In Duct Tape We Trust