machine from a charity shopDid this help you?
- 19robbing a txv from a new coilDid this help you?
- 20using low tier brand suppliers up northDid this help you?
- 21switching to TXV systemsDid this help you?
- 22Searching online marketplaces or plumbing supply houses for vintage partsDid this help you?
- 23Using trim adapter kits and specialized removal toolsDid this help you?
- 24Limping the equipment along while searching for more cost-effective optionsDid this help you?
- 25Considering sourcing parts from a general gasket and seal shopDid this help you?
- 26fabricate somethingDid this help you?
- 27replace the flue stack entirelyDid this help you?
- 28Taking the old handle off and going to the store to find a matching one physicallyDid this help you?
- 29Searching online for models matching the specific cartridgeDid this help you?
- 30Buying aftermarket brands like MTC, DEA, or AnchorDid this help you?
- 31Searching through odd-ball sellers on eBay or dusty warehouse websitesDid this help you?
- 32Considering fabricating custom replacement mountsDid this help you?
- 33Contact a local shower door company for alternative parts.Did this help you?
- 34picking up a slightly newer Whirlpool direct driveDid this help you?
- 35Searching for used parts on online marketplaces like eBayDid this help you?
- 36Cleaning the component and checking set screwsDid this help you?
- 37Using parts lookup websites like searspartsdirect.com to look up part numbers by make and model.Did this help you?
- 38Asking online communities if newer parts can be made to work with minor modifications.Did this help you?
- 39Turning the unit off for the nightDid this help you?
- 40Searching online to diagnose the issueDid this help you?
- 41Looking for functional alternatives that serve the same purposeDid this help you?
- 42Using a different type of window lockDid this help you?
- 43Ordering parts online as needed using unit model and serial numbersDid this help you?
- 44Keeping a limited stock of high-wear items like capacitors and contactors on handDid this help you?
- 45Setting up scheduled maintenance plans and bills of materialsDid this help you?
- 46Measure the existing gasket to determine the size and buy a universal gasket online.Did this help you?
- 47Searching online using visual matching and product descriptionsDid this help you?
- 48Asking online communities to confirm compatibilityDid this help you?
- 49Searching in junkyardsDid this help you?
- 50Using RTV silicone to seal leaksDid this help you?
- 51asking online communities for sizing adviceDid this help you?
- 52searching for alternative compatible partsDid this help you?
- 53Buying a differently sized operator arm and a new trackDid this help you?
- 54Searching online for discontinued vintage partsDid this help you?
- 55Searching using Google image search for answersDid this help you?
- 56Hiring handymen who either delay the work indefinitely or suggest makeshift solutionsDid this help you?
- 57looking in repair manualsDid this help you?
- 58having a friend forward packages internationallyDid this help you?
- 59pulling out rotting insulation to inspect componentsDid this help you?
- 60Looking up the thermostat by model number to search for new-old-stock or compatible partsDid this help you?
- 61Making minor modifications with similar replacement thermostatsDid this help you?
- 62Calling a professional for repairDid this help you?
- 63Replacing the entire shower curtain rod systemDid this help you?
- 64Modifying an updated or incorrect part to fit, such as cutting off pieces with side cutters.Did this help you?
- 65Using the manufacturer's updated substitute part even if it looks different.Did this help you?
In their words
Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, each linked to the thread it came from.
“These are vertically hinged casement windows and this one hinge has rusted through so it no longer opens properly. I can’t find anything that would work from big box hardware stores…”source ↗
“Have this rotting louver vent and need to replace. Not sure if this has to be custom ordered or how it’s secured behind the brick.”source ↗
“The screw gear at the end with a handle has become stripped, and then no longer catches.”source ↗
“Went to Home Depot there was only 9 1/2 armed operator.”source ↗
“Do I buy the 9 1/2 and buy a new track? Or is there some where I can find very similar if not the same piece?”source ↗
“Having a hell of a time finding a replacement. Don't want to replace the shower curtain rod system if I can help it.”source ↗
“My bathroom fan needs to be replaced but apparently Kenmore doesn't make bathroom fans anymore”source ↗
“And I can not find a replacement at least not one I am confident about.”source ↗
“I really dont want to have to have a new one installed.”source ↗
“I am having a hard time with determining the model, but I can tell it’s a Broan/Nutone exhaust fan.”source ↗
“I tried to find exact replacement and unfortunately couldn’t (it’s more than 30 years old). The gate valve replacement Available at big box is shorter than this one(2 1/2” vs 2.07”) what do you recommend?”source ↗
“I can’t seem to find a place to buy the pin only.”source ↗
“In the process 24 tiles were destroyed. We are now 3 tiles short.”source ↗
“We don’t know how to fix the problem.”source ↗
“Do we think we could find someone to repaint plain tiles? We are desperate!”source ↗
“It is in urgent need of replacing the interlocking weatherstripping, but the available parts from Andersen officially only work for the current generation or for the previous models starting 1982.”source ↗
“Andersen customer service tells me those won’t work for my door but I can’t figure out why. Before I order and potentially waste my money, does anyone know if (even with some minor modifications), any of these should work”source ↗
“I cannot find a replacement anywhere.”source ↗
“What is this window trim plastic, and how do I order it?”source ↗
“I live in a small remote town, and can’t entice a real contractor with such a small job.”source ↗
“What is this plastic called, how do I install it, and how do I order it?”source ↗
“I’m looking for a brushed nickel kitchen faucet with pull out sprayer. Everything seems to be “brushed stainless” anymore. I want the warmer undertone that brushed nickel has to offer.”source ↗
“Anyone know of a brand that still offers this finish in a kitchen faucet?”source ↗
“does the replacement faucet/handle need to be specific to this? I've tried doing searches for what would be considered 'compatible' but keep getting conflicting results.”source ↗
