FixIts Review: Every household has one: that drawer stuffed with half-empty superglue tubes, dried-out epoxy syringes, rolls of tape that never quite hold, and at least three broken items you swore you’d fix six months ago. The problem isn’t lack of effort-it’s that traditional adhesives and repair methods are fundamentally limited. Superglue is brittle and messy. Epoxy requires mixing and careful timing. Tape looks temporary and often is.
FixIts offers a different approach. Instead of a chemical adhesive that bonds surfaces together, FixIts is a reusable thermoplastic stick that softens in hot water, allowing you to mold it by hand into almost any shape. Once it cools, it hardens into durable plastic that can be drilled, sanded, and reshaped as needed.
This review examines what FixIts actually is, how it works, where it performs well, where it falls short, and whether it deserves a spot in your toolbox. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of whether FixIts is the right solution for your repair needs-or whether you should stick with more traditional options.
FixIts – Quick Verdict
Best for:
- Households looking for a non-toxic, fume-free alternative to superglue and epoxy
- People who fix the same types of items repeatedly (chargers, toys, kitchen gadgets, garden tools)
- DIY enthusiasts, campers, and anyone wanting a versatile “just in case” repair kit
- Environmentally conscious consumers trying to reduce single-use glue waste
- Gift-givers looking for something practical and unusual
Not ideal for:
- Anyone expecting it to behave like glue-it’s a moldable plastic, not an adhesive
- Repairs that need to look invisible or factory-finish smooth
- Very heat-sensitive items (it requires hot water or a hairdryer to soften)
- Households with very young children who might access leftover pieces unsupervised
Biggest strength: Endlessly reusable-if a repair doesn’t work or you change your mind, just reheat and start over.
Biggest drawback: It does not chemically bond to surfaces. It grips mechanically, which means it won’t adhere to smooth materials like glass or some plastics.
Overall verdict: FixIts is a genuinely useful tool if you understand what it is-a reusable, moldable plastic that hardens around broken parts. It’s not a glue replacement for every situation, and it won’t make repairs look professional. But for the kind of durable, reusable fixes most households actually need, it does what it claims to do.
Product Snapshot
What Is FixIts?
FixIts is a brand of reusable thermoplastic repair sticks. In plain terms, these are sticks of plastic that are solid at room temperature but become soft and moldable when warmed-either in a mug of hot water from a kettle or with a hairdryer.
The company was founded by materials specialist Chris Lefteri and product designer Forrest Radford. Lefteri discovered the material while researching his first book on plastics in 2000 and spent years developing the concept into an accessible consumer product. FixIts gained wider attention after appearing on BBC One’s Dragons’ Den.
FixIts is designed to address a simple but persistent problem: everyday items break, and most people don’t have the right tools or materials to fix them properly. Glue is messy, tape looks bad, and replacing items is expensive and wasteful. FixIts aims to be the versatile, reusable solution that sits in your kitchen drawer, ready for whatever breaks next.
The material is non-toxic, compostable (EN14995 certified), and manufactured in the UK. It has no expiry date, so leftover pieces can be stored indefinitely and reheated when needed.
How Does FixIts Work?
FixIts relies on a simple principle: thermoplastics soften when heated and harden when cooled. This property can be exploited repeatedly without degrading the material.
The Process
- Heat: Place a FixIts stick in hot water (around 60°C/140°F-kettle-boiled water works well) for approximately one minute. The material softens and becomes pliable.
- Mold: Remove the stick (it will be warm but not burning hot) and tear off the amount you need. Shape it by hand around the broken item, into a gap, or into a replacement component.
- Cool: Within about five minutes, the material cools and hardens into solid plastic, taking the shape you molded.
- Repeat if needed: Not happy with the repair? Reheat the material and start over. The same piece can be reused endlessly.
Important Clarification
FixIts is not a glue. It does not chemically bond to surfaces the way superglue or epoxy does. Instead, it works through mechanical bonding-the softened plastic wraps around fibers, textures, and irregularities in the surface, then locks into place as it hardens.
This means FixIts works best on:
- Porous or textured surfaces (wood, fabric, concrete, unglazed ceramic)
- Items with physical features it can grip around (handles, corners, cable ends)
It works less well or not at all on:
- Smooth, non-porous surfaces like glass
- Some smooth plastics (though it can sometimes grip, testing on a small area is recommended)
Key Features
Reusability
What it is: FixIts can be reheated, reshaped, and reused repeatedly without losing effectiveness.
Why it matters: Unlike glue that cures permanently or epoxy that hardens after mixing, FixIts lets you correct mistakes, adjust repairs, or repurpose material for entirely different fixes.
Who benefits: Anyone who likes having versatile materials on hand, especially if you’re not confident in your first attempt.
