Before you reach for your wallet, pause. The habit of replacing broken or worn items with new ones is convenient, but it’s not always necessary, kind to your budget, or good for the planet. Learning when to make do – to repair, repurpose, or simply live with a minor flaw – saves money, reduces waste, and builds a useful skill: resourcefulness. This guide will help you decide when to fix and when to buy, and how to make the fix last.
What You’ll Need
- A clear head and a bit of patience
- Basic tools: screwdriver, pliers, scissors, tape (duct or masking)
- Common supplies: glue (suitable for the material), thread and needle, spare buttons, zip ties, sandpaper, paint or varnish
- Access to the internet for a quick tutorial or replacement part search (optional)
Step-by-Step
- Assess the damage honestly. Look at the item closely. Is it broken, or just a bit worn? A loose screw is a five-minute fix; a cracked screen might be a bigger decision. Determine if the item is still functional in its current state. If it works fine but looks tired, that’s a candidate for a cosmetic fix, not a replacement.
- Check the cost of repair vs. replacement. Compare the price of a new item with the cost of parts and your time. If a repair costs more than a third of the replacement price, and the repair won’t extend the item’s life by much, buying new might be smarter. For example, a toaster that costs a small amount new is rarely worth repairing; a good pair of boots often is.
- Consider the item’s age and quality. Older items, especially well-made ones, are often worth repairing because new versions are lower quality. If the item is already several years old and has served you well, a repair can give it a second life. Conversely, if it’s a cheap, flimsy item that broke quickly, that’s a sign it wasn’t built to last – replacing it with a better-quality version might be the wiser long-term move.
- Think about the ‘why’ of the damage. Did the item break due to normal wear, or because of a specific incident (like dropping your phone)? If it’s normal wear, you might want to replace it with something sturdier. If it was an accident, a repair might be all it needs.
- Look for simple fixes first. Many problems have easy solutions: a wobbly chair leg just needs tightening; a stuck zipper can be freed with a bit of soap or candle wax; a small tear in fabric can be sewn up in minutes. Search online for the specific issue – there’s likely a tutorial for it.
- Repurpose if you can’t repair. If an item is truly beyond repair, can it serve a new purpose? An old t-shirt becomes a cleaning rag; a broken mug becomes a planter for small succulents; a worn-out towel becomes a pet bed liner. This is the ultimate ‘make do’ – giving an item a new job instead of sending it to the landfill.
- Make the repair properly. If you decide to fix it, do it right. Use the correct adhesive for the material (e.g., wood glue for wood, super glue for ceramics). Reinforce the repair if possible – add a patch behind a tear, or a small bracket under a broken joint. A hasty fix will fail quickly, and you’ll be back to square one.
- Test the repair. Before you rely on the item, test it. Does the chair hold your weight? Does the zipper slide smoothly? Does the device power on? This is the moment of truth – if it doesn’t work, you haven’t lost much time, and you can still decide to replace it.
- Set a ‘buy new’ trigger. Decide in advance what will make you replace the item. For example, ‘If the repair fails twice, I’ll buy a new one,’ or ‘If the repair costs more than a certain amount, I’ll replace it.’ This prevents you from falling into a cycle of endless, fruitless repairs.
- Learn from the experience. After you’ve made do, reflect. Did the repair hold? Was it worth the effort? This will inform your future decisions. Over time, you’ll develop a better sense of what’s worth fixing and what’s not.
Common Mistakes
- Overestimating the repair. You might think a fix is too complicated, but many are surprisingly simple. Watch a video tutorial before you give up.
- Underestimating the repair. The opposite is also true – a fix can be more involved than it looks. If you’re not handy, don’t attempt a complex repair that could damage the item further or injure you.
- Using the wrong glue or tape. Not all adhesives are created equal. Super glue isn’t flexible, so it’s poor for fabric or plastic that bends. Duct tape is strong but not pretty, and it leaves residue. Choose the right tool for the job.
- Forgetting about safety. When repairing electrical items, always unplug them first. When working with sharp tools, be careful. If a repair involves something risky (like a gas appliance or a complex electrical issue), call a professional.
- Holding on to broken items out of guilt. Sometimes, the best ‘make do’ is to let go. If an item is beyond repair and has no repurpose potential, it’s okay to recycle or discard it. Clinging to useless items just clutters your space.
Tips
- Invest in a small repair kit. A basic kit with a few screwdrivers, a needle and thread, glue, and tape will cover most small fixes.
- Buy quality when you do buy. If you’re replacing an item, choose one that’s repairable and durable. Look for solid construction and replaceable parts (like a phone with a user-replaceable battery, or a jacket with reinforced seams).
- Learn the basics. Knowing how to sew on a button, patch a hole, or tighten a screw is a life skill. There are countless free tutorials online.
- Think in terms of ‘good enough.’ A repair doesn’t have to be invisible. A visible patch on a jacket can be a style statement. A scratch on a table adds character. Perfection is the enemy of ‘make do.’
- Use the ‘one-week rule.’ If you’re tempted to buy a new item, wait a week. Often, the urge passes, and you realize you can manage without it.
Troubleshooting
- The repair didn’t hold. If your fix fails, don’t panic. Assess why it failed – did you use the wrong adhesive? Was the surface dirty? Try again with a different approach, or accept that the item is beyond your ability and replace it.
- The item looks worse after your repair. This happens, especially with cosmetic fixes. If it’s functional but ugly, consider covering the spot with a decorative patch, paint, or a strategically placed sticker. If it’s truly unsightly and you can’t live with it, you’ve learned a lesson for next time.
- You can’t find the right replacement part. Many parts are available online, but if you can’t find them, consider a universal part or a creative substitute. For example, a zip tie can replace a broken hinge pin, and a binder clip can hold a cracked phone case together.
- You’re not confident in your skills. If a repair seems daunting, ask a friend who’s handy, or watch a few different tutorials. Sometimes, seeing a different method makes it click. If you’re still unsure, it’s better to leave it to a professional than to risk injury or further damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it always cheaper to repair?
A: Not always. The cost of parts, tools, and your time can add up. For cheap, disposable items, replacement is often more economical. For higher-quality items, repair is usually worth it.
Q: What if the item is under warranty?
A: Check the warranty first. Many items have a warranty that covers defects for a certain period. If it’s covered, you can get a free repair or replacement. Don’t void the warranty by attempting your own repair.
Q: How do I know if a repair is safe?
A: If it involves electricity, gas, or anything that could cause injury or fire, it’s best to call a professional. For simple mechanical fixes, use common sense and follow safety guidelines. If you’re unsure, don’t risk it.
Q: What about items that are broken beyond repair?
A: If it’s truly beyond repair, see if it can be repurposed. If not, recycle it if possible, or dispose of it responsibly. Don’t let broken items pile up in a ‘maybe someday’ pile.
Q: Is it okay to buy new sometimes?
A: Absolutely. ‘Make do’ is not about deprivation; it’s about making conscious choices. If a repair is impractical, or if you need a new item for a new purpose, buying new is perfectly fine. The goal is to avoid unnecessary purchases.
Q: How can I avoid needing to make do in the first place?
A: Take care of your belongings. Clean and maintain them regularly. Store them properly. Handle them with care. Preventative maintenance is the best way to extend the life of your items.