The Issue:

Restricting Access to Parts, Tools, and Documentation

Manufacturers are blocking your right to repair by restricting access to parts, tools, and manuals. Here’s why that matters.

What’s the Problem?

Manufacturers are increasingly limiting access to the critical parts, tools, and documentation needed to fix products you own. This means:

  • You may not be able to repair your broken smartphone, laptop, or farm equipment, even though the fix is simple.

  • Independent repair shops are often shut out, leaving you with fewer and more expensive options.

  • Consumers are forced into replacing products entirely because the parts and tools aren’t made available.

Consumers

Without access to parts, tools, and manuals, you’re forced to rely on expensive manufacturer repair services, often paying far more than you would at an independent shop. In some cases, repair isn’t an option at all, leaving you to buy a completely new device.

Who does this hurt?

Consumers, farmers, and professional repair shops are all feeling the pain of restricted access to parts, tools, and repair documentation.

Farmers

For farmers, restricted access to parts and tools for agricultural equipment can mean the difference between a successful season and crop failure. If a tractor breaks down during harvest, waiting for a manufacturer-authorized repair can delay vital work and result in costly downtime.

Repair Professionals

Small, independent repair businesses are being squeezed out as they lose the ability to access parts and tools, limiting their ability to serve customers and compete with manufacturers’ expensive repair services.

Why It Matters

  • When you can’t fix things locally, you pay more. Manufacturer repair services are often far more expensive than independent options, and when repairs aren’t available, you’re forced to buy a new product entirely.

  • By restricting access, manufacturers eliminate competition in the repair market. This leaves consumers with fewer options, often forcing them into long waits and higher prices at manufacturer service centers.

  • Restricting repair pushes consumers toward replacing products more frequently, contributing to electronic waste. When devices or machinery can’t be repaired easily, they end up in landfills. According to the FTC, Americans throw away over 416,000 cellphones every day, contributing to growing levels of toxic waste.

What’s the Solution?

Open access to parts, tools, and repair manuals is a critical step toward fixing this problem.