Guide: How to Fix Basic Household Tools

Difficulty: Easy Time Required: 15–45 minutes per repair

Household tools don't need replacing every time something goes wrong. A loose hammer handle, stripped screwdriver, or dull scissors can be fixed in minutes for pennies instead of buying new tools. This guide teaches you to repair seven common tool problems, extending the life of quality tools and keeping your toolkit functional. Most repairs require only basic supplies you already have.

What You'll Need

Materials:

• Wood glue or epoxy
• Small hammer (for driving wedges)
• Metal file or sandpaper
• Penetrating oil (WD-40 or similar)
• Clean rags
• Replacement screwdriver bits (if needed)
• Scissors sharpening stone or aluminum foil
• Wire brush
• Rust remover or vinegar
• Linseed oil or mineral oil (for wood handles)

Prerequisites:

• Basic understanding of tool construction
• Clean workspace with good lighting
• Ability to identify tool problems correctly
• Patience for drying time on some repairs
• Safety awareness when using sharp tools

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Tighten a loose hammer head

When hammer heads wobble on handles, the wood has dried and shrunk. Soak the hammer head in water overnight—the wood swells and tightens. For a permanent fix, drive a small metal or wood wedge into the slot at the top of the handle where it meets the hammer head. Tap the wedge firmly with another hammer until the head is rock solid.

Step 2: Restore stripped screwdriver tips

Screwdrivers with rounded or damaged tips slip out of screws. For Phillips head drivers, if the tip is only slightly rounded, use a metal file to sharpen the points—file each of the four points carefully to recreate the sharp edges. For badly damaged tips, buy replacement bits ($5–10 for a set). For fixed-tip screwdrivers that are severely damaged, replacement is cheaper than repair.

Step 3: Sharpen dull scissors

For quick sharpening, fold aluminum foil 4–5 times and cut through it 10–20 times—the foil sharpens the blade edges. For more thorough sharpening, open scissors fully and run each blade across a sharpening stone at a 10–15 degree angle, maintaining the original bevel. Always sharpen away from your body. Test on paper—sharp scissors cut smoothly without folding paper.

Step 4: Free a stuck adjustable wrench

When adjustable wrenches won't adjust, dirt and rust are usually the culprits. Spray penetrating oil into the adjustment mechanism and let it sit 10–15 minutes. Work the adjustment back and forth to distribute oil. Use a wire brush to clean the adjustment threads. Apply more oil and work the mechanism until it moves smoothly. Wipe excess oil with a rag.

Step 5: Remove rust from metal tools

For light surface rust, spray or soak the tool in vinegar or rust remover for 2–4 hours. Scrub with a wire brush or steel wool, then wipe clean. For heavy rust, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the rusted area, and scrub with steel wool. After removing rust, dry the tool completely and apply a light coat of oil to prevent future rust.

Step 6: Repair loose pliers or wire cutters

Pliers that won't stay closed or feel loose at the joint need adjustment. Locate the pivot bolt or rivet connecting the two handles. If it's a bolt, tighten it with a wrench—not too tight or the pliers won't open easily. If it's a rivet and very loose, the tool may need professional repair or replacement, as rivets can't be easily tightened.

Step 7: Restore dried-out wooden tool handles

Wooden handles on hammers, axes, or other tools dry out and crack over time. Clean the handle with a damp cloth, let dry completely, then sand lightly with fine-grit sandpaper. Apply linseed oil or mineral oil liberally with a rag, let it soak in for 30 minutes, then wipe off excess. Repeat 2–3 times over several days. This restores moisture and prevents further cracking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-tightening hammer head fixes: Driving wedges too hard splits the handle. Tap wedges firmly but not aggressively—you want snug, not crushed. The goal is to expand the wood to fill the hammer head opening, not to drive the wedge through the handle entirely.
• Using power tools to sharpen hand tools: Bench grinders heat metal quickly, destroying the temper (hardness) of tool edges. This makes tools softer and unable to hold an edge. Always sharpen by hand with files, stones, or sandpaper. It takes longer but preserves the tool's function.
• Ignoring safety with sharp tools: Sharpening scissors, knives, or cutting tools creates extremely sharp edges. Always sharpen away from your body, keep fingers behind the cutting edge, and test sharpness carefully. More injuries happen during tool maintenance than during normal use.
• Applying too much oil or lubricant: Excess oil attracts dirt and gunk, making problems worse. Apply thin coats and wipe away excess. Tools should feel smooth but not oily to touch. Too much oil on cutting tools also transfers to materials you're working with.
• Trying to repair safety-critical tools: Some tools shouldn't be DIY-repaired: ladders with cracked rails, power tools with electrical issues, or safety equipment with damage. When a tool's failure could cause injury, replace it rather than attempting repairs. Your safety is worth more than the tool's cost.

Pro Tips

• Prevent problems before they start: Regular maintenance prevents most tool problems. Wipe tools clean after use, oil moving parts every few months, store in dry locations, and inspect regularly for wear. Five minutes of monthly maintenance saves hours of repair work.
• Keep replacement parts on hand: Buy replacement screwdriver bits, drill bits, and other consumable parts before you need them. Having spares means you can fix problems immediately instead of stopping work to run to the hardware store. Store replacement parts in labeled containers near your tools.
• Use the freezer for stubborn stuck parts: If a tool has parts stuck together (rust, grime, or paint), try the freezer trick: put the tool in the freezer for several hours. Metal contracts when cold, sometimes breaking the bond. Remove and try disassembling immediately while still cold.
• Label tools with purchase dates: Use a permanent marker or label maker to mark purchase dates on tools. This helps you track tool lifespan and identify which brands last longest. When it's time to replace a tool, you'll know which brands to buy or avoid.
• Create a tool maintenance schedule: Set quarterly calendar reminders to inspect and maintain all tools: clean, oil, sharpen, and tighten as needed. Scheduled maintenance catches small problems before they become big ones and extends tool life by years.

Related Skills

• How to Use Basic Hand Tools
• How to Make Simple Home Repairs
• How to Build a Cleaning Kit From Scratch
• How to Organize a Small Space