Frequently asked questions about Repair Café Silicon Valley
What is Repair Café?
Repair Café Silicon Valley is a volunteer-driven organization patterned after the Repair Café movement that started in the Netherlands and now is flourishing worldwide. The aim of the Repair Café movement is to reduce the amount of “stuff” that ends up in the waste stream by helping fix items that you might otherwise throw away.
What kinds of things can be repaired?
Our volunteers have a wide variety of skills, and we will generally help you repair anything you can carry in (see the next question for exceptions). Below are examples of common — and sometimes uncommon — items we regularly work on:
Electronics
- Radios, stereos, and tape players
- Game consoles and electronic toys
- Computers, TVs, and printers
Mechanical / Household
- Lamps and fans
- Small furniture
- Kitchen gadgets
- Hand tools
- Clocks
- Venetian blinds
Small Appliances
- Coffee makers and electric kettles
- Toasters and waffle irons
- Microwaves, mixers, and blenders
- Vacuums and fans
Clothing & Textiles
- Torn or snagged garments
- Shoes and bags
- Car covers and tarps
- Luggage
- Zippers
- Minor sewing repairs (repairs only — no alterations)
Bikes
- Flat tire repair
- Gear and brake adjustments
- Basic safety checks
Jewelry
- Broken clasps
- Loose stones or components
What can’t be repaired?
For safety and legal reasons, we have a list of items that we ask you leave at home:
Safety-Critical Items
- Helmets (bike, motorcycle, climbing, sports)
- Car seats, boosters, stroller restraint systems
- Fire extinguishers, smoke/CO alarms
- Medical devices (CPAPs, insulin pumps, oxygen equipment, AEDs)
- Gas-fueled appliances (camping stoves, heaters, BBQ regulators)
- Pressurized systems (air compressors, pressure cookers, propane tanks)
- Safety equipment (climbing ropes, harnesses, fall-arrest gear)
High-Voltage / High-Energy Electronics
- CRT TVs/monitors
- Ebike or scooter batteries
Items Too Large, Dirty, or Hazardous for the Venue
- Large appliances (washers, dryers, refrigerators)
- Fuel-contaminated tools
- Mold-infested or pest-infested items
- Items leaking oil, fuel, or unknown fluids
Miscellaneous
- Items that have been recalled or have a known hazard
- Firearms, tasers, or stun devices
- Other items may be rejected at the discretion of the organizers
How likely is it that my item will be fixed?
Every repair is different, but typically 50–70% of items are fully repaired, and many others leave with a diagnosis or next steps. Even when we can’t fix something, we often help you understand what failed and whether repair is worthwhile.
What should I bring with my item?
- Power supplies
- Batteries
- Replacement parts (if you know what it needs)
- Special cables
- Manuals (if available)
How many items can I bring?
To help as many people as possible, we usually limit repairs to two items per household. Specific event limits may vary, so check the event listing for details.
What happens when I arrive?
- Check in your item and sign the waiver
- Wait for an available Fixer with the right skill set (more complicated repairs may need to wait longer)
- Observe or work with the volunteer on your repair
- Go home with a fixed item or more knowledge about the things you own
Wait times at our larger events can run between 15 and 75 minutes.
Does Repair Café charge for this service?
Repairs are free, but donations are appreciated to help cover tools, supplies, and event costs. If parts are required, and they are available, you will be asked to pay for them at cost.
Are repairs guaranteed?
Repairs are performed by volunteers and cannot be guaranteed. Items are repaired at the owner’s risk. By participating, you acknowledge that repairs involve risk and that items may not be restored to original condition.
Can you tell me in advance if you can fix my item?
It’s hard to say before one of our volunteers takes a look at your broken item. If it’s large and hard to transport, feel free to come in with pictures and video of the item, and we’ll assess whether it makes sense to bring it to the next event.
Where and when is the next Repair Café?
Check out our events page for details.
Do I have to live in the same city where an event is taking place?
No, Repair Café is open to everyone. However, we encourage you to attend a Repair Café close to home to minimize environmental impact. If you live on the Peninsula check out Fixit Clinic. In San Francisco, check out the Haight-Nopa Repair Cafe.
What if you can’t help me fix my broken item?
We would love to fix every item that comes to Repair Café, but sometimes we don’t have the parts or the time to complete the repair. Volunteer fixers will often be able to give you advice on next steps, such as where to find parts, or when it makes sense to pursue professional services.
When an item is no longer safely or economically repairable, we will encourage you to recycle it properly. Check with your local community services department or Zero Waste Silicon Valley for options.
How can I help support Repair Café?
Volunteer – Visit our Volunteer Opportunities page to sign up for an event. Also, remember to sign up for our newsletter and volunteer list.
Donate – We operate on the energy of our volunteers, but some of what we do costs money. Contributions of any size would be greatly appreciated and will help us expand our efforts to fulfill our mission. Donations are accepted at events or through the PayPal link on our home page. Repair Café Silicon Valley is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, your donation is tax deductible.
Organize a Repair Café in your area – We would love to see more events and will gladly help you get started.
Can I bring my animals to a Repair Café event?
Our events are often hectic with lots of people and repairs involving power tools and electricity, so pets are best left at home. Trained service animals are always welcome.
What happened to Repair Café Mountain View?
Repair Café Mountain View merged with Repair Café Palo Alto to become Repair Café Silicon Valley in 2023. This name change better reflects our mission to hold community repair events across all of Santa Clara County.