What to Bring to a Repair Café

A Repair Café needs more than a few screwdrivers on a table. You need safe workstations, reliable power, task-specific tools and a simple reception setup, plus coffee, tea and snacks for visitors and volunteers. Plan one complete tool setup for each repair category, then add shared equipment such as test plugs, multimeters and desk lamps. Buy or collect consumables and safety items at least one week before the event so missing equipment does not delay repairs.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Work tablesqty 8
Reception desk
Chairsqty 30
Storage cabinetsqty 2
Waste binsqty 4

Equipment

Power stripsqty 12
Extension cordsqty 10
Desk lampsqty 8
Soldering stationsqty 3
Multimetersqty 4
Test Plugsqty 4
Kettlesqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2
Coolersqty 2

Tools

Screwdriver setsqty 8
Pliersqty 8
Allen key setsqty 4
Wrench setsqty 4
Hammersqty 4
Hand sawsqty 2
Cordless drill driversqty 3
Drill bit setsqty 3
Utility knivesqty 4
Measuring tapesqty 4
Cable strippersqty 3
Tweezersqty 6
Magnifying glassesqty 4

Safety

Safety gogglesqty 12
Work glovesqty 12
Ear defendersqty 6
Fire extinguisher
First aid kit

Consumables

Soldering iron standsqty 3
Cable tiesqty 200
Insulation tapeqty 8
Sandpaperqty 20
All-purpose glueqty 6
Super glueqty 6
Solderqty 6
Heat shrink tubingqty 4
Spare fusesqty 30
Universal screwsqty 4
Nuts and boltsqty 4
Velcro rollsqty 4

Registration

Registration formsqty 100
Device labelsqty 100
Pensqty 20
Clipboardsqty 4
Name stickersqty 80
Cash box

Decorations

Direction signsqty 8
Information boardsqty 6
Tapeqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 40
Platesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50
Serving tongsqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4

Kitchen

Serving traysqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2
Storage binsqty 6

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Microfiber clothsqty 12
Washing-up bowlsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweetener - 2 boxes
- Semi-skimmed milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Wholegrain crackers - 4 packs
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cream cheese - 3 tubs
- Cheese slices - 2 kilos
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Paper napkins - 300 pieces
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes

Tips

Set up one work table and two chairs for each repair workstation, with a separate reception desk for registrations and participant lists. Keep storage cabinets or clearly marked areas nearby for tools waiting to be used.
Allow at least one power strip and one tested extension cord per powered workstation. Check the cords before opening and keep cable runs away from walkways to reduce trip and electrical risks.
Prepare a basic hand-tool kit for every relevant repair category: screwdriver sets, pliers, Allen keys, wrench sets, a hammer and a measuring tape. Share specialist items such as soldering stations, multimeters and cordless drills only if workstations are close enough.
Provide one pair of safety goggles and one pair of work gloves for every active repairer, with spare pairs available. Add ear defenders where drilling, sawing or other loud work will take place.
Plan refreshments by counting volunteers and registered visitors separately. Put kettles or coffee machines at the reception or refreshment area, use coolers for chilled drinks, and place waste bins where people can reach them without crossing work areas.

Frequently asked questions

What tools do I need for a Repair Café?: Start with one general tool kit per repair workstation: screwdrivers, pliers, Allen keys, wrench sets, a hammer and a measuring tape. Add specialist equipment such as multimeters, test plugs, soldering stations, cable strippers and drill bit sets according to the repair categories you offer.
How many tables and chairs do I need for a Repair Café?: Use one work table and two chairs for each repair workstation, plus a separate reception desk and chairs for waiting visitors. Add at least one spare chair for every four workstations so volunteers can take breaks or discuss repairs safely.
How much safety equipment is needed for a Repair Café?: Provide one pair of safety goggles and work gloves for each person actively repairing, plus at least two spare sets per repair category. Keep ear defenders available for drilling or sawing, and place waste bins at every two workstations.
When should I buy supplies for a Repair Café?: Check the shopping list and collect borrowed tools at least seven days before the event. Test power strips, extension cords, lamps and electrical testing equipment three to five days beforehand, leaving time to replace anything that fails.

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