Topics › Engineering, Transport & Making

Best Mechanical & precision engineering videos, as recommended on Hacker News

118 videos about mechanical & precision engineering that Hacker News commenters keep recommending, mentioned between 2010 and 2026. Mostly explainer, demo, documentary. Channels that come up most: Technology Connections, Veritasium, Dan Gelbart, Stuff Made Here. Sorted by how consistently HN recommended them over the years.

The most recommended is Around The Corner - How Differential Steering Works (1937): Held up as a marvel of pedagogy and the best explanation of differentials, recommended again and again.

• explainerAround The Corner - How Differential Steering Works (1937)US Auto Industry · 17 HN recommenders · 2013–2024
• explainerDetergent packs are kinda wishy-washy (Dishwashers Explained)Technology Connections · 15 HN recommenders · 2021–2025
• documentaryMechanical Computer (All Parts) - Basic Mechanisms In Fire Control ComputersExcelsior10000 · 13 HN recommenders · 2014–2025
• explainerThe Antique Toaster that's Better than YoursTechnology Connections · 12 HN recommenders · 2019–2025
• tutorialU.S. NAVY BASIC MECHANISMS OF FIRE CONTROL COMPUTERS MECHANICAL COMPUTER INSTRUCTIONAL FILM 27794PeriscopeFilm · 11 HN recommenders · 2018–2026
• explainerThe Ingenious Design of the Aluminum Beverage Canengineerguy · 9 HN recommenders · 2016–2026
• documentaryOrigins of PrecisionMachine Thinking · 11 HN recommenders · 2019–2025
• talkElevator Hacking: From the Pit to the PenthouseDeviantOllam · 9 HN recommenders · 2014–2026
• explainer(1/4) Intro/History: Introducing a 100-year-old mechanical computerengineerguy · 6 HN recommenders · 2015–2023
• commentaryThe Hyperloop: BUSTED!Thunderf00t · 7 HN recommenders · 2016–2023
• talkDEF CON 22 - Deviant Ollam & Howard Payne - Elevator Hacking - From the Pit to the PenthouseDEFCONConference · 5 HN recommenders · 2016–2026
• talk[HOPE X] Elevator Hacking: From the Pit to the Penthousethemarimbaincident · 4 HN recommenders · 2014–2023
• tutorialHow Differential Gear works (BEST Tutorial)ConceptVBS · 5 HN recommenders · 2013–2020
• documentaryBuilding The World's First Computer - Greeks, Clocks and Rockets - Antikythera Mechanism Episode 1Clickspring · 7 HN recommenders · 2018–2024
• explainerOld-fashioned rice cookers are extremely cleverTechnology Connections · 6 HN recommenders · 2020–2025
• explainerOld pinball machines are amazingly complexTechnology Connections · 6 HN recommenders · 2023–2026
• explainerThe Most Powerful Computers You've Never Heard OfVeritasium · 6 HN recommenders · 2021–2025
• explainerSpinning Levers - How A Transmission Works (1936)US Auto Industry · 5 HN recommenders · 2018–2026
• lectureControl Bootcamp: OverviewSteve Brunton · 4 HN recommenders · 2020–2023
• explainerDrip Coffee Makers — super simple, super cheapTechnology Connections · 7 HN recommenders · 2022–2024
• explainerIBM Selectric Typewriter & its digital to analogue converterengineerguy · 4 HN recommenders · 2016–2025
• explainerIs SpaceX's Raptor engine the king of rocket engines?Everyday Astronaut · 4 HN recommenders · 2019–2022
• demoBOLTR: DYSON HAIR DRYER. Is it WORTH the MONEY?AvE · 4 HN recommenders · 2017–2023
