At Fix-It Clinics, residents bring in small household appliances, clothing, electronics and more to receive free guided assistance from volunteers with repair skills to disassemble, troubleshoot and fix items. Events are first come, first serve. Last items accepted a half hour before the event ends.
Check out the step-by-step guide to How Fix-It Clinics Work. There is a three item limit.
Fix-It Clinics build community connections and reduce the number of repairable objects that are thrown in the trash.
What to bring
You must be able to carry items in - no oversized items. Three item limit. Feel free to bring any tools and supplies you think might help with the job. However, our volunteers have plenty of tools, so it’s not mandatory.
Note: Electronic items like laptops, tablets and phones often require specialized tools and skills. We cannot guarantee that these items will be able to be repaired at Fix-It Clinics.
The following are examples of things that have been repaired at other fix-it events:
- Antique radio.
- Blender.
- Camping lantern.
- Clothing and other textiles for mending (must be clean and dry). No hemming or alteration work.
- Dremel tool.
- DVD player.
- Electric hot water kettle.
- Fan.
- Flashlight.
- Hair dryer.
- Lamp.
- Paper shredder.
- Remote control.
- Sewing machine.
- Steam mop.
- Stereo.
- Telephone headset.
- Toaster oven.
- Toaster.
- Toys.
If an item is not fixed, it is the responsibility of the attendee to dispose of it properly. Find disposal options on the A to Z Green Guide.
Items not accepted
The following items are not accepted at any Ramsey County Fix-It Clinic:
- E-cigarettes and other commercial tobacco products.
- Guns, knives or anything that would be considered a weapon.
- Items with gas or fuel.
- Oversized items. You must be able to carry your items in and out of the clinic.
Volunteer at a Fix-It Clinic
If you can troubleshoot repairs for broken items, consider volunteering at a Fix-It Clinic. Volunteer fixers who have skills in soldering, electronics repair, electrical repair, sewing, wood working and general tinkering are essential to making the clinics successful.
Please email FixItClinics@ramseycounty.us or call 651-266-1130 for details and to sign up.
