Not that long ago I recieved a broken 17" monitor for free. Being the poor bastard that I am, I decided that I would try and fix it.

The problem with the monitor turned out to be some cracked/broken solder connections, which were easily fixed. The problem came when the same connections came loose again some time later.

I determined the problem to be with overheating. After several hours the case of the monitor would become warm enough that touching it was almost painful.

Rather than get a new monitor, I dug through my spare parts and found an old PC fan, a 9v adaptor, and an old switch.

The problem came when I needed my tools. During my last move (getting throwed out) I left behind most of my better tools, including my drill bits and drill. How, do you ask, does one make holes in plastic without any drill bits?

I was able to cut into the top of the case enough to get the hole for the fan using a utility knife and a needle nose pliers. Then I decided that I should install the switch too.... I didnt' really NEED it, but I had it and felt like using it :)

You are NOT seeing this:

It turned out that the soldering iron at its widest point was exactly the same size as the switch. Yes, I did this on purpose. Yes, the smell of burning plastic is still hanging in my kitchen.

After that it was only a matter of hooking up the wires correctly and making sure they didn't short out.

Just a word of advice: If you ever use a soldering iron to melt anything other than solder (and I DONT recommend it), then make sure you can get it clean right away. After the smoke cleared, and the noxious fumes left the room, I found myself with a very difficult mess on my hands: