Repair
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Apply mink oil to leather boots twice a year to protect them and maintain their appearance.
One person reported that boots lasted over 25 years with this method, looking like new every time.
- One user admits to not conditioning as much as they should.
one person who lived it
Apply a couple of coats of shoe polish to old or tired leather boots to restore their appearance.
It gives them a new life, though color may fade back to original after a couple of weeks.
- Polish color may not match trim.
2 people, independently
Revive faded suede shoes annually by swiping on liquid dye and letting it dry.
This makes them look brand new and can help good shoes last a decade.
one person who lived it
Buy higher-quality products even if they cost more, as they are often more serviceable long-term.
They will be more serviceable.
one person who lived it
Use gas tank sealer for waterproof and fuel-proof repairs on outdoor items like gutters or motorhome tanks.
It cures similarly to shoe glue and provides durable, waterproof/fuel-proof seals.
- It normally dries black.
one person who lived it
leather, boots, shoes, apply34
Rotate your shoes and avoid wearing the same pair every day to allow them time to relax and dry out between uses.
Stretch tight new boots by placing water balloons inside them and freezing them overnight.
Freezing water expands with enough force to stretch tough hide.
- Do not do this with plastic rain boots.
one person who lived it
Clean shoes thoroughly to restore their appearance.
It can make them look new again.
one person who lived it
Check your sneaker tread and replace them when bare.
Bare tread is bad for your feet and knees and can be dangerous due to slipping on wet surfaces.
one person who lived it
Test found or second-hand rain boots by walking in them to check for hidden holes or cracks that seep slowly.
Holes or cracks may not be visible until you walk and water slowly seeps through.
one person who lived it
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If you want to extend the life of new shoes, apply duct tape to high-wear spots and replace it every few days.
One person reported this helped extend the lifespan of their shoes.
one person who lived it
Spray new shoes with protectant and avoid wearing suede on rainy days.
Prevention is best.
one person who lived it
Rotate your shoes and avoid wearing the same pair every day to allow them time to relax and dry out between uses.
It allows the material to rest and air out, which helps the shoes last longer.
5 people, independently
Shape wet Shoe Goo with an ice cube before it dries.
The adhesive will not stick to the ice.
2 people, independently
Condition boots every three months: dry brush, wipe with a damp cloth, let dry completely without heat, apply conditioner, wait 5 minutes, then wipe off excess.
Drying with sun or heaters dehydrates the leather.
- Avoid using sun or heaters to dry them.
one person who lived it
Apply moleskin or toe shields inside the shoe where a nail rubs to prevent holes and extend shoe life.
It keeps the damage from spreading.
2 people, independently
Apply clear lacquer or clear nail polish to metal glasses frames.
Sweat corrodes copper and stains skin green.
one person who lived it
Buy leather shoes and a shining kit for longer life and easier maintenance; fake leather can also be polished.
Leather lasts longer and polishes easier than other materials.
- Leather shoes are more expensive.
one person who lived it
Use a shoehorn to slide your feet into shoes.
It prevents damage to the heel and upper material.
one person who lived it
Apply beeswax-based conditioner (e.g., Sno-Seal) the night before use and leave boots near a heater overnight.
It keeps wrinkles out and maintains waterproofing.
one person who lived it
Stuff shoes with an old shirt or cloth while cleaning or drying to help get an even layer and maintain shape.
It helps achieve an even application despite creases.
one person who lived it
Restore bare metal finishes by wire brushing, sanding with 150 grit paper, priming, and spraying with paint such as imitation chrome.
Cleaners like CLR cannot restore the finish on bare pot metal.
one person who lived it
Apply Obenauf's Heavy Duty LP with bare hands after boots are fully dry.
Body heat melts the product, helping it absorb better into the leather.
one person who lived it
Apply pressure to Shoe Goo repairs for 5-10 minutes until initial set.
One person found this worked better.
one person who lived it
Be cautious with the type of nail polish remover used on shoe soles to avoid dissolving the material.
Some removers may dissolve the sole.
one person who lived it
Apply 100% silicone clear caulk to mend holes in shoes.
It is waterproof and flexible.
one person who lived it
Oil and clean leather boots regularly to maintain their condition.
Leather needs a sealer or else you are asking for trouble.
one person who lived it
Let toenails grow slightly longer to prevent the toe itself from rubbing against the inside of the shoe.
A slightly longer nail prevents the toe from rubbing.
one person who lived it
Clean leather shoes with saddle soap before polishing to prevent dirt from mixing with the polish and looking dingy.
Saddle soap cleans without leaving shoes dried and stiff, whereas other cleaners may not work well on leather.
one person who lived it
Replace defective metal eyelets in boots with bare leather holes or higher-quality hardware to prevent laces from fraying and breaking.
Stock eyelets can be poor quality and cut or destroy laces; filing down burrs or removing them prevents this damage.
one person who lived it
Take damaged shoes to a professional cobbler for adhesive repair if you lack the right equipment.
DIY attempts without proper equipment can be difficult and costly to fix later
- Most cobblers may not repair certain shoe materials permanently
one person who lived it
Warm leather boots to room temperature before applying conditioner.
It helps the leather absorb the product better.
one person who lived it
Untie shoelaces completely before putting on and taking off shoes to prevent heel counter damage.
Putting on shoes with laces done up causes heel counter damage.
one person who lived it
Have shoes resoled before the heels and profile are completely worn down to get the most from their lifespan.
Waiting until heels and profiles are nonexistent results in lost potential lifespan, even if the shoe technically lasted several years.
one person who lived it
Air dry washed sneakers instead of using a dryer.
heat weakens glue, causes separation, and degrades synthetic soles
one person who lived it
Repaint old shoes white, add custom details like rainbow ringlets, and replace laces for a refresh.
one person who lived it
Occasionally wear stored sneakers to flex the soles and allow moisture to escape.
This prevents polyurethane hydrolysis, a breakdown caused by moisture intrusion over time.
one person who lived it
Use Magic Erasers (white sponges) to clean shoe soles instead of nail polish remover.
Nail polish remover is considered overkill.
one person who lived it
Repair damaged heels using sandpaper and Tremclad wood filler to make them wearable again.
- The repair may not be perfect.
one person who lived it
Use foam covers that stretch over bonded leather ear pads to protect them from deterioration.
one person who lived it
broken, parts, warranty, repair27
Open up broken electronics to inspect for simple issues like loose mechanical parts or disconnected wires before discarding them.
Replace the click switch on a trackball or mouse instead of buying a new one.
Buying a new one can seem wasteful.
one person who lived it
Open up broken electronics to inspect for simple issues like loose mechanical parts or disconnected wires before discarding them.
Often the issue is a minor thing, such as a loose part or wire, which can be fixed quickly.
2 people, independently
Order OEM replacement parts directly from brand-name frame manufacturers like Oakley.
It is good to have them around.
- Not quite as cheap.
one person who lived it
One approach that helped: learn to work with wood, plastic, and metal; service your own car; sew, mend, and alter clothes; and repair furniture and electronics like pianos.
It allows you to fix broken items people give away and sell them on Facebook for enough to cover costs.
one person who lived it
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Solder burnt traces on Bosch dishwasher main boards to fix drying issues instead of replacing the appliance.
The part is often no longer available, making repair a viable alternative to buying new.
one person who lived it
Learn basic sewing skills such as darning socks, fixing small tears, hemming, and altering clothes.
These skills save money and extend the life of your clothing.
one person who lived it
Contact the manufacturer of a broken bag or gear item to request free replacement clips or parts, though be aware that some users report being given a runaround instead.
Many companies will send replacements for free if you are nice when you call.
- Some users report getting a huge runaround instead of free parts.
2 people, independently
Repair house sandals with sewing thread if they are still comfortable and anti-slippery.
Buying new shoes is wasteful and uses precious resources like fossil fuels; repairing extends the life of functional items.
- Only applicable if the shoes are for indoor use and still functional
one person who lived it
Re-tension the tiny copper plate inside a mouse click module to fix double-clicking issues.
- It is delicate work.
one person who lived it
Sew together broken wallet components to refurbish it.
One person reported this extended the life of a daily-carry item for nine years.
one person who lived it
Check for hidden internal damage in a cracked phone by turning the brightness up high and squinting at the screen.
Damage underneath may not be seen without having the device taken apart.
one person who lived it
Consider purchasing a warranty plan for expensive in-ear headphones if you break them frequently.
One person replaced their headphones three times in three years under warranty, feeling they got their money's worth despite warranties often being a rip-off.
- Warranties are usually a rip-off
one person who lived it
Consider replacing iPhone batteries yourself instead of using certified repair shops if you are comfortable doing so.
It costs less than official repairs.
- Apple states these batteries can only be replaced through certified shops.
one person who lived it
Build a relationship with a local cobbler for repairs.
It is often more frugal than replacing quality shoes.
one person who lived it
Replace broken headphone jacks with new ones using a soldering iron to extend the lifespan of expensive headphones.
Buying quality and fixing it extends normal life; one person spent $6 on a jack and about 15 minutes with a soldering iron to restore their headphones.
one person who lived it
Take broken electronics to a local, independent repair shop rather than a chain store.
In one experience, these places had lower costs, warranted their work, and fixed devices on the spot.
one person who lived it
Check the brand warranty for free replacements if the shoe breaks within the warranty period.
Some brands like ASICS send a free pair if within the warranty period.
one person who lived it
Support Right to Repair legislation to ensure ownership includes the right to fix your own devices.
Manufacturers restrict self-repair under safety pretexts and inflate service costs.
one person who lived it
Replace office chair gas cylinders rather than attempting complex mechanical fixes.
Cylinders are largely interchangeable and inexpensive to buy online.
one person who lived it
Check manufacturer websites for replacement parts using the model number on the bottom tag before discarding broken furniture.
Manufacturers often offer parts, sometimes under warranty or for a low out-of-pocket cost.
one person who lived it
One approach for fixing small appliances like cat water fountains is to watch online tutorials and replace parts yourself.
one person who lived it
Avoid social news sites that redirect traffic to their front page instead of the linked article.
It is considered terrible etiquette.
one person who lived it
Prefer devices with user-replaceable batteries to extend product lifespan.
Non-replaceable batteries are a primary reason people replace old phones.
one person who lived it
Contact the shoe manufacturer to check for warranty coverage before paying for repairs.
Manufacturers may offer credit or replacements under warranty.
one person who lived it
Email the manufacturer of cast iron cookware for advice on repairing chipped enamel.
They may sell or recommend specific repair products.
one person who lived it
Combine parts from multiple broken game controllers to create functional ones.
one person who lived it
Contact the manufacturer's customer service directly with photos to request a free replacement for broken items covered by a lifetime warranty.
one person who lived it
glue, create, area, applying31
Stiffen a floppy sun hat brim by painting both sides with craft glue and weighting it flat while drying.
This method can make the brim firmer than when first bought.
one person who lived it
Use JB Weld or JB Quick Weld for repairing plastics.
JB Weld holds better than most epoxies, and JB Quick Weld dries quickly.
one person who lived it
Re-grade the road to create a crown so water drains off, preventing potholes from forming.
This is described as the way to fix the issue permanently.
one person who lived it
Do not wait to repair a windshield crack if you live in an area with snow or ice.
Heavy snow can cause cracks to spiderweb out everywhere, making the car undrivable.
one person who lived it
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Buy stone for driveway repairs from construction suppliers or quarries rather than box stores to save money.
Box store bags are expensive compared to bulk quarry prices.
one person who lived it
Place a rubber mat at the bottom of the sink to prevent further chips.
It helps prevent further chips.
one person who lived it
Rivet a busted zipper shut on a suitcase if you do not use that pocket.
The suitcase still works great.
one person who lived it
Use high-heat epoxy designed for plumbing to fix washing machine parts exposed to water.
It won't leach in the water.
one person who lived it
Apply clear nail polish to suitcase fabric edges to prevent fraying.
The polish acts as a glue.
one person who lived it
Reattach detached book covers using hot glue and tape.
One person reported this made the book good as new.
one person who lived it
Weave matching thread through mesh tears to close rips, then apply a waterproof patch on the inside; avoid sewing through the inner membrane.
Needles penetrating the fragile inner membrane create leaks.
one person who lived it
Use crushed concrete or crushed limestone to fill potholes.
It packs down like stone.
one person who lived it
Use plastic cement to bond rubber grips to plastic casings, provided the casing is not entirely metal.
Plastic cement acts like a weld for these materials.
- Verify compatibility by reading product labels.
- Effectiveness on rubber is likely but not guaranteed by the manufacturer.
one person who lived it
Avoid combining fiberglass and plastic in repairs.
They do not bond well together.
one person who lived it
Repair a broken window by cutting plexiglass to size, sealing it with silicone, and adding trim.
This approach can reduce repair costs compared to professional estimates.
one person who lived it
Cover broken glass doors with frosted vinyl for privacy, patterned vinyl for aesthetics, or one-way mirror film to see out.
It provides privacy and looks pretty.
one person who lived it
Fix fraying outdoor carpet by pressing carpet pieces into Shoe Goo.
it holds up well to the elements
one person who lived it
Shorten a ratchet strap to create a highly adjustable belt.
It offers unlimited adjustment options and is durable.
one person who lived it
Avoid using Barge All Purpose Cement if you intend to sew the area again later.
Once the cement is applied, it prevents further sewing.
one person who lived it
If you need to remove a stuck object, superglue a piece of cloth onto it to create a handle for leverage.
- Wait for the glue to fully set before pulling.
one person who lived it
Cut the corners of tape patches into rounded shapes to prevent them from peeling up.
Sharp corners have less surface area for adhesive, making them more likely to unstick.
one person who lived it
Combine super glue with baking soda to form a rock-like plastic structure for a stronger removal handle.
The mixture adds structural support when more leverage is needed.
one person who lived it
Line up multiple small projects to use an entire sachet of Sugru at once, as opened packets cannot be saved.
one person who lived it
Use silicone self-adhering tape instead of electrical tape for vacuum hose repairs.
Silicone tape fuses to itself permanently without becoming sticky goop that slides around.
- High-quality electrical tape like 3M Super 33 does not slip like cheap varieties.
one person who lived it
Squeeze all air and humidity out of the repair area before applying the top layer to ensure a proper bond.
one person who lived it
Scuff plastic surfaces before applying epoxy to provide texture for the adhesive to grip.
It gives the epoxy something to grab onto.
one person who lived it
Abrade polyethylene surfaces well before applying resin.
This ensures proper bonding.
one person who lived it
Use a box cutter to remove sewn-on cushions if they cannot be pulled off easily.
one person who lived it
Affix patches without sewing by roughing up waxy backs, applying Shoe Goo, and weighting them down with a book or brick while curing.
one person who lived it
If you need to repair suitcase zipper pulls, use JB Weld and metal wire keychains to create individual pulls that avoid loops catching in machinery.
one person who lived it
Fill voids in broken buttons with Sugru putty to maintain flexibility.
one person who lived it
cheap, money, shoes, high-quality16
Buy higher quality shoes initially to save money in the long run, as cheap shoes often require frequent replacement.
When starting a new job requiring standing, bring a second pair of shoes and swap every two hours.
Swapping shoes can make a huge difference in reducing strain during the first few weeks.
one person who lived it
- If you stand for long periods, invest in high-quality shoes rather than cheap ones.1
Buy higher quality shoes initially to save money in the long run, as cheap shoes often require frequent replacement.
Spending more upfront on quality is more frugal than replacing cheap shoes every year, which can cause greater expense later.
4 people, independently
- Invest in higher-quality rubber boots rather than cheap ones, as one person found the difference in longevity palpable.1
- Buy fewer, higher-quality shoes rather than cheap ones, as your feet deserve better products.2
If you work in a daycare infant room where shoes are prohibited, wear disposable shoe covers instead of walking in socks to reduce the risk of stress fractures from carrying children.
Walking in socks while carrying infants can lead to stress fractures or broken feet.
- This advice is based on the experience of one former daycare worker.
one person who lived it
Invest in high-quality items that separate you from the ground, such as shoes, mattresses, tires, and chairs.
They are worth a premium cost.
one person who lived it
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Wear correctly fitted shoes to ensure long-term comfort.
Wearing the wrong fit causes premature wear and issues like toes pushing against the side of the shoe.
one person who lived it
Update to the latest version of a proven comfortable shoe model annually.
You can try on the new version at the same store to ensure nothing changed that you dislike, avoiding the need to search for a new pair.
one person who lived it
Set your keyboard flat or at a slight decline rather than using raised feet.
Raised feet can cause repetitive strain injury.
one person who lived it
Use fabric markers to change the color of sandals to suit the wearer's preferences.
This saved money during hard financial times and satisfied a child's request for specific colors.
one person who lived it
Have a local cobbler replace broken plastic heel tips for a low cost.
one person who lived it
Buy generic hardware store adhesive instead of branded Shoe Goo to save money.
The generic version has the same tube, packaging, and ingredients but costs less.
one person who lived it
Buy generic melamine sponges online instead of branded ones to save money.
Branded versions are heavily marked up due to brand recognition.
2 people, independently
Cut custom insoles from cheap yoga mats for comfortable, antibacterial shoe inserts.
Yoga mat material is described as antibacterial and comfortable.
one person who lived it
Buy high-quality solder rather than using the inconsistent, high-melting-point solder included in kits.
Quality solder makes the process easier.
one person who lived it
clean10
Avoid using duct tape to repair fabric chairs.
Body heat from sitting causes the tape to warm up and stick to clothes or skin.
one person who lived it
Use a pressure washer to clean dirty outdoor furniture.
It will look as good as new.
one person who lived it
Thoroughly clean and inspect found furniture for pests like bedbugs before bringing it indoors.
Bedbugs can hide in very small cracks, survive cleaning, and infest your home.
one person who lived it
Use mineral oil to treat kitchen wood instead of organic oils.
Mineral oil is food safe and will not go rancid, whereas organic oils may.
one person who lived it
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Save twist ties from packaging cords and store them in a ziploc bag for future use.
Having them on hand prevents the need to search for one when needed.
one person who lived it
Clean plastic items with Simple Green.
It does nicely on plastic.
one person who lived it
Air dry underwear instead of using a dryer to preserve elastic waistbands.
Dryers can stretch out and damage the elastic in waistbands.
one person who lived it
Avoid using acetone on plastic chairs.
Acetone is a terrible idea for plastic.
one person who lived it
Use powdered dishwasher detergent instead of liquid soap to prevent accelerating rack rusting.
Liquid soap is chlorine-based and amplifies rust issues, while powdered detergent is enzyme-based and targets organic matter.
one person who lived it
Use a dehumidifier when hanging drying clothes in humid environments.
it speeds up drying, preserves fabric, and uses less power than a dryer
one person who lived it
headphones, earbuds, unavailable, speakers21
Punch a hole through foam ear plugs and cut them to size to create custom inserts for better sound isolation.
Build your own replacement cable for proprietary headphones if you know how to solder.
It costs less than buying the original part.
one person who lived it
Check out Xiaomi Piston 3 earbuds.
One person used them and loved them.
one person who lived it
Route earbud cables over the top of your ears.
It reduces vibrations traveling through the cord into the earbuds (microphonics), slightly reduces noise from touching the cord, and keeps the earbuds more secure so they don't fall out.
- It can be slightly uncomfortable.
- It could potentially hurt your ears if the cable gets caught on something.
one person who lived it
Punch a hole through foam ear plugs and cut them to size to create custom inserts for better sound isolation.
Provides perfect sound isolation.
2 people, independently
17 more on this
Look for speakers and screens at thrift stores.
Items that are a couple of years old are often very cheap there.
one person who lived it
Reinforce broken sides of old headphones with duct tape to keep them functional.
One person reported that this kept eight-year-old headphones working and sounding great.
one person who lived it
Cut fabric from an old t-shirt and trim it to fit into the plastic ring of your headphones as a cushion replacement.
It was reported to be more breathable than fake leather.
one person who lived it
Route KZ earbuds over your ears to distribute weight close to the ear canal.
This design distributes weight.
one person who lived it
Learn technical terms related to audio specifications to help you find good headphones.
Knowing those words helps you find good headphones.
one person who lived it
Look for headphones from companies that also manufacture microphones.
These companies tend to have a deeper understanding of how recorded sound should be played back, often resulting in higher audio quality at lower prices.
- This is not universally true.
- Audio Technica does not make many stellar headphones despite this trend.
one person who lived it
If you are rough on your gear, buy inexpensive, disposable earbuds to avoid the cost and hassle of repairing expensive models.
2 people, independently
Use jaw hairclips to secure headphones instead of binder clips, as they are less likely to damage cords if pinched accidentally.
They are not as strong as binder clips, reducing the risk of accidental cord damage.
one person who lived it
Search eBay for discontinued headphones.
You can sometimes find older models in good condition.
one person who lived it
Consider buying a custom Bluetooth adapter designed for specific headphone models to add wireless capability.
It connects easily to computers, phones, and TVs.
- Some users find the adapters too pricey for what they are.
one person who lived it
Verify that detachable headphone cables use a standard connector before purchasing.
Proprietary cables may become unavailable when manufacturers stop selling spare parts.
one person who lived it
Use a sea shell as a resonator for phone speakers when other containers are unavailable.
- Sound quality is not comparable to proper speakers.
one person who lived it
Recognize that XLR connectors are rarely used on consumer audiophile speakers because they do not run balanced signals.
they don't run a balanced signal
one person who lived it
3D print adapters to allow older shop vacuums to use generic filters when original ones are unavailable.
one person who lived it
Superglue AirTags to earbuds intended for outdoor use to prevent loss.
one person who lived it
Buy inexpensive protective covers for headphones to shield them from sweat damage during workouts.
one person who lived it
One approach that helped: cut furniture pads to custom fit missing headset padding; the padded side allows adjustment while the sticker side adheres to duct tape.
one person who lived it