• explainerMost People Don't Know How Bikes WorkVeritasium · 7 HN recommenders · 2021–2025
• courseBuilding Prototypes Dan Gelbart part 1 of 18 IntroductionDan Gelbart · 4 HN recommenders · 2015–2022
• otherGiant Robot Project, Part 1Jaimie Stuff · 3 HN recommenders · 2011–2020
• comedy"Turbo Encabulator" the OriginalDave Rondot · 4 HN recommenders · 2016–2026
• tutorialClockmaking - How To Make A Clock In The Home Machine Shop - Part 1 - Making The Clock FramesClickspring · 3 HN recommenders · 2017–2024
• demo[1299] Unpickable Locks From Stuff Made HereLockPickingLawyer · 5 HN recommenders · 2021–2022
• documentaryThe Fastest Maze-Solving Competition On EarthVeritasium · 5 HN recommenders · 2023–2024
• talkConstruction of the 10000 year clock - Alexander Rose (SETI Talks)SETI Institute · 3 HN recommenders · 2015–2019
• explainerKSP Doesn't Teach: Rocket Engine PlumbingScott Manley · 3 HN recommenders · 2019–2019
• explainerHow to achieve nanometer precision in space?Breaking Taps · 4 HN recommenders · 2022–2026
• explainerWhy Machines That Bend Are BetterVeritasium · 3 HN recommenders · 2019–2021
• documentaryThe Secret Life of the Vacuum Cleaner - Remasteredtim hunkin · 3 HN recommenders · 2021–2026
• explainerPrius Hybrid Drive ExplainedNiels Blaauw · 3 HN recommenders · 2019–2024
• documentaryA4 / V2 Rocket in detail: TurbopumpAstronomy and Nature TV · 3 HN recommenders · 2019–2022
• explainerHow does a Bowling Pinsetter Machine work? (Brunswick GS-X)Jared Owen · 4 HN recommenders · 2023–2026
• documentaryPipe Organ (5-story instrument)Rob Scallon · 3 HN recommenders · 2023–2026
• lectureUnderstanding the Toyota RAV4 HybridWeberAuto · 3 HN recommenders · 2023–2026
• demoPrimitive Technology: Cord drill and Pump drillPrimitive Technology · 3 HN recommenders · 2016–2018
• documentaryThe 1751 Machine that Made EverythingMachine Thinking · 2 HN recommenders · 2020–2023
• explainerAdam Savage's Epiphany on the Science of Measurement!Adam Savage’s Tested · 3 HN recommenders · 2022–2023
• demoTWO Unpickable (?) Locks for Lock Picking Lawyer!Stuff Made Here · 3 HN recommenders · 2021–2022
• explainerTesla Is Lightyears Ahead Of... TeslaSuperfastMatt · 3 HN recommenders · 2022–2026
• documentaryThe Secret Life of Machines - Vacuum Cleaners 1/2Buddy Runyan · 3 HN recommenders · 2017–2020
• demoAutomatic Bullseye, MOVING DartboardMark Rober · 2 HN recommenders · 2017–2020
• explainerThe Insane Engineering of James Webb TelescopeReal Engineering · 3 HN recommenders · 2021–2022
• explainerWhy Starting A Rocket Engine Is So Hard!Everyday Astronaut · 3 HN recommenders · 2023–2026
• demoI sent robot forgeries to a handwriting expertStuff Made Here · 3 HN recommenders · 2024–2026
• explainerI thought this rotating house was impossible.Tom Scott · 4 HN recommenders · 2023–2024
• explainerCan Spinlaunch Throw Rockets Into Space?Scott Manley · 2 HN recommenders · 2021–2022
• explainerThe Computer-free Automation of a Jukebox (Electromechanics)Technology Connections · 2 HN recommenders · 2020–2021
• lectureBuilding Prototypes Dan Gelbart part 10 of 18 FlexuresDan Gelbart · 2 HN recommenders · 2015–2023
• explainerUnderstanding the Honda CR-V Hybrid E-DriveWeberAuto · 2 HN recommenders · 2024–2025
• explainerThe Ridiculous Engineering Of Jet EnginesVeritasium · 2 HN recommenders · 2025–2026
• documentarySecret Life Of Machines 104 The Washing MachineRetrotv · 2 HN recommenders · 2015–2020
• demoBOLTR: KitchenAid Mixer. SURPRISE!AvE · 2 HN recommenders · 2017–2022
• demoMachine with Concrete - Arthur GansonArthur Ganson · 2 HN recommenders · 2015–2025
• tutorialThe Secret Life of components. A series of eight guides for designers and makers by Tim Hunkintim hunkin · 2 HN recommenders · 2021–2025
• demoBoeing 777 Wing Testmtthw0 · 2 HN recommenders · 2013–2023
• explainerThermoelectric cooling: it's not great.Technology Connections · 3 HN recommenders · 2025–2025
• documentaryThe Mind-Blowing Machines that Stamp Millions of Metal Parts - Smarter Every Day 288SmarterEveryDay · 2 HN recommenders · 2023–2025
• musicWintergatan - Marble Machine (music instrument using 2000 marbles)Wintergatan · 2 HN recommenders · 2018–2025
• documentaryThe Secret Life of the Radio - Remasteredtim hunkin · 2 HN recommenders · 2021–2024
• explainerCBTC: Communications-Based Train Controlmtainfo · 2 HN recommenders · 2015–2022
• lectureBuilding Prototypes Dan Gelbart part 18 of 18 DesignDan Gelbart · 2 HN recommenders · 2015–2024
• demo[1147] Locksmith Says My Videos Are BS... Loses $75 (Maybe)LockPickingLawyer · 2 HN recommenders · 2021–2022
• documentaryThe Engines That Came In From The Cold - And how The NK-33/RD-180 Came To The USAMatthew Travis · 2 HN recommenders · 2014–2021
• explainerThe Economics of Nuclear EnergyReal Engineering · 2 HN recommenders · 2020–2023
• lectureRotating Detonation Engine (RDE) -- Dynamics and BifurcationsNathan Kutz · 2 HN recommenders · 2021–2022
• lectureInternational Colloquia #26: Fusion Reactor First Wall CoolingMIT MechE Lectures & Colloquia · 2 HN recommenders · 2021–2026
• explainerHow to design an actually good toaster with lessons from the 1940'sTechnology Connections · 2 HN recommenders · 2022–2024
• explainerTesla Model 3's motor - The Brilliant Engineering behind itSabin Civil Engineering · 2 HN recommenders · 2020–2022
• demoEEVblog #854 - B52 Bomber Automatic Astro Compass TeardownEEVblog · 2 HN recommenders · 2016–2017
• demoThe 3D-Printed Curta CalculatorAdam Savage’s Tested · 2 HN recommenders · 2017–2025
• explainerForced-air Furnaces: The What, Why, and HowTechnology Connections · 2 HN recommenders · 2021–2026
• explainerWhat Is A Rotating Detonation Engine - And Why Are They Better Than Regular EnginesScott Manley · 2 HN recommenders · 2021–2024
• demo1925 Doble E-20 Steam Car - Jay Leno's GarageJay Leno's Garage · 2 HN recommenders · 2015–2024
• demoHigh precision air bearing CNC lathe and grinderDan Gelbart · 2 HN recommenders · 2019–2025
• demoTesla Valve Explained With FireNightHawkInLight · 2 HN recommenders · 2019–2021
• demoThe Antikythera Mechanism Episode 9 - Making The Epicyclic Pin and Slot GearingClickspring · 2 HN recommenders · 2020–2022
• demoThis Arcade Game is a SCAM (I have proof)Mark Rober · 2 HN recommenders · 2019–2023
• documentaryBritish Airways Boeing 747-400 in D-CheckJDProductions INC. · 2 HN recommenders · 2012–2017
• demoWorld's First Human-Powered OrnithopterOrnithopterProject · 1 HN recommender · 2012–2026
• explainerWhy it's not possible to synchronize turn signals (but also absolutely is)Technology Connections · 1 HN recommender · 2021–2024
