Fixing something after it gets damaged or broken.
For questions about repairing things after they get damaged or broken.
Related tags
maintenance for questions about proper upkeep so that things don't break.
Questions tagged [repair]
1868 questions
53
votes
5 answers
How can I fix electrical outlets that don't "hold" plugs that are plugged in to them?
In short, most of the outlets in my house have one working receptacle and one that any cord plugged in will immediately slip out of. Some of my outlets don't have any working receptacles (I hope I'm using the right terminology here).
Is there any…
Chris Sobolewski
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31
votes
8 answers
How do I rehang a wooden door with worn screw holes?
I have a wood door in one of my rooms where the top screws no longer hold the hinge to the wall because the screw holes have worn loose. I have tried slightly larger screws and filling with wood toothpicks, which usually lasts about a year.
I…
user2278
29
votes
10 answers
What are the most important things to check/do after buying a home?
We are in the process of purchasing a home that is over 20 years old. What are some of the most important things we should check/patch/do right away to make sure the home is running correctly and efficiently?
We live in Canada, so keep in mind that…
Mario
- 525
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24
votes
4 answers
How do I fix a hole in drywall?
There is a hole in my drywall from a doorknob repeatedly hitting it, is there a straightforward way to fix it?
Robert Greiner
- 445
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- 9
24
votes
7 answers
How can I repair rusty tools?
Should I use sandpaper to clean the rust from the tools (e.g. Needle-nose pliers), or can I soak them in vinegar or lemon juice?
Would I be better off just buying new tools (which can be an expensive choice for expensive tools)?
Larry Morries
- 485
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23
votes
11 answers
What should we look for when buying a fixer-upper house?
My fiance and I are considering buying a fixer-upper house rather than an apartment when we get married.
Obviously things like location, neighbors etc. are important, but; what should we be looking for in terms of fixing it up ourselves? Neither of…
BlueRaja - Danny Pflughoeft
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22
votes
11 answers
How can I fix a garbage disposal with crushed glass in it?
I have a garbage disposal that had a shot glass fall in. It got ground up. The disposal got jammed; I unjammed it and now it makes a glass grinding noise because of the shards inside.
How do I clear the glass?
What do I need to do to fix this?
kacalapy
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22
votes
10 answers
How can I fill a screw hole so it can be used again?
My dishwasher attaches to the cabinets on the side via a screw. This hole has become a little stripped, is there a way to fill it in and then screw in to it again? I can't change the location of where the dishwasher attaches.
Michael
- 909
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20
votes
7 answers
How do I safely replace a worn out electrical outlet?
I have a number of outlets that are old and worn out (plugs fall out of them mainly.)
Obviously I need to turn off the breaker to replace them safely.
Any guidance on how to rewire them, how to properly ground the new one, and how to safely test…
JoshReedSchramm
- 415
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- 8
19
votes
12 answers
How can I repair a puncture in a hollow-core wooden door?
Someone punched my wooden door. Now it has a giant dent in it.
The dent is similar to this one. Fortunately, it's a bit less severe than this. How can I "pop" the dent back out?
Shaun Wild
- 301
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17
votes
14 answers
How do I repair/prevent woodpecker holes in cedar siding?
What is the best way to patch woodpecker holes and deter the woodpeckers from returning?
I was thinking of filling the holes with Great Stuff, having the house sprayed inside/outside for insects and buying some fake owls. Thoughts?
themerlinproject
- 445
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17
votes
13 answers
How can I get a bolt with no head out of my wall?
I tried to screw this bolt into a stud to secure a 2x4. The hex head snapped off, and now the bolt is stuck. I managed to slide off the 2x4, but I have no idea how to extract the bolt. IIRC it's a 6" long, 1/4" wide bolt with about 5 inches in the…
Elliot G
- 285
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- 5
17
votes
9 answers
How can I seal 8 inch round holes in my siding?
There is a nor'Easter coming today. What's a quick fix? My first home and just closed a few days ago! Help please.
The hole is 8 inches in diameter or so.
DIYgal
- 171
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- 4
16
votes
7 answers
How do I repair a curtain rod anchor that was ripped out of the wall?
My children managed to pull on the curtains hard enough to yank the bracket which attached the curtain rod to the wall out. What is the best way to repair this?
Here's what it looks like:
Shane
- 716
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- 14
16
votes
1 answer
A plastic tab/tag stuck out of the GE dryer drum gap. Does anyone know what it is, if it is a part of the dryer, and if so how I can fix it?
I have owned a GE dryer for about 5 years, and just last week this tab/tag stuck out of the gap near the dryer door and is starting to snag on clothing. I tried pushing it back in but it just came back out again. Does anyone know what it is/how I…
Eluchel
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