Repair in the Wild: Europe’s Summer of DIY Fixing
iFixit’s Street Team toured Europe in 2024, bringing repair workshops to hackathons, Maker Faires, and university courses. The initiative highlighted community learning, hands‑on soldering, and the Right to Repair, featuring local repairers like Sergio and Ángel.
By Felo News Desk · Published
In the spring of 2024, iFixit’s Street Team kicked off a continent‑wide tour that would see repair tools and knowledge spread from Italy’s tech hubs to Berlin’s academic labs and the UK’s hacker camps. The mission was simple: give people the skills and confidence to fix everyday gadgets, reduce waste, and build community.
Italy: From Hackaday to Repair Cafés
The journey began in Lecco, where iFixit joined Hackaday Europe. Hardware hackers, makers, and repair enthusiasts gathered to celebrate open technology and creative problem‑solving. The next stop was Cesano Boscone, where a hands‑on soldering workshop was hosted by Restarters Milano. Participants learned to solder and then used the skills to build LED spinning tops from fifteen components each. A friendly competition followed, with the goal of seeing which top spun the longest. The event was a success thanks to local volunteers Alberto, Sergio, and Daniele.
Sergio, whose repair passion began in childhood, explained how his father’s auto‑electrician background sparked his interest in electronics. He now sees repair as a way to reduce waste, learn new skills, and collaborate with others. The Italian tour also included a session at Repair Café Pavia, where people of all ages practiced soldering and built spinning tops in a supportive, community‑driven environment.
Belgium and Germany: Universities and Sonic Cyberfeminism
In Leuven, a local repairer familiar with iFixit met Ángel, a new Street Team member. The conversation turned to a workshop at KU Leuven where students learn to repair devices using iFixit guides, YouTube tutorials, and specialist forums. The goal was to show that with the right guidance, anyone can fix their own tech.
Across the border in Berlin, iFixit tools supported the Electronic Amulets workshops that were part of Humboldt‑Universität’s Sonic Cyberfeminism course. Students turned circuits into personal talismans while exploring the intersection of technology, sound, and feminist theory. The workshops emphasized that repair is not just a technical skill but also a creative act that empowers individuals to become creators, not just consumers.
UK: EMF Camp and Maker Faire Hannover
In the UK, Chigozie joined the Hardware Hacking Area at EMF Camp, providing tools for a badge‑modification activity. Attendees reused parts from their 2024 badges to create a 2026 version, sparking discussions about the Right to Repair. The camp also hosted a FreeCAD E‑Sport Speed Run Challenge, where participants raced through three ten‑minute CAD challenges, from modeling a small box to designing an EMF badge expansion.
Later that summer, iFixit’s Tobi, Jasper, and Anna set up a stand at Maker Faire Hannover. The location near the entrance attracted a steady flow of visitors, and the soldering activity was a particular hit, with kits selling out quickly over the weekend. The event showcased the practical, hands‑on nature of repair and the community spirit that drives the Street Team.
Key Figures and the Spirit of the Street Team
Ángel, a long‑standing contributor to the Spanish iFixit community, began his repair journey with a bicycle and a bread maker. He found local Repair Cafés for advice and soon started helping others, turning repair into a social activity. He has represented iFixit at events such as Hardwear.io in Amsterdam, meeting others who share his enthusiasm.
The Street Team’s success lies in its focus on people: meeting, exchanging ideas, and building confidence for future repairs. Whether it’s a soldering workshop in Italy or a university lecture in Germany, the team brings the same core message—repair is accessible, valuable, and fun.
Looking ahead, iFixit invites anyone interested in repair to join the community, share skills, or suggest events. Sign up for the newsletter and follow the team on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on upcoming workshops and gatherings.
Key facts
- iFixit’s Street Team toured Italy, Belgium, Germany, and the UK in 2024.
- Workshops ranged from soldering to CAD challenges and university courses.
- Local repairers like Sergio and Ángel played key roles in community engagement.
- Events highlighted the Right to Repair and the creative potential of DIY fixing.
- The initiative encourages learning, collaboration, and sustainable consumption.
Why it matters
By spreading repair knowledge, iFixit empowers individuals to reduce electronic waste, save money, and foster community collaboration, reinforcing the Right to Repair movement across Europe.
Frequently asked questions
What is the iFixit Street Team?
The Street Team is a group of volunteers who travel to events, workshops, and communities to teach repair skills and promote the Right to Repair.
How can I join a repair workshop?
Check iFixit’s website or social media for upcoming events, or contact local Repair Cafés in your area.
Sources
- [1] ifixit.com — originally reported as “Repair in the Wild: A Summer With Europe’s Repair Communities”
