Sometimes something breaks at home—maybe a chair wobbles, a curtain rod falls down, or a cabinet handle comes loose. It might seem easier to just ask someone else to deal with it, but honestly, fixing small problems isn’t that hard. Once you learn a few basics, it actually feels pretty good to handle things on your own.
You don’t need a full workshop or tons of experience. You just need to know what tools to use and how to stay safe. Once you’ve got that down, you can fix a lot more than you probably think.
The Tool That Handles Most Jobs
Most small home repairs start with the same tool: a drill. Not the huge, noisy ones from construction videos—just a regular electric drill that fits in your hand and helps screw things in or out without using muscle power.
If you’ve never used one before, it’s best to check out an electric drill that’s lightweight and easy to control. There are even ones that come with different bits so you can tighten, loosen, or even drill holes depending on what you’re working on.
Once you know how to use it, the drill becomes kind of your go-to tool. You can hang shelves, fix wobbly legs on a table, build simple furniture, or put a hinge back on a door—all without needing to call someone.
Easy Fixes You Can Actually Do
If something breaks around the house, chances are it’s one of these:
Loose screws – This is the most common one. A handle wiggles, or a hook falls out of the wall. Just line it up and screw it back in. If the hole feels too loose, put a matchstick or toothpick in first, then screw into that. It helps grip better.
Wobbly furniture – Tables and chairs with loose legs usually just need to be tightened. Look underneath for screws or bolts, and make sure they’re all secure. A drill works faster than using a regular screwdriver and doesn’t wear out your hands.
Holes in drywall – If there’s a small hole from a picture hook or a doorknob bump, patching it is simple. Use spackle or filler, smooth it with a flat tool or even a playing card, and let it dry. Then paint over it. You don’t need to fix the whole wall—just the spot.
Missing knobs or handles – Replacing a cabinet or drawer handle is super easy. Line up the new one, pop a screw through the back, and tighten it with your drill. It’s one of those jobs that takes 30 seconds but makes something look way better.
Loose curtain rods or towel racks – These usually come loose if someone pulls too hard on them. Take them off, check if the holes are too big, and either use wall anchors or move them over slightly. Then drill them back into place.
How to Know When to Use a Drill (And When Not To)
Using a drill can make repairs way easier, but it’s important to know when to skip it. If you’re working with thin wood, weak plastic, or anything that might crack, go slow or switch to using a screwdriver by hand.
Also, don’t use a drill near wires or plumbing unless you really know what’s behind the wall. If you’re ever unsure, ask someone before starting. It’s better to wait than to drill into something you can’t fix.
Safety Tips That Actually Matter
Power tools can be safe when used right. But even small mistakes can cause problems. Here’s what to do every time you’re working:
- Always keep both hands steady when using a drill.
- Don’t press too hard—let the drill do the work.
- Wear safety glasses if you’re working near your face or above your head.
- Make sure the drill is fully charged (or plugged in) before starting.
- Never leave a drill lying around with the bit still spinning.
Also, double-check what material you’re drilling into. Wood, metal, and drywall each need different drill bits. Most kits come labeled, so you don’t need to guess.
Projects That Are Great for Practice
If you’ve never done a repair before, start with something simple. Hanging a hook or tightening a cabinet handle is a good first job. After that, try putting together a small shelf or fixing something that’s slightly wobbly.
Building a small table, planter box, or even a birdhouse is also fun. These kinds of projects let you practice drilling, measuring, and screwing things together in a way that doesn’t really matter if it’s not perfect.
Over time, you’ll learn how things are built just by fixing or building little things. That makes bigger projects feel less scary.
What to Keep in a Basic Tool Kit
You don’t need every tool on the shelf. Just a few basics can help you fix most everyday problems:
- An electric drill with multiple bits
- A screwdriver (for when you need to go slower or with more control)
- A tape measure
- A level (to make sure things aren’t crooked)
- A small hammer
- Wall anchors and extra screws
- A flashlight or headlamp
It’s also helpful to keep some wood glue, spackle, and sandpaper around. These can fix or smooth out small damage fast.
Why Fixing Things Yourself Feels Pretty Great
There’s something cool about seeing a problem and knowing you can handle it. When something breaks and you fix it, even if it’s small, it feels like a win. Plus, the more you do it, the easier it gets.
You don’t have to be an expert. Most adults aren’t either. But being able to say, “I fixed that” is a solid feeling. And having tools like a drill makes it way easier and way faster than trying to figure it out by hand.
The Takeaway
Fixing things around the house isn’t just for adults or people who build things all the time. Anyone can do it with the right tool, a little bit of patience, and a few tips.
Once you’ve got something simple—like an electric drill—you’ll find that most small jobs aren’t even that hard. And if something new breaks next week? You’ll probably know what to do already.
So next time a chair wobbles or a screw pops out, don’t wait around. You can fix it—and it’s way easier than you think.