10 things I repair for $5 instead of replacing for $50

10 things I repair for $5 instead of replacing for $50

Some stuff wears out, breaks, or stops working and it's easy to assume you have to replace it. But a lot of the time, you don't. If you know what to look for and keep a few cheap repair supplies on hand, you can save way more than you'd expect.

These are all things I've learned to fix instead of tossing-and every one of them costs me less than five bucks to repair. It's worth knowing what's actually fixable before you spend fifty on something new.

Power Tool Cords

If a power tool stops working suddenly, the cord is often the issue. Over time, cords can fray or loosen at the connection point, especially if they’ve been bent or yanked around too much.

Instead of replacing the whole tool, you can usually cut and rewire the end of the cord-or replace the cord entirely with a cheap one from a hardware store. A basic cord fix runs under $5 and takes 15 minutes. It's one of those things that sounds intimidating until you've done it once.

Wobbly Chairs or Tables

Loose legs on chairs or wobbly tables can usually be tightened with some wood glue, a clamp, or a pack of furniture corner brackets. You don't need to replace the whole piece unless it's cracked beyond repair.

A bottle of decent wood glue is cheap and lasts for multiple fixes. Add in a clamp or two, and you can make those joints feel solid again. I've kept several kitchen chairs going this way for years without needing to buy a whole new set.

Cracked Phone Chargers

Phone chargers are ridiculously overpriced, especially when most of them only fail because of fraying near the ends. A bit of electrical tape or heat shrink tubing can give them a second life.

Heat shrink tubing looks cleaner and holds longer, but tape works too in a pinch. Either way, you're spending a couple bucks to fix something that would've cost $20-$50 to replace. I keep a pack of tubing in the junk drawer now-it's saved me from last-minute charger runs more than once.

Torn Window Screens

Screens tear easier than you'd think-especially if you have kids, pets, or wind that catches the frame wrong. But you don't need to replace the whole screen or window setup.

You can patch a torn screen with a $2 repair kit or screen tape. If it's a bigger tear, you can even re-screen the whole thing yourself for under $5 if you already have the frame. It takes a little patience, but it's way cheaper than calling someone out or ordering a full replacement.

Clogged Shower Heads

If your shower pressure suddenly drops or sprays weird, there's a good chance it's clogged with mineral buildup. Replacing the head is easy, but cleaning it is easier-and cheaper.

Unscrew the head and soak it in vinegar overnight. If it's really stubborn, a small brush or toothpick helps clear the holes. I've only had to fully replace a shower head once, and even then it was because I cracked the plastic taking it off wrong. Cleaning usually does the trick.

Chipped Paint on Doors and Trim

Small chips or scuffs on trim or doorframes can make a space look more beat-up than it really is. But you don't need to repaint everything or hire someone to touch it up.

A sample-sized pot of paint-often under $5-is usually enough to freshen up high-traffic spots. Use a small brush or foam applicator and do a few quick touch-ups. It makes a big visual difference without a full paint job. I do this a couple times a year and it keeps everything looking cared for.

Stripped Screws in Cabinets

Cabinet hardware loosens over time, and when the screw holes get stripped, it feels like the only fix is new hardware-or worse, new doors. But you can fix stripped holes easily and cheap.

Toothpicks and wood glue can fill a hole so the screw catches again. Or you can use a pre-made wood filler. Either way, it costs next to nothing and works well. I've used this trick on drawers, hinges, and handles all over the house with zero issues.

Worn Weather Stripping

When doors start letting in drafts or sound, most people think they need a whole new seal or even a new door. But a roll of weather stripping foam or tape is less than $5 and does the trick.

Peel off the old, clean the surface, and stick the new one on. It makes a huge difference for comfort and energy bills, especially on older houses. I keep a roll in the shed and use it any time a door feels drafty or rattly.

Sagging Drawer Bottoms

Cheap drawers have thin bottoms that eventually sag or fall through. It looks like the whole thing is shot, but there's a super easy fix. Just add a support strip under the drawer.

You can use a wood scrap, paint stir stick, or even a thin piece of trim nailed or glued underneath. It re-stiffens the drawer and keeps it from bowing out. I've saved multiple dressers this way instead of tossing them out or buying replacements.

Loose Faucet Handles

When a faucet handle starts wobbling, it's usually not a full failure-it's a loose screw or worn washer. Don't replace the whole fixture until you've looked underneath.

Most sink handles have a screw you can tighten or a washer you can swap for under a dollar. A basic faucet repair kit covers several types and is usually under $5 at any hardware store. You'll be surprised how often it solves the problem.

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