Most of us are familiar with the mantra ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’, but how many of us can honestly say that we would always choose to fix something rather than simply buy a new version? With such easy access to new goods at low prices, it can be very tempting to just do a couple of quick clicks and have a replacement on its way within minutes, but this throwaway attitude is having a huge impact on the environment.

In this article, we look at why repairing rather than replacing is so important and we provide a comprehensive list of everything you need in a home repair kit.

The environmental impact of throwing things away

Every year, millions of tons of household items are discarded, contributing to overflowing landfills and environmental pollution. Many of these items can take hundreds of years to decompose and often while they sit there in the ground they not only take up space but can also leak toxic chemicals into the ground, impacting plant and animal life too.

a pile of garbage sitting next to a bus

By choosing to repair rather than replace, we can significantly reduce the volume of waste we generate. Repairing items has a double benefit too – not only do we reduce the amount of stuff going to landfill, we also save the costs and environmental impact of producing the new goods.

Get organized – repairing essentials

One thing that can put people off making repairs is simply not having the right tools for the job. Often the task itself is very simple – replacing a screw for example – but if you don’t have the right kit then the chances are you’re going to just shrug your shoulders and order something new online.

red and black cordless power drill beside black and red cordless power drill

 

Take the time now to create a repair kit so that the next time something breaks you’re ready to tackle the problem. You could also invest in a DIY manual or familiarise yourself with some useful YouTube videos, just in case you need some extra instruction. You can expand on this kit of course to incorporate other areas. For example, if you’re working on creating a more sustainable wardrobe then you could have a separate kit for clothes.

A really comprehensive repair kit could include the following, kept together in one place ideally in a sturdy bag or toolbox:

Basic Tools

  • Phillips head screwdriver
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Precision screwdriver set for smaller tasks
  • Claw hammer for driving nails and pulling them out
  • Pliers 
  • Adjustable wrench (crescent wrench)
  • Allen wrench (hex key) set
  • Socket wrench set
  • Tape measure
  • Retractable utility knife with spare blades
  • 9-inch torpedo level for ensuring straight and level surfaces

Fixings and glue

  • Assorted sizes of nails and screws
  • Various sizes of wall anchors for hanging heavy items on drywall
  • Wood glue
  • Super glue
  • Epoxy glue
  • Porcelain glue for ceramic repairs
  • Duct tape
  • Electrical tape
  • Painter’s tape
  • Double-sided tape

Electrical supplies

  • Wire cutters/strippers for cutting and stripping electrical wires
  • Voltage tester
  • Wire nuts and crimp connectors
  • A heavy-duty extension cord for reaching distant outlets

Plumbing supplies

  • Plumber’s tape for sealing pipe threads
  • Pipe wrench
  • Plunger for unclogging drains and toilets

Painting and finishing supplies

  • Paint brushes and rollers in assorted sizes for touch-ups and small painting projects
  • Various grits of sandpaper for smoothing surfaces
  • Putty knife for applying and smoothing spackle or putty
  • Spackle for filling small holes and cracks in walls

Miscellaneous Items

  • Safety goggles
  • Work gloves
  • A bright, reliable flashlight or headlamp
  • Batteries in assorted sizes for household devices and the flashlight
  • Superglue remover for safely removing excess glue or accidents
  • WD-40 or similar multi-use lubricant for squeaky hinges and stuck bolts
  • Assorted zip ties for bundling cables and securing items

By assembling a well-rounded repair kit, you’ll be prepared to tackle a wide variety of household repairs and maintenance tasks efficiently and effectively. Having everything stored properly makes all the difference and always keep your kit where it’s easily accessible – if you have to get the loft ladder down and start searching in a far corner of the attic then you may well never get around to making the repair!

Don’t be put off though if this feels like a lot – you can start small and build up your repair kit over time. And remember, even if you can’t fix something yourself, it doesn’t mean it’s not fixable. More and more communities are starting up repair cafes now, where you can take items along to be fixed by someone else, so that’s always worth checking too.

Published by HOLR Magazine.

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