What is the Repair Café?
The CVille Repair Café is a volunteer-driven organization patterned after the Repair Café movement that started in the Netherlands which now is flourishing worldwide.
The aim of the worldwide Repair Café movement is to reduce the amount of “stuff” that ends up in the waste stream by helping fix items that you might otherwise throw away.
Are there rules about participating?
Yes; please see our list of “House Rules” for a look at the mutual expectations we hold each other to!
What kinds of things can be repaired?
Our volunteers have a wide variety of skills, and we will generally help you repair anything you can carry in (see the next question for exceptions). Below are examples of common — and sometimes uncommon — items we regularly work on…
Electrical and Small Appliances
- Radios, stereos, and tape players
- Game consoles and toys
- Coffee makers and electric kettles
- Toasters and waffle irons
- Mixers and blenders
- Vacuums and fans
- Clocks
- Lamps
Mechanical and Household Items
- Small furniture
- Kitchen gadgets
- Hand tools
- Venetian blinds
- Broken pottery
Clothing and Textiles
- Torn or snagged garments
- Shoes and bags
- Car covers and tarps
- Luggage
- Zippers
- Minor sewing repairs (repairs only — no alterations)
Jewelry
- Broken clasps
- Loose stones or components
- Bracelet restringing
What can’t be repaired?
For safety and legal reasons, we ask that you leave the following items at home…
Safety-Critical Items
- Helmets (bike, motorcycle, climbing, sports)
- Car seats, boosters, stroller restraint systems
- Fire extinguishers, smoke/CO alarms
- Medical devices (CPAPs, insulin pumps, oxygen equipment, AEDs)
- Gas-fueled appliances (camping stoves, heaters, BBQ regulators)
- Pressurized systems (air compressors, pressure cookers, propane tanks)
- Safety equipment (climbing ropes, harnesses, fall-arrest gear)
High-Voltage / High-Energy Electronics
- CRT TVs/monitors
- Electric bike or scooter batteries
Items too Large, Dirty, or Potentially Hazardous for the Venue
- Large appliances (washers, dryers, refrigerators)
- Fuel-contaminated tools
- Mold-infested or pest-infested items
- Items leaking oil, fuel, or unknown fluids
- Items that have been recalled or have a known hazard
- Firearms, tasers, or stun devices
Other items may be rejected at the discretion of the organizers.
How likely is it that my item will be fixed?
Every repair is different, but typically 50–70% of items are fully repaired, and many others leave with a diagnosis or next steps. Even when we can’t fix something, we often help you understand what failed and whether repair is worthwhile.
What should I bring with my item?
- Power supplies
- Batteries
- Replacement parts (if you know what it needs)
- Special cables
- Manuals (if available)
How many items can I bring?
To help as many people as possible, we usually limit repairs to two (or three small/quick) items per household. Specific event limits may vary, so check the event listing for details.
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