26 Things Pennsylvanians Used to Fix Instead of Throwing Away

Not long ago, Pennsylvanians were skilled at stretching the life of everyday items. Clothes were patched, radios were repaired, and appliances got new parts instead of being scrapped.

It was part thriftiness, part craftsmanship, and part respect for the work that went into making things.

Here are some of the common items that used to get fixed instead of thrown away.

Worn-Out Shoes

Shoes used to get new soles, replaced heels, or fresh stitching instead of ending up in the trash.

Many towns had a local cobbler who could make even the most battered pair look nearly new.

Shoe polish and leather conditioner kept them looking good between repairs.

Today, most people replace shoes instead of fixing them, but a well-done repair can still add years of wear.

Leaky Roofs

A roof with a small leak didn’t mean immediate replacement for the whole thing. Instead, homeowners patched shingles, tarred problem spots, and fixed flashing.

Keeping the roof in good shape was a point of pride and saved thousands in the long run.

Repairing instead of replacing also prevented water damage to the rest of the home.

Roof repair kits still exist, but they’re less common as people opt for full replacements.

Broken Radios

When a radio stopped working, families didn’t toss it out. They opened the back and replaced tubes, cleaned connections, or rewired parts.

Radio repair shops could bring an old set back to life in an afternoon.

Some people even upgraded older radios to pick up more stations.

Today, vintage radio repair is a niche hobby, but it keeps history alive.

Damaged Clothing

Clothes with holes or loose seams were once routinely mended at home.

Sewing kits, darning eggs, and patches were common household tools.

Pants were hemmed, buttons replaced, and sweaters darned instead of being donated or thrown away.

These small repairs extended the life of wardrobes for years.

Wobbly Furniture

A chair or table with a loose leg wasn’t destined for the curb.

People tightened screws, added wood glue, or replaced missing hardware to make it sturdy again.

In some cases, a fresh coat of varnish or paint was added to restore its appearance.

Furniture repair kept pieces in use for decades, often passing them down through generations.

Household Appliances

From toasters to washing machines, appliances used to be repaired rather than replaced.

Local repair shops carried spare parts and knew how to fix common problems quickly.

Keeping an appliance running for years was more affordable than buying a new one.

Many of those skills and shops have faded, but appliance repair is still possible if you know where to look.

Bicycles

Flat tires, loose chains, and bent wheels were part of regular bicycle maintenance.

Families kept tire patch kits, oil for the chain, and spare tubes on hand.

A bike could be rebuilt almost entirely with replacement parts from the local shop.

This habit kept bikes on the road for years and reduced waste.

Garden Tools

Shovels, rakes, and hoes didn’t get replaced at the first sign of wear.

Handles were sanded smooth, oiled, or replaced entirely if they broke.

Metal parts were sharpened, straightened, or treated to prevent rust.

Maintaining tools meant they worked better and lasted for decades.

Pocket Watches and Wristwatches

When a watch stopped working, it was taken to a jeweler or watch repair shop.

Parts like springs, gears, and crystals could be replaced to keep it ticking for years.

Polishing and cleaning were part of regular maintenance to protect the mechanism.

These repairs preserved both the function and sentimental value of the timepiece.

Kitchen Utensils

A broken wooden spoon or loose-handled spatula didn’t mean a trip to the store.

Handles were reattached, metal parts straightened, and splinters sanded smooth.

Knives were regularly sharpened rather than replaced when they dulled.

Fixing these tools was often quicker and cheaper than buying new ones.

Lamps

If a lamp stopped working, most households knew how to replace a cord, switch, or socket.

Lamp repair kits were easy to find at hardware stores and kept fixtures in use for decades.

Many people also took the opportunity to update the shade or repaint the base.

Repairs meant a favorite lamp could remain part of the home for years.

Books

Torn pages, loose covers, and broken spines were not the end for a well-loved book.

People used glue, tape, and even thread to hold them together.

Public libraries often had in-house book repair to extend the life of popular titles.

These repairs kept stories and knowledge accessible far longer than a single print run.

Quilts and Blankets

Quilts that tore or frayed were repaired with new patches sewn right over the damage.

Stitching was reinforced to keep batting from shifting and seams from splitting.

Sometimes, repairs added new colors and patterns, making the quilt even more unique.

These blankets often became cherished family heirlooms through generations of care.

Fences

A leaning post or loose board didn’t mean replacing the whole fence.

Homeowners reset posts, hammered nails back in, and replaced single slats as needed.

Wire fencing was re-stretched or patched with extra sections.

Keeping a fence repaired extended its life and kept property secure.

Toys

Wooden blocks, dolls, and even metal cars were repaired when they broke.

Parents glued pieces back together, replaced strings, or sewed torn seams.

Some toy repairs were so well done that they were passed on to younger siblings.

Fixing toys kept children playing without the expense of buying new ones.

Typewriters

When keys stuck or ribbons wore out, typewriters went to a repair shop.

Technicians cleaned the inner mechanisms, replaced springs, and adjusted alignment.

Some people learned to make minor fixes themselves with special tools.

Repairs kept these machines functional for decades, even as newer models came out.

Windows

Broken panes were replaced without removing the whole window frame.

Putty was used to secure the glass, and frames were sanded and repainted to prevent rot.

Loose locks and hinges were also tightened or replaced.

Window repairs kept homes secure while saving money over full replacements.

Umbrellas

When an umbrella rib bent or the fabric tore, it was fixed instead of tossed.

Metal ribs could be straightened, and small tears were sewn or patched.

Handles were tightened or replaced if they loosened over time.

These quick repairs kept umbrellas functional through many rainy seasons.

Suitcases

A broken zipper or loose handle didn’t mean replacing a whole suitcase.

Travelers replaced zippers, tightened screws, or reinforced corners with metal caps.

Scuffs and scratches were polished out to keep them looking presentable.

Well-maintained luggage could last for decades of trips.

Dishes and Mugs

Chipped dishes or mugs were often repaired with ceramic glue.

Some people even used metal staples to bind larger cracks in prized pieces.

Repairs might be visible, but they kept the item useful.

Many repaired dishes stayed in service for years, especially for everyday meals.

Clocks

Whether wall clocks or mantel clocks, a broken mechanism rarely meant the end.

Clockmakers replaced worn gears, cleaned springs, and recalibrated pendulums.

Even decorative clock faces could be restored to their original shine.

These repairs kept timepieces running accurately for generations.

Coats and Jackets

A missing button or torn lining wasn’t a reason to buy new outerwear.

Buttons were sewn back, zippers replaced, and linings patched.

Some people added elbow patches for both style and durability.

These fixes often extended the life of a coat for many more winters.

Musical Instruments

Guitars with broken strings, pianos with sticky keys, and trumpets with loose valves were all repairable.

Music stores offered parts and services to keep instruments in top shape.

Families often passed down well-maintained instruments to younger generations.

Repairs preserved both function and sentimental value.

Lawnmowers

When a lawnmower sputtered or stopped working, the first step was fixing it.

Blades were sharpened, spark plugs replaced, and carburetors cleaned.

Repairing a mower was far cheaper than replacing it entirely.

These regular fixes kept yards trimmed without major expenses.

Sewing Machines

If a sewing machine jammed or the tension went off, it was adjusted rather than discarded.

Belts were replaced, gears lubricated, and timing reset.

Keeping a sewing machine in good shape meant families could keep repairing clothes.

Many vintage machines still work today because of consistent upkeep.

Doors

A squeaky hinge or a sticking door wasn’t a reason to replace it.