Get items fixed or mended for free and learn useful repair skills at an upcoming Fix-It Clinic. Skilled volunteers help you troubleshoot and hopefully fix your broken items. Be prepared to help tinker with, stitch, unscrew or pry open your items. Clinics build community and reduce the amount of stuff thrown in the trash.
Clinics are held on the third weekend of most months. Clinics are first come, first served. Items are accepted until 30 minutes before the end of the event. No pre-registration required.
Dakota County wants to ensure all are able to take part. If you need any accommodations to support accessibility, please email access@co.dakota.mn.us at least 48 hours in advance.
Fix-It Clinic dates
Aug. 16, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. – Inver Glen Library
8098 Blaine Ave. Inver Grove Heights
Sept. 20, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. – Rosemount Community Center
13885 S. Robert Trail, Rosemount
Oct. 18, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. – Farmington Library
508 Third St., Farmington
Nov. 15, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. – Dakota Lodge
1200 Stassen Lane, West St. Paul
Dec. 6, 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. – Our Lady of Guadalupe Church
401 Concord St., St. Paul
Sign up to be notified about future Fix-It Clinics.
Attend a partner clinic:
Anoka County Fix-It Clinic
Carver County Fix-It Clinic
Hennepin County Fix-It Clinic
Ramsey County Fix-It Clinic
Things to remember
- Learn from your fixer — they are here to help teach you troubleshooting and repair skills.
- We can't guarantee an item will be fixed, but we'll give it our best shot.
- You're responsible for properly disposing of non-fixable items, but we'll help connect you to the right disposal information.
- Sewers can make minor repairs, mending, hemming pants and skirts and zipper troubleshooting. No major alterations will be possible. If necessary, our sewers will try to provide recommendations for alternative repair services.
What to bring
There is a three-item limit and you must be able to carry items in – no oversized items. We have tools and expertise on-hand to help troubleshoot and teach you how to repair your items. Feel free to bring tools you think might help with the job. Our volunteers have plenty of tools, so it's not required.
The following are examples of things that have been repaired at Fix-It Clinics:
- Radios and stereos
- Vacuums - must be empty
- Blenders
- Clothing to mend - must be clean
- DVD players
- Coffee makers
- Fans
- Lamps
- Sewing machines
- Toasters and toaster ovens
- Toys
- Jewelry
Volunteer at a Fix-It Clinic
Bring your problem-solving skills as a fixer or mender to a Fix-It Clinic. Volunteer fixers who have skills in soldering, electronics repair, electrical repair, sewing, wood working and general tinkering are essential to making the clinics successful.
Sign-up online to volunteer at a Fix-It Clinic or contact Jessica Dalzell at 952-891-7595.
Fix-It at Home Video Series
Join Fix-it Clinic volunteers as they demonstrate simple repairs and maintenance of everyday items.
Ramsey County has additional repair videos focused on how to mend clothes or maintain household items at home. Find them on the
Ramsey County website.
Other repair resources
Reuse Minnesota—online directory of repair businesses in Minnesota
iFixIt.com—online free repair guide for electronics