HANDY HINTS - 🔵 FIX IT

Don't replace it until you've tried this!

Something stops working properly and the first thought is often:

“I'll have to replace it.”

But before you head to the shops, have a closer look.

A loose screw, a rubbing door, a sticky drawer or a wobbly piece of furniture can sometimes be sorted with a few minutes, a basic tool and a little patience.

Here are a few things worth trying first.

🔧 GOT A SCREW THAT JUST WON'T STAY TIGHT?

If a screw keeps working loose from wood, simply tightening it again may only be a temporary fix.

Remove the screw and check the hole. If the wood around it has become worn, the screw may no longer have enough material to grip.

For a quick fix on a small, non-structural job, push a wooden matchstick or toothpick into the hole, snap or cut it flush, and then replace the screw. The extra wood gives the screw something fresh to grip.

For a more permanent repair, especially where the joint needs to carry weight, use a suitable wood repair method instead.

Sometimes the problem isn't the screw. It's what the screw is trying to hold onto.

🚪 IS A DOOR RUBBING AGAINST THE FRAME?

Before assuming the door needs replacing or major adjustment, check the hinges.

Loose hinge screws can allow a door to drop slightly, causing it to rub against the frame. Tighten the screws carefully and check the door again.

If a screw simply spins and won't tighten because the hole in the wood has become worn, try the matchstick or toothpick trick above.

If the door is still rubbing after the hinges are secure, there may be another reason for the problem and it may need further adjustment.

Sometimes a door doesn't need replacing. It just needs a little attention.

🗄️ IS A DRAWER STICKING?

Before reaching for the replacement drawer, take it out and have a look.

Check the runners and surrounding area for dirt, crumbs, dust or anything that may be getting in the way. Make sure the screws and runners are secure and that nothing is bent or misaligned.

Once you've dealt with the cause, a small amount of WD-40 or another suitable lubricant can help appropriate moving parts slide more smoothly. Always follow the product instructions and use the right product for the type of runner.

Before you replace a sticky drawer, find out what's making it stick.

🪑 IS A WOODEN CHAIR WOBBLING?

Don't immediately assume the chair has reached the end of its life.

Turn it over and check the joints. A loose joint can sometimes be tightened or repaired rather than replacing the whole chair.

If a joint has come apart, clean away old loose glue and use a suitable wood adhesive according to the manufacturer's instructions. Clamp or hold the joint securely while it cures.

But don't take chances with a chair that isn't structurally sound. If it's damaged or unsafe, get it properly repaired before using it.

A wobbly chair isn't necessarily a broken chair.

🚿 IS A TAP HANDLE FEELING LOOSE?

A loose tap handle doesn't automatically mean you need a new tap.

Look around the handle for a small fixing screw or a cover that may be hiding it. Depending on the design, tightening the fixing may be all that's needed.

Don't overtighten it — you don't want to damage the fitting.

If the handle is cracked or the internal mechanism is worn, it may need replacing or repairing. But check the simple thing first.

Not every wobble is a disaster.

💡 BEFORE YOU REPLACE IT, TRY THESE HANDY HINTS ...

Try asking yourself:

What exactly has gone wrong?

Is anything simply loose?

Is something dirty, blocked or out of alignment?

Can I tighten, clean, adjust or repair it?

Can I find reliable instructions for fixing it?

Technology can be surprisingly useful here. A quick search for the make and model of an appliance, fitting or piece of furniture can often lead you to the manufacturer's instructions or a useful repair guide.

Just remember that a video on the internet isn't automatically good advice. If you're unsure, check the manufacturer's information or ask someone who knows what they're doing.

And don't tackle repairs involving gas, electricity, structural damage or anything that could put someone at risk unless you have the appropriate knowledge and skills.

There's clever... and then there's knowing when to call someone who knows what they're doing.

💰 THE PPL PAY LESS PRINCIPLE

We don't mean never buy anything.

We mean:

Don't replace something simply because it isn't working perfectly. Find out whether it can be fixed first.

A loose screw doesn't necessarily mean a new piece of furniture.

A sticky drawer doesn't necessarily mean a new drawer.

A loose handle doesn't necessarily mean a new tap.

And a wobbly joint doesn't necessarily mean the whole item belongs in the rubbish.

Sometimes a small repair can make something useful again — and save you the cost of replacing it.

Fix it if you can. Make it last. PAY LESS.

🟢 GOT A FIX THAT WORKS?

Some of the best Handy Hints come from people who have already solved the problem themselves.

Have you repaired something instead of replacing it?

Maybe you've got an old family trick, a clever little repair or a simple solution that has saved you money.

Share your Reader's Hint with us.

Your clever fix could help someone else PAY LESS too.

Keep SHOPPING!!!!

Angela

The Voice behind PensionersPayLess!

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Angela is part of the team driving PensionersPayLess forward, building on its mission to help South Africa’s over-55s discover news, views, savings, opportunities and useful discoveries.

Through her work with Pensioners Forum and its community, Angela spends her time connecting with older South Africans, hearing real stories, sharing practical information, and helping people find ways to make everyday life easier and more rewarding. She writes about topics inspired by conversations within the community, personal experiences, money-saving ideas, lifestyle topics and the things that matter to people navigating life after 55.