“The original one I had before isn't manufactured anymore (early 2000's), and I'm curious if the external cover/handles are a bit more universal for this?”source ↗
“when something breaks (HVAC, water heater, washer/dryer, whatever) and you want to fix it yourself, how do you actually find the right manual and the right part? I've had situations where the model number is worn off, or I find a part online but I'm not 100% sure it fits.”source ↗
“I am thinkign if the AC fails at a time when its supposed to be working the hardest, I want to make sure I have the correct replacement on hand because a lot of time is wasted when the AC repair man tries to order it and it takes weeks.”source ↗
“We cannot have the AC down for that long, it impacts the business big time. So I want to just keep a few and was wondering where would be a good place where I could source this kind of stuff from?”source ↗
“TXV is recommended but I’ve had one supplier mostly stop stocking piston coils (so they say) because of that.”source ↗
“I took it out and cleaned it real good. I don’t see anything bent. The set screw is on good. It sends this sound through all the ductwork and it’s pretty noisy.”source ↗
“I've been trying to find proper OEM replacement ECM motors for the air handlers but can't find any that spin the correct direction.”source ↗
“Have they just stopped making motors that spin this way?”source ↗
“If someone would link a compatible thermocouple and not the Ashley hearth dvag unit that don't ship to my area, that would be great.”source ↗
“How are you sizing pistons for 454b? We were going to try one the other day because of circumstances but ended up robbing a txv from a new coil.”source ↗
“I get a parts quote and it’s 31,000$CAD. Not that cool!”source ↗
“The gaskets for each side of the wheel are 2000+ each. Has anyone been able to source something like that from a general gasket and seal shop?”source ↗
“Our living area is soaking wet and it’s going to rain again tonight. I cannot find a replacement part online and my local HVAC company was no help.”source ↗
“There a place to buy just the ecm for this thing? It’s a 21 year old furnace so everything on ebay is pretty old….”source ↗
“Yesterday I was walking though the basement, and noticed a puddle near the tankless hot water heater/boiler... I was dismayed to find that it was the boiler dripping”source ↗
“Any ideas on what this rusty part is and if I can get one?”source ↗
“is there any way to get parts for this? If so, what would this fitting be called? Looking in the repair manuals, I'm not seeing a detailed parts list/diagram”source ↗
“Even important stuff like control boards I have had to send in for repairs on as recent as ~2015ish units because they are no longer made, none are available used on ebay, and even calling thermador/bosch they just say "they are discontinued".”source ↗
“parts for many models almost non existent unless used on Ebay or pulled out of a dead unit.”source ↗
“Turns out that the conversion kit for this model has been discontinued as well as the replacement part for the original discontinuation.”source ↗
“I'm already out $300 for the new stove that has been mostly converted to LP. I don't have the extra money to hire a professional... and I definitely don't have money to buy another new stove.”source ↗
“Can someone direct me to maybe a rebuild kit for the transmission and/or individual pieces to make my own rebuild kit?”source ↗
“That seal for the tub is no longer available and the aftermarket ones don’t last.”source ↗
“I figured replacing the gasket would be a good place to start, but I have no idea where to find one for this freezer.”source ↗
“Hoping someone here can point me in the right direction for finding a replacement gasket.”source ↗
“Can anyone find this part online? Does the updated one not have the gear?”source ↗
“I recently replaced a spray arm that subbed to one without the gear in it.”source ↗
“Glass screen broke on washing machine door I ordered the wrong parts. I thought it was the right part now I’m back to square one going to return The wrong part but need to order the right part. Can anyone help me?”source ↗
“Of course, I cannot find the entire part, but I'm wondering if there is any way I could try to just replace the probe part and see if that might fix the problem.”source ↗
“This is on a basement storm window from the 60's. Window installs from the outside and this part on the inside turns against a small peg on the frame and pulls the window in tight. Where can I get these?”source ↗
“You are probably going to have a hard time finding an exact match.”source ↗
“Problem is this is a discontinued part. The dealership is refusing to replace it due to the only available parts being a non-OEM part.”source ↗
“I am in need of new engine mounts, especially the front. I am having a hell of a time trying to find anything thats halfway decent”source ↗
“Toyota discontinued the parts (probably years ago), so OEM is not an option. Pretty much my only options are MTC, DEA, Anchor, or whatever else odd-ball brand ebay has. Im getting pretty desperate, but just looking for suggestions.”source ↗
“I recently bought a used countertop dishwasher (comfee CDC22P1BBB) off of facebook marketplace and of course it’s missing pieces.”source ↗
“I’m trying to see it’s something I can just get by itself or if I have to buy a whole new quick connect with all the hosing and everything because that all I can seem to find.”source ↗
“Sorry if it’s a dumb question. But could really use some help.”source ↗
“I’m trying to find a replacement and get rid of this acrylic handle set.”source ↗
“I believe it’s the 1960 models but honestly that’s just a guess.”source ↗
“I posted already about needing a thermostaic valve (maybe part number 20150923) but I also have a Shower cartridge in the same system that needs replaced.”source ↗
“The one on the bottom has completely eroded over time and no longer useable. I’ve searched the internet for the same screw but can’t find any and I’m thinking now I might have to buy a completely new shower cubicle.”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
- 2Where to find specific replacement parts for broken fixtures
- 47How to know which replacement part code to buy
- 5Can't buy replacement OEM parts for damaged equipment
- 9How to find discontinued car restoration parts
- 5Finding reliable appliance parts when originals are unavailable
- 5How to find appliance model number when the label is missing