Limitation: While endlessly reusable in theory, the material can accumulate dirt or debris over time.
Non-Toxic and Fume-Free
What it is: FixIts contains no toxic chemicals and produces no strong odors during use.
Why it matters: Traditional adhesives often release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and require ventilation. FixIts can be used indoors without worrying about fumes.
Who benefits: Households with children, people sensitive to chemical smells, and anyone working in confined spaces.
Limitation: While non-toxic, the material should still be kept away from young children who might put small pieces in their mouths.
No Expiry Date
What it is: FixIts sticks don’t dry out, harden in the package, or expire.
Why it matters: Glue tubes often dry up before you need them. Epoxy components can separate or harden. FixIts sits in your drawer indefinitely, ready when you need it.
Who benefits: Occasional repairers who don’t want to keep buying new adhesive every time something breaks.
Limitation: The material should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent dust contamination.
No Specialized Tools Required
What it is: FixIts requires nothing more than hot water and your hands.
Why it matters: No glue guns, no mixing sticks, no clamps, no batteries. This lowers the barrier to entry significantly.
Who benefits: Anyone who doesn’t have a fully stocked workshop.
Limitation: For detailed work, you may want tools like a craft knife or sandpaper, but these aren’t required for basic repairs.
Weatherproof and Durable
What it is: Once hardened, FixIts is weather-resistant and can be used indoors or outdoors.
Why it matters: Repairs don’t need to be limited to indoor use. Garden tools, outdoor furniture, and camping gear can all be fixed.
Who benefits: Gardeners, campers, and anyone with outdoor items that need repair.
Limitation: The material has a temperature limit-do not heat beyond 200°C (390°F). It can soften in very hot environments, so it’s not suitable for engine bays or direct sunlight in extreme climates.
Can Be Drilled, Sanded, and Painted
What it is: Once hardened, FixIts can be drilled, sawn, sanded, and painted like regular plastic.
Why it matters: This allows for finishing touches that make repairs more refined or functional. You can sand rough edges, drill holes for screws, or paint to match the original item.
Who benefits: DIY enthusiasts who want repairs to look decent and function properly.
Limitation: Painting requires compatible paint; testing on a small area is recommended.
Real-World Use: What the Available Evidence Suggests
I have not personally tested FixIts. The following assessment is based on available product information, manufacturer specifications, and verified user experiences.
First Impressions
Based on user reports, FixIts arrives as solid plastic sticks that feel rigid and unremarkable at room temperature. The packaging is minimal and plastic-free, consistent with the brand’s environmental positioning.
Setup and Ease of Use
The process is straightforward: boil water, drop in the stick, wait about a minute, and remove. Users consistently report that the material softens as described.
However, several users note that the softened plastic comes out dripping wet and can be difficult to handle initially. Drying it with a towel risks making a sticky mess. The recommended approach is to work with it while wet and let excess water evaporate.
Working Time
This is where opinions diverge significantly. The manufacturer states that FixIts sets in about five minutes. However, multiple users report that it sets much faster in practice-in seconds rather than minutes-making detailed shaping difficult.
What this means: If you need to do intricate shaping or have a complex repair, you may find yourself racing against the clock. The solution is to reheat the material if it cools too quickly, but this adds time and effort to the process.
Appearance of Repairs
A recurring theme in user feedback is that FixIts repairs tend to look functional rather than beautiful. The material can be sanded and painted, but achieving a factory-finish smooth look requires effort and skill.
What this means: If appearance matters as much as function-for example, a visible repair on a frequently used item-FixIts may not meet your expectations.
Bonding Performance
The most critical limitation reported by users is that FixIts does not stick in the way glue does. It’s “almost impressively unsticky”.
One user attempted to use FixIts as a replacement for a rubber end cap and found that it “just falls off because it is so rigid”. Another user noted it’s “not a substitute for Sugru because it doesn’t stick and does not behave like rubber”.
What this means: FixIts is excellent for repairs where it can wrap around or mechanically lock onto a feature. It is not suitable for applications where adhesion is the primary requirement.
Positive Use Cases
Despite the limitations, many users report successful repairs:
- Headphone bands
- MacBook charger cables
- Water bottle handles
- Photo frames
- Outdoor fixes like plant supports and trellis reinforcement
These repairs tend to involve wrapping the material around a broken part or filling a gap where mechanical grip is sufficient.
Main Benefits
1. No More Wasted Glue
Feature: FixIts doesn’t dry out or expire.
Practical advantage: You buy it once and it’s always ready. No more throwing away dried-up glue tubes.
Relevant user: Occasional repairers who might go months between fixes.
2. Mess-Free Repair
Feature: No mixing, no sticky fingers, no fumes.
Practical advantage: Repairs can be done at the kitchen table without worrying about spills or ventilation.
