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 people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
- 1Searching online links and community lists for specialty hardware products
- 2Searching appliance parts websites for discontinued models
- 3Buying pre-programmed replacement units from specialized third-party services like Flagship One
- 4Asking if someone can repaint plain tiles to match
- 5visiting a local hardware store with the hose or faucet head for sizing
- 6buying an entire replacement set that includes the hosing and quick connect
- 7Replacing the entire exterior box cover
- 8Leaving the cover as it is with one missing pin
- 9Buying used or working parts on eBay
- 10Pulling parts out of dead or discarded units
- 11Sending electronic control boards in for specialized third-party repairs
- 12Remove the vent to salvage and rebuild it, focusing on repairing the rotted trim pieces.
- 13Buying universal thermocouples from local home improvement stores like Home Depot
- 14Ordering universal parts from online supply sites like supplyhouse.com
- 15Searching specialty manufacturers or lesser-known brands that still produce the finish
- 16searching ebay and other reselling sites
- 17considering using a different model's conversion kit
- 18Buying a used replacement machine from a charity shop
- 19robbing a txv from a new coil
- 20using low tier brand suppliers up north
- 21switching to TXV systems
- 22Searching online marketplaces or plumbing supply houses for vintage parts
- 23Using trim adapter kits and specialized removal tools
- 24Limping the equipment along while searching for more cost-effective options
- 25Considering sourcing parts from a general gasket and seal shop
- 26fabricate something
- 27replace the flue stack entirely
- 28Taking the old handle off and going to the store to find a matching one physically
- 29Searching online for models matching the specific cartridge
- 30Buying aftermarket brands like MTC, DEA, or Anchor
- 31Searching through odd-ball sellers on eBay or dusty warehouse websites
- 32Considering fabricating custom replacement mounts
- 33Contact a local shower door company for alternative parts.
- 34picking up a slightly newer Whirlpool direct drive
- 35Searching for used parts on online marketplaces like eBay
- 36Cleaning the component and checking set screws
In their words
Unedited, most upvoted first, 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 ↗
“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 ↗
“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 ↗
“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 ↗
“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’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 ↗
“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 ↗
“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 ↗
“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 $300 for the new stove that has been mostly converted to LP. I don't have the extra money to hire a professional... and I definitely don't have money to buy another new stove.”source ↗
“Can someone direct me to maybe a rebuild kit for the transmission and/or individual pieces to make my own rebuild kit?”source ↗
“That seal for the tub is no longer available and the aftermarket ones don’t last.”source ↗
“I've been trying to find proper OEM replacement ECM motors for the air handlers but can't find any that spin the correct direction.”source ↗
“Have they just stopped making motors that spin this way?”source ↗
“If someone would link a compatible thermocouple and not the Ashley hearth dvag unit that don't ship to my area, that would be great.”source ↗
“How are you sizing pistons for 454b? We were going to try one the other day because of circumstances but ended up robbing a txv from a new coil.”source ↗
“I get a parts quote and it’s 31,000$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 ↗
“I can’t seem to find a place to buy the pin only.”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 ↗
Where this came up
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