When assembling something, or buying a new product, do you read the instructions?

With technology, I have a real problem understanding instructions that come with a product.
Nowadays however, many firms do not have instruction and you have to look it up online.

I find that doing this and search for one specific problem is far easier and it seems to be explained better than when it is in a printed form!

e.g. I bought a new camera with a thick book of instructions, and I actually almost freak out when I see these large books -the other is my new car -the book is so thick it would take weeks to read, so I don't.

Occasionally if I am assembling furniture I will look as they have drawings.

by Finy

I do tend to read instructions when I have something new.I rarely buy items which need to be assembled.I prefer to spend a bit more on (usually) better quality items which are already made and okay to use immediately!

by Jules

Yes!

I'm tired of my sons 'winging it'! and screws and the like are always left over.
If I can't put it together myself, I won't buy it.

I have had sooo many so called conversations with my sons, saying for them to read the instructions....''Oh it will be right''!

That really makes me see red.

by jonaja

But Jonaj,. they are a different vintage from us, and they understand more than us! AND they really do and can do things without reading instructions!!!

How come I have screws and the like left over...that should have been used in assembling?...when no spares were give, as per the instructions I read later...No they are lazy, and think they know it all....that's the sad thing.

I look at the instructions but my husband tends to just guess

by AJ

I read the instructions after I get it wrong.

by Gia

LOL Gia -actually come to think of it, I also do this!

I have to. I am very particular about this, and feel anxious if I don't read the instructions.

by Vee

Bought Kitchen Table flat pack from Ikea.
I nearly fainted, as husband ACTUALLY read instructions firstly! Usually last thing he does!
He got it assembled, with my help, without any dramas!

It's white, good height, & solid! Fits perfectly into its' small, allocated space! Yay!

by donjo

Yes, and No. First check that all the bits are included then have a quick scan of what goes where. When I get stuck, then I refer to the instructions, but I like the challenge of seeing if I can get it together without having to refer to the How-To sheet. :-)

by sjcmm

I have a problem with assembling stuff. My late husband, however, was great at any handyman stuff. Being an engineer he was precise about every job he did in the house or garden, which would drive me nuts sometimes as he could take forever doing something. I have to admit though it was always a perfect job so shouldn't have complained really.

by norma

Sorry, meant to say husband never read instructions, did it off the top of his head. I don't think men like to be told what to do - just think about who asks for directions in your family, I bet it isn't the husband. We woman have no problem with that.

I tend to read instructions as it does save time and can sort out any misunderstandings right from the start... I will read and reread mind you just to make sure LOL

by brigi

Yes...up to the time my eyes glaze over....then I pass the instructions to my husband who thoroughly enjoys this type of thing.

by wotsy

Yes but I always struggle to understand them, sometimes I think they make the instructions difficult to understand.
Farley

by farle

Yes but quite often throw the instructions away as they are often long winded or do not have a lateral way or meaning.
Sadly products from China are often the worst and I wonder if the instructions are deliberately miss-leading.
Farley

by farle

I hate reading ANY instructions for anything, so I hand them over to my husband to read! (Yes, I know I'm a very, very lazy!)

by Miro