Relevant user: Households with limited workspace or chemical sensitivities.
3. Forgiveness for Mistakes
Feature: Reheat and start over if you make a mistake.
Practical advantage: No pressure to get it right the first time. Experiment, adjust, and correct.
Relevant user: Beginners or anyone who’s not confident in their DIY skills.
4. Environmental Impact
Feature: Compostable bioplastic, reusable, and reduces landfill waste.
Practical advantage: Fewer broken items thrown away, less single-use plastic waste.
Relevant user: Environmentally conscious consumers.
5. Versatility
Feature: Can be used on plastic, metal, wood, ceramic, rubber, and fabric.
Practical advantage: One product covers many repair needs.
Relevant user: Households wanting a single solution for multiple types of repairs.
Drawbacks & Limitations
1. It’s Not Glue
This is the most important limitation to understand. FixIts does not chemically bond to surfaces. If your repair requires adhesion-sticking two smooth surfaces together-FixIts will likely fail.
2. Fast Setting Time
Multiple users report that FixIts sets in seconds rather than minutes, leaving little time for detailed shaping. This can be frustrating for intricate repairs.
3. Aesthetic Limitations
FixIts repairs tend to look functional rather than beautiful. While sanding and painting can improve appearance, achieving a factory finish requires skill and effort.
4. Limited Availability
The product is primarily available through the official website and can experience stock shortages. This may mean waiting for restocks or paying shipping costs.
5. Not Suitable for Smooth Surfaces
FixIts will not bond to most smooth materials such as glass. For some plastics, it may grip but testing on a small area is recommended.
6. Requires Heat Source
You need access to hot water or a hairdryer to use FixIts. This isn’t a problem at home but could be inconvenient for on-the-go repairs.
7. Temperature Sensitivity
While hardened FixIts is weatherproof, it can soften again if exposed to high temperatures (above 60°C/140°F). This limits its use in hot environments like car interiors in summer.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Endlessly reusable-reheat and reshape as many times as needed
- Non-toxic with no fumes or strong odors
- No expiry date-sits in your drawer indefinitely
- No specialized tools required-just hot water
- Compostable bioplastic
- Can be drilled, sanded, and painted once hardened
- Weatherproof for indoor and outdoor use
- Manufactured in the UK
Cons
- Does not chemically bond-mechanical grip only
- Sets quickly-can be difficult to shape in time
- Repairs often look functional rather than beautiful
- Not suitable for smooth surfaces like glass
- Limited availability and potential stock issues
- Requires hot water or hairdryer to use
- Not a substitute for adhesive in applications requiring strong bonding
Who Should Buy FixIts?
Good choice for:
1. The Occasional Repairer
Why: If you’re not a dedicated DIY enthusiast but want something on hand for when things break, FixIts is ideal. It doesn’t expire, doesn’t require special storage, and works without mixing or measuring.
2. The Environmentally Conscious Consumer
Why: FixIts is reusable, compostable, and helps keep broken items out of landfill. If you’re trying to reduce waste, this aligns with that goal.
3. The Camper or Traveler
Why: FixIts is lightweight, compact, and can repair gear on the go. A pack in your camping kit could save a trip.
4. The Gift Buyer
Why: FixIts makes an unusual but practical gift for a handy relative or friend. It’s the kind of thing people don’t buy for themselves but appreciate having.
5. Households with Children
Why: The non-toxic, fume-free nature makes it safer than chemical adhesives (though supervision is still required for small children).
Who Should Not Buy FixIts?
- People seeking a traditional adhesive: If you need to stick two smooth surfaces together, FixIts will disappoint. Superglue or epoxy is a better choice.
- People who need invisible repairs: FixIts repairs are visible. If aesthetics are critical, consider other options.
- People who need instant fixes: You need access to hot water and about five minutes of cooling time. Not suitable for “right now” emergencies.
- People who dislike DIY: While FixIts is simple, it does require manual shaping. If you’re not willing to get your hands involved, this isn’t for you.
- People with very young children: The non-toxic material is safe, but small pieces could be a choking hazard.
FixIts vs Alternatives
Which to choose?
- Choose FixIts if: You want a reusable, non-toxic option for mechanical repairs, you fix things occasionally, and you don’t want to keep buying new materials.
- Choose Sugru if: You need adhesion to smooth surfaces and flexibility after curing, and you’re willing to pay a premium.
- Choose epoxy putty if: You need maximum strength and don’t mind one-time use and mixing.
- Choose superglue if: You need a quick, strong bond on clean, smooth surfaces and don’t mind the mess.
Value for Money
At approximately $13.78–$14.00 for a 3-pack of 10g sticks, FixIts sits in the moderate price range. Whether this represents good value depends on how you use it.
If you use it once and put it away: It’s more expensive than a tube of superglue, but cheaper than replacing a broken item.
If you use it repeatedly: The reusability changes the math. One pack can handle multiple repairs over years. Compared to buying new glue or epoxy for each repair, FixIts becomes economical.
If you don’t use it at all: Any price is too high.
The 30-day money-back guarantee and 1-year warranty provide some protection. However, check current pricing and promotions before purchasing, as these can change.
Is FixIts Legit?
FixIts is a legitimate product from a verifiable company.
Identifiable company: FixIts is produced by Chris Lefteri Design, a materials design consultancy.
Founders: Chris Lefteri (materials specialist, author) and Forrest Radford (product designer) are real, identifiable individuals.
Media exposure: The product appeared on BBC One’s Dragons’ Den and has been covered by design publications.
Product documentation: The product has specifications, instructions, and certification (EN14995 for compostability).
Warranty and returns: A 30-day money-back guarantee and 1-year warranty are offered.
Manufacturing: Products are manufactured in the UK using locally sourced materials where possible.
Caution: Some sources note that availability can be limited and the product may be “mostly out of stock due to high demand”. This doesn’t indicate illegitimacy-popular products often experience stock issues.
Customer Reviews & Complaints
Based on available customer feedback from multiple sources:
Positive Recurring Themes
- Useful and clever: Many users find the product genuinely useful once they understand what it is.
- Easy to use: The process is straightforward.
- Solid results: Repairs hold well when properly applied.
- Endless possibilities: Users appreciate the versatility.
- No smell: Unlike some adhesives, FixIts has no unpleasant odor.
Negative Recurring Themes
- Doesn’t stick: The most common complaint-FixIts does not adhere like glue.
- Sets too quickly: Users find the working time insufficient for detailed shaping.
- Looks ugly: Repairs are often described as unattractive.
- Not a Sugru substitute: Users expecting adhesive properties like Sugru are disappointed.
Important Caveat
Customer reviews are individual experiences and do not necessarily establish product performance scientifically. Many negative reviews appear to stem from unmet expectations-users expected FixIts to behave like glue, and it doesn’t.
Buying Guide
Before buying FixIts, consider:
□ Is availability an issue? Check current stock before ordering-the product can experience shortages.
□ Do you need adhesion or mechanical repair? If you need to stick two smooth surfaces together, FixIts is not the right product.
□ Are you comfortable with the aesthetic? FixIts repairs are visible. If you need invisible fixes, consider alternatives.
□ Do you have access to hot water? You’ll need it every time you use FixIts.
□ How often do you make repairs? If you fix things frequently, the reusability adds value. If rarely, a cheaper option might suffice.
FAQ’S About FixIts
What is FixIts?
FixIts is a reusable thermoplastic stick that softens in hot water and hardens when cooled. It’s used for repairing broken household items by molding the plastic around the damaged area.
How does FixIts work?
Is FixIts legit?
Yes. FixIts is a legitimate product from a verifiable company, featured on BBC’s Dragons’ Den and manufactured in the UK.
Is FixIts worth it?
For users who understand its limitations and have appropriate use cases, yes. The reusability and non-toxic nature provide value. For those needing adhesive properties, no.
Does FixIts really work?
It works as a moldable plastic that hardens into shape. It does not work as a glue. Success depends on using it for appropriate repairs.
How much does FixIts cost?
Where can I buy FixIts?
Primarily through the official FixIts website and select retailers.
What are the disadvantages?
Are there better alternatives?
For adhesive needs, Sugru or epoxy putty may be better. For reusable mechanical repairs, FixIts is unique.
Is FixIts suitable for beginners?
Yes. The process is simple and mistakes can be corrected by reheating
How long does a FixIts repair last?
Can FixIts be used for food contact?
Final Verdict
Is FixIts worth considering? Yes, but only if you understand what it is and what it isn’t.
FixIts is a reusable, non-toxic, moldable plastic that can save broken items from the landfill. It’s easy to use, forgiving of mistakes, and doesn’t expire. For mechanical repairs-wrapping around broken handles, filling gaps, creating custom shapes-it works well.
However, FixIts is not glue. It doesn’t chemically bond to surfaces. If you need adhesion, you’ll be disappointed. Repairs are also visible and may not look beautiful.
Best for: Occasional repairers, environmentally conscious consumers, campers, and gift-givers. People who want a versatile, reusable material for household fixes.
Choose an alternative if: You need adhesive properties, invisible repairs, or instant fixes.
Biggest advantage: Endless reusability. One purchase covers multiple repairs over years.
Biggest drawback: Does not stick like glue. Expectation management is essential.
If you’re looking for a reusable, non-toxic repair material and understand its limitations, FixIts is worth trying. If you need a traditional adhesive, look elsewhere.