10 home items I fixed for $5 instead of replacing for $50

10 home items I fixed for $5 instead of replacing for $50

It's easy to assume that broken or worn-out things around the house need replacing, but that's not always true. Many items can be brought back to life with a cheap part or a small fix instead of a full replacement.

The difference in cost adds up quickly-spending a few dollars now often saves you ten times that amount. With a little patience and the right supplies, you can stretch the life of everyday items and keep more money in your pocket.

Wobbly Chair Legs

Instead of tossing a chair with loose legs, tightening screws and adding wood glue often solves the problem. Both are inexpensive and easy to keep on hand.

This quick repair makes the chair sturdy again without buying a replacement. A five-minute fix can extend its use for years.

Clogged Showerhead

A weak or uneven spray usually comes from mineral buildup, not a broken fixture. Soaking the showerhead in vinegar overnight clears the blockage.

That $2 solution restores water pressure and keeps you from buying a new $40 replacement. It's one of the easiest fixes you can do.

Torn Window Screen

Small rips in a screen don't mean you need a whole new frame. Patch kits cost only a few dollars and cover the hole securely.

Fixing it keeps bugs out and avoids spending $50 or more on a new screen. The repair takes minutes but holds up well over time.

Loose Cabinet Handles

Cabinet hardware can feel wobbly after years of use, but usually the screws are stripped or missing. Replacements are cheap at any hardware store.

For under $5, you can get new screws or even upgrade to sturdier fasteners. It gives cabinets a solid feel again without replacing the whole handle set.

Squeaky Door Hinges

A squeaky hinge is more annoying than serious. A dab of WD-40 or even household oil quiets it immediately.

Instead of replacing hinges or doors, this $5 fix solves the problem and keeps things moving smoothly. Regular lubrication also prevents wear over time.

Running Toilet

A toilet that won't stop running usually needs a new flapper valve. They're easy to install and cost only a few dollars.

Swapping it out not only saves you from replacing the toilet but also lowers your water bill. It's a fast repair that pays for itself.

Broken Lamp Switch

When a lamp stops working, the switch is often the culprit. Replacement switches are inexpensive and designed for simple swaps.

For under $5, you can fix the lamp and avoid spending $50 or more on a new one. It's a straightforward repair that gives the lamp years of extra life.

Stuck Zipper

A zipper that won't move isn't ruined-it usually just needs lubrication. Rubbing a candle, bar of soap, or a cheap zipper fix stick loosens it.

This saves you from tossing jackets, cushions, or bags that are otherwise fine. It's a quick solution that costs almost nothing.

Scratched Wood Furniture

Scratches on tables or chairs don't mean you need to replace them. A furniture repair marker or even a dab of matching shoe polish hides marks easily.

That small touch-up costs under $5 and makes pieces look good again without refinishing or replacing them. It's an easy way to stretch the life of wood furniture.

Frayed Charging Cables

Phone and laptop chargers wear out at the ends, but that doesn't mean you need a new one right away. Heat-shrink tubing or electrical tape reinforces the weak spots.

This small fix extends the life of your charger for months or even years. Considering replacements often cost $30-$50, it's money well saved.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.