
The Secret Life of Components
2021•10.0/10
Documentary
Ratings
🎬TMDb
10.0/10(1)
Coinciding with the release of the remastered original episodes of The Secret Life Of Machines, Tim Hunkin began a self-produced spiritual successor called The Secret Life of Components. It explores some of the individual parts that so often make up the appliances and machines that were the focus of the original series. The weekly episodes included what Hunkin has learned through his experience with the component, along with many models for demonstration and examples from his amusement machines and other works.
Language
EN
Status
Returning Series
First Aired
March 3, 2021
Last Aired
July 18, 2025
Networks
YouTube
Created By
Tim Hunkin
Trailers & Videos
Where to Watch
Region US · Lang EN
US
No providers available for this region.
Seasons & Episodes
Select a season to view episodes. Reddit links may contain spoilers.
Season

E1
Chain and Belts
Air date: 2021-03-03
Explores chains and belts, including demonstrations of different types of roller chain, round and toothed belts

E2
LEDs
Air date: 2021-03-10
LED history, brightness and color, use in diorama, addressable LED strips, and power LEDs for home lighting

E3
Hinges
Air date: 2021-03-17
An overview of different types of hinges and their usage around the home and in machinery.

E4
Switches
Air date: 2021-03-25
An overview on how electrical switches work, and how to use microswitches for sensing and power switching in projects.

E5
Springs
Air date: 2021-04-01
Explores springs, their manufacture, properties, and several different types of springs with their use cases

E6
Connectors
Air date: 2021-04-08
A wide variety of connectors are shown and their operation explained, including their benefits, drawbacks and how they may be used in equipment

E7
Glue
Air date: 2021-04-15
Explores different types of glue, their properties and uses

E8
Bearings
Air date: 2021-04-22
A wide variety of bearings, bushes, and races are explained with their uses and properties including materials and lubrication
