• demoSee in complete darkness with touchStuff Made Here · 1 HN recommender · 2020–2023
• demoHow the pantorouter worksMatthiasWandel · 1 HN recommender · 2014–2020
• demoI put Koenigsegg’s freevalve tech on a Miata... It runs and drives!Wesley Kagan · 1 HN recommender · 2021–2026
• comedyRockwell Retro Encabulatorrlcarnes · 1 HN recommender · 2010–2025
• explainerBMW's Hydrogen V12 Engine Is A Hilarious Engineering StuntEngineering Explained · 2 HN recommenders · 2022–2023
• documentaryThe Future of the Internal Combustion Engine - /INSIDE KOENIGSEGGThe Drive · 1 HN recommender · 2014–2018
• explainerA simple water heater is more clever than it seemsTechnology Connections · 1 HN recommender · 2023–2025
• explainerChest Freezers; What they tell us about designing for XTechnology Connections · 1 HN recommender · 2020–2026
• demoAK47 (AKM): Mud TestInRangeTV · 1 HN recommender · 2019–2024
• demoComputational Design of Mechanical CharactersDisneyResearchHub · 1 HN recommender · 2013–2025
• explainerThe step-by-step, mechanical logic of old pinball machinesTechnology Connections · 1 HN recommender · 2024–2025
• demoAMAZING VIDEO! Man Lifts 20 Ton Block By Hand?Mystery History · 1 HN recommender · 2018–2024
• interviewElon Musk Explains SpaceX's Raptor Engine!Everyday Astronaut · 1 HN recommender · 2023–2024
• demoSurface Plate Calibration and Conditioningoxtoolco · 1 HN recommender · 2017–2020
• demoCan you fold paper more than 7 times with hydraulic pressHydraulic Press Channel · 1 HN recommender · 2016–2026
• demostrandbeest evolutiontheo jansen · 1 HN recommender · 2016–2022
• explainerWhat keeps a train on the track?BoreMeScience · 1 HN recommender · 2019–2022
• demoAR15: Mud TestInRangeTV · 1 HN recommender · 2019–2024
• demoTMS Bicycle, stable without gyros or trail (TMS=two-mass-skate)Arend Schwab · 2 HN recommenders · 2013–2019
• demoMaking an unpickable lock. Calling locksmithsStuff Made Here · 1 HN recommender · 2021–2022
• demo2009 Chevy Malibu vs 1959 Bel Air Crash Test | Consumer ReportsConsumer Reports · 1 HN recommender · 2014–2023
• demoROTATING DETONATION ENGINEIntegza · 1 HN recommender · 2022–2025
• explainerLessons from a Can OpenerTechnology Connections · 1 HN recommender · 2022–2023
• documentaryThe Life of a BoltOracle Red Bull Racing · 1 HN recommender · 2023–2026
• demoA380 Blade Off TestManuito · 1 HN recommender · 2010–2026
• demoCrash Test 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air VS. 2009 Chevrolet Malibu (Frontal Offset) IIHS 50th Anniversaryfiredemon101 · 1 HN recommender · 2011–2017
• explainerHybrid Power Split Device. eCVT transmission.David Patience · 1 HN recommender · 2023–2024
• demoThe Cubli: a cube that can jump up, balance, and 'walk'Gajamohan Mohanarajah (Gajan) · 1 HN recommender · 2016–2024
• explainerWhy Can't we Remake the Rocketdyne F1 Engine?Curious Droid · 1 HN recommender · 2019–2022
• demoMaking Money Flow: The MONIACReserve Bank of New Zealand · 1 HN recommender · 2020–2022
• demoAuthorized Personnel Only - How to Start and Sync a 400,000 Watt Turbine Hydroelectric GeneratorChris Boden · 1 HN recommender · 2024–2026
• demoAdam Savage's One Day Builds: Refrigerated Cooling Suit!Adam Savage’s Tested · 1 HN recommender · 2020–2023