Question 1

What sort of items can you fix?

Accepted Answer

In short, we'll look at any portable electrical and electronic items, with just a few exceptions listed below. Our sewing  team can undertake most simple repairs and alterations, again, with a just a few exceptions. However we make no promises to repair or fix an item.

Question 2

Are there any electrical items you can't look at?

Accepted Answer

We will be glad to look at any portable electrical and electronic items, with just a few exceptions: Microwave ovens operate internally with extremely hazardous voltages so we cannot take the cover off; pressure washers require a water supply and may cause spillge, so we can't help you with these.

Question 3

Can I bring more than one item?

Accepted Answer

Demand for our sservices is often heavy, so we can only work on one item per person (or one electrical and one fabric, at different time slots). If you bring more than one item or make multiple bookings we will discuss with you which we should look at.

Question 4

What do I need to bring with my electrical/electronic item?

Accepted Answer

Bring whatever you need to demonstrate a fault, and then hopefully show it fixed. That includes leads, fresh batteries, a spare bulb, or a CD for a CD player etc as appropriate. You don't need to bring a slice of bread with your toaster (though we do like the smell of fresh toast!)

Question 5

Do I need to bring anything for my clothing/fabric repair?

Accepted Answer

If in doubt, email us and ask. That might be matching colour thread,  elbow patches, buttons, a spare zip (provided it's fairly simple to fit) etc.

Question 6

Do you carry spare parts?

Accepted Answer

The range of spare parts we might need is virtually unlimited so what we can carry is extremely limited. Ifyou can identify the part you need and bring it with you we'll be happy to fit it. Or we might be able to tell you what you need and where to get it, and suggest to bring it to our next event.

Question 7

Can I drop off my item for collection later?

Accepted Answer

We're very keen to involve you in a repair so that you learn something, possibly even how to do a similar repair yourself another time. So if you simply drop your item off we will only look at it when (and if) we have satisfied all attendees.

Question 8

Are there any clothing and fabric items you can't fix?

Accepted Answer

Zips can be complicated to unstitch and tricky to replace.  Bags can also be tricky. Leather and very heavy fabrics can require an industrial sewing machine, which we won't have at the event. Email us if in doubt.

Question 9

Are children allowed at your events?

Accepted Answer

Children MUST be accompanied by an adult, responsible for their safety at all times. Some of our tools are sharp or very hot, and dangerous voltages could be exposed if a fixer's attention is distracted. That said, we love explaining to yougsters how things work and what we're doing.

Question 10

Is parking available at your venue?

Accepted Answer

This varies from venue to venue. Please check the event listing, or email us with your specific question.

Question 11

Is your venue accessible for wheelchair or other disabled users?

Accepted Answer

Most of our venues are church halls and similar, so disabled access should be available, but if in doubt, please email us with your specific question.

Question 12

Do you charge for fixes?

Accepted Answer

Our events are completely free, but we welcome voluntary donations according to your ability to pay. These are generally split between our venue (which doesn't usually charge for hire of the hall) and Sustainable St Albans, which covers us for insurance and back-up services.

Question 13

Do I need to clean my item before bringing it?

Accepted Answer

We really don't enjoy working on vacuum cleaners full of dust, greasy kitchen appliances or grubby clothes, but if your item is reasonably clean we'll be happy to do what we can.

Question 14

I tried to book a slot but it said it was fully booked and suggested I join the waitlist.

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, if your chosen time slot is full Eventbrite doesn't tell you if there is  availabiliy at other times but just offers to add you to the wait list! Please try selecting a different time. But if it really is booked up, all is not lost. We often add exttra ticket in the last week.

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