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DIY before you replace!

Quick DIY fixes for everyday breaks: what to repair instead of replace

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Replacing everything that breaks in your home can be wasteful, costly, and in some cases, heartbreaking. This guide describes quick DIY fixes you can do at home using glue and adhesives. 

Repair before you replace

Have you ever wondered whether to repair or toss a damaged household item? Quick DIY fixes at home save money and also protect the environment. 

From wobbly chairs to broken sunglasses, a drop of the right glue can repair household items and save your possessions from the landfill.

Read on for a detailed list of common household repairs you can make using glue. 

Quick DIY fixes for common household breaks

Here is a list of common household items to repair using glue

Give your trim a glow-up

A person fixing loose trim using Loctite Power Grab Ultimate.

Have you noticed any loose trim around your home? Over time, decorative trim can peel away from the wall. You can use a reliable construction adhesive, like Loctite Power Grab Ultimate, to reattach the trim and keep it firmly in place. This product can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Reattaching trim with glue helps you avoid traditional fasteners like nails and screws, which could otherwise affect its final appearance. After applying the glue, firmly press the trim in place and wipe away any excess adhesive. 

Silence squeaky floors

Squeaking floors can have your home sounding like a ghost house. In addition to bracing, shimming, and lubrication, did you know you can quickly fix squeaky floorboards using glue?

To resolve this, identify the squeak and apply Loctite PL400 All Weather Subfloor along the floorboard and underneath it. Place a weight on the affected floorboards to keep them steady while the adhesive cures. 

Stabilize wobbly tables and chairs

Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control.

Before you throw away cracked tables or chairs, try fixing the damage with glue. To fix wobbly furniture joints, simply inject wood with a strong adhesive like Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control into the joint. Evenly distribute the glue by wobbling the joint and then hold it together securely until curing is complete (normally between 12 and 24 hours). If you need to take apart any wooden joint before gluing it together, be sure to remove any old adhesive before applying a new layer.

Glue can also be used to repair peeling veneer. Simply apply glue under the peeling veneer and press the surfaces together until it dries. Avoid pulling the veneer outward as this might worsen the damage. 

Fix broken glassware and ceramics

A person bonding broken glass using Loctite Glass Glue.

Glue is the best way to repair broken ceramic and glass. When your favorite ceramic mug breaks after a tumble, turn to Loctite Ceramic Repair for invisible repairs. To repair broken ceramic mugs or flower pots, just find all the pieces and use this adhesive to put them back together. This product provides a glossy white finish.

If you are dealing with broken glass, Loctite Glass Glue can make things whole again. 

Give broken toys a second chance

A person applying Loctite Plastics Bonding System on broken plastic.

Nothing ends a playdate faster than a broken favorite toy. Luckily, you can quickly fix the toy and bring your child’s smile back in no time with the right specialty adhesive. For durable repairs, use Loctite Plastics Bonding System. This two-part adhesive includes an adhesive and an activator.

To repair the plastic toy, apply the activator to the surface to be bonded and leave it to evaporate for 60 seconds. Afterward, apply a small amount of adhesive to one surface and join the two surfaces immediately. Hold firm for a minute and leave it to dry for 24 hours before it heads back to the toy box. 

Secure shaky tiles

The adhesive used to secure tiles naturally weakens over time. If you notice a loose tile in your home, tackle it now to prevent further damage. To repair the tile, you will need to remove it first and scrape off the old adhesive. After removing all the adhesive residue, apply new glue (Loctite Power Grab Ultimate) and reattach it.

If the tile is broken or chipped, you can also use a suitable adhesive to repair it, provided you have all the pieces.    

Seal leaky hoses

You can use Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control to fix small leaks in hoses, prevent further damage, and save water. A drop of super glue is enough to repair tiny pinhole leaks. If you see a new split developing in your garden hose, apply a generous amount of glue to seal it up before it gets bigger. This will keep water from seeping out as the glue quickly fuses to the rubber.

For effective and lasting results, ensure the hose is clean and dry before sealing it with glue. 

Repair masonry cracks and gaps

Cracked brickwork, concrete, and loose stones can leave your home’s exterior looking tired. Instead of tearing everything down, grab a cartridge of construction adhesive (Loctite PL Premium Max) to seal small cracks and secure loose stones and bricks.

If you find large utility openings in your home’s brick, stone, or concrete exterior wall, adhesive foam (Loctite TITE Foam Gaps & Cracks) can help you seal them up tightly. This keeps cold drafts out and cozy warm air in.

Rescue your favorite accessories

You don’t have to go to the jewelers to have your statement pieces repaired. Save time and money by repairing these items at home using an effective adhesive. To fix stones in jewelry, thoroughly clean the pieces first. Afterward, apply glue (like Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control) to the setting and reattach the stone.

Pro Tip: You can use something with a sharp tip, like a toothpick, to position the stone where necessary.

Once you are done, allow the glue to dry completely before wearing the piece.

Products used

  • 9962317293-loctite-ceramic-glue-card-20ml_FOP
    Loctite Ceramic Repair

    Durable, water-resistant repair glue for ceramic and porcelain surfaces

  • Loctite Glass Glue

    Bonding clear and colored, stained or tinted glass instantly. Dishwasher safe once cured.

  • loctite pl premium max 9oz cartridge
    Loctite PL Premium Max

    Our strongest, most durable construction adhesive

  • loctite pl 400 subfloor allweather 10oz cartridge
    Loctite PL400 All Weather Subfloor

    Specially designed for heavy-duty subfloor construction projects, both indoors and out.

  • 8085730518_Loctite_Power_Grab_Ultimate_9oz_eCom_cards_cart_FOP
    Loctite Power Grab Ultimate

    Deliver professional results with Loctite Power Grab Ultimate Construction Adhesive, the latest in construction adhesive technology.

  • Loctite Plastics Bonder Super Glue 2g Tube
    Loctite Super Glue Plastics Bonding System

    Permanent bonding of plastic surfaces. 2-part system with Activator and Adhesive.

  • loctite super glue ultra gel control 4g tube
    Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control

    Super-tough, durable bonds that resist weather, impact, shock and vibration.

  • loctite tite foam gaps cracks 12oz can
    Loctite Tite Foam Gaps & Cracks

    Seal and insulate gaps & cracks up to 1” inside or out

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