修補鑊蓋 Reviving the Lid of a Wok
最近，鑊蓋的手柄斷了。這個鑊購自香港，已經服務了我們十幾廿年，堅固耐用，且不容易在英國買到，所以自然地，我想到要修復它而不是重新買一個鑊；況且自己畢竟是個DIY狂熱份子嘛！還有，這個鑊仍好端端的，僅因為手柄斷裂就整個丟棄，未免太浪費了吧？即使只重新買一個鑊蓋，我也覺得有負於環保。
The handle on the lid of our wok recently broke. This wok, purchased in Hong Kong, has served us faithfully for two decades. It is sturdy and useful, and not easily found in the UK. The decision to repair rather than replace became a natural one, especially for a DIY lover like me. After all, discarding the wok solely because of a broken handle seemed wasteful. Even buying a new lid alone felt like neglecting our responsibility to the environment.
我仔細檢查鑊蓋，發現手柄的螺絲斷成了兩截。這顆螺絲本來是焊接在鑊蓋上的，因此我第一個念頭是將其重新焊接。可是，單單為了這次修復而刻意去學燒焊，未免太「大陣象」了吧！於是我改用另一方法，在鑊蓋上鑽一個洞，插入新的螺絲來重新固定手柄。然而，用電動鑽在不鏽鋼上鑽孔，比我預期中難，結果我求助於傳統工具──鎚子和螺絲批──在鑊蓋上錐開了一個洞。
Upon inspection, I noticed that the screw of the handle had snapped in half. It was originally welded onto the lid. My initial idea was to weld it back. However, trying to acquire welding skills just for this repair seemed excessive. So I tried a different approach and drilled a hole on the lid for inserting a new screw. Yet drilling through stainless steel with my electric drill was more challenging than anticipated. Finally, I resorted to good old hand tools – a hammer and a screwdriver – and successfully broken open a hole in the lid.
由於原來的螺絲斷了，我需要一顆新螺絲，以及符合螺絲大小的新手柄。我從一個之前留下來的舊煲蓋，拆下手柄搬過來用，既環保又經濟實惠！
Since the original screw was broken, I needed a new one – and a new handle that suits the size of the screw. Rather than buying a new handle, I salvaged one from an old pan pot that had seen better days. Recycling the handle proved not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly.
大功告成！這個鑊可以重新啟用了！與此同時，那個無手柄的玻璃煲蓋則找到了新用途，成為了盆栽在寒冷天氣下的保護罩。
Voilà, mission accomplished! Now our wok was ready to resume its role in the kitchen. Meanwhile, the old, handleless pot cover found a new purpose as protection for a plant pot during cold weather.
在這個鼓吹即棄物品、迅速丟棄東西的世代，花時間修復重用、選擇可持續生活方式，為我帶來很大滿足感。憑著一點創意，珍貴物品可以繼續成為生活一部份許多許多年。所以，在扔掉那件舊東西前，考慮一下DIY復修的可能性吧！結果可能會令你感到驚訝呢！
In a world that often encourages disposable goods and quick replacements, taking the time to repair and repurpose can be a fulfilling and sustainable choice. With a bit of creativity and resourcefulness, cherished items can continue to be a part of our lives for years to come. So, before you toss out that broken item, consider the possibility of a DIY revival – you might just be surprised at the results!
