Home Repair Supplies

New to home repair? Here are the tools and supplies our four First Fixes guides call for, what each one does, and which fixes use it. Most are inexpensive household items.

Screwdriver

Turns screws to tighten or remove them. Pick one whose tip fits the screw head snugly so it does not slip and damage it.

Used in: Squeaky Interior Door, Loose Cabinet Handle, Sticking Interior Door

Silicone spray lubricant or light household oil

Reduces friction between moving metal parts. Use a small amount and wipe off the excess.

Used in: Squeaky Interior Door

Cloth or paper towels

Wipes away extra lubricant, glue, dust and spills.

Used in: Squeaky Interior Door, Loose Cabinet Handle, Sticking Interior Door

Old towel or cardboard

Protects the floor from drips while you work.

Used in: Squeaky Interior Door

Toothpicks and wood glue

Together they fill a stripped screw hole so the screw has something to grip again.

Used in: Loose Cabinet Handle

Replacement screws

Swap out screws that are worn or too short. For a cabinet handle, match the thread of the originals; for a sticking door, the guide uses longer 2.5 inch screws in the hinges.

Used in: Loose Cabinet Handle, Sticking Interior Door

Pencil or chalk

Marks the spot where a door rubs so you know exactly where to sand.

Used in: Sticking Interior Door

Sandpaper (80 then 120 grit)

Removes a little wood at a time. 80 grit takes material off; 120 grit smooths the result.

Used in: Sticking Interior Door

Dust mask

Keeps sanding dust out of your lungs.

Used in: Sticking Interior Door

Replacement flapper

The rubber seal at the bottom of the toilet tank. A worn one lets water leak into the bowl. Match your toilet's brand.

Used in: Running Toilet

Towel, small bucket and sponge

Catch and soak up water when you empty the tank and swap parts.

Used in: Running Toilet

Food coloring

A few drops in the tank show a leaking flapper: if color reaches the bowl after 15 minutes, it leaks.

Used in: Running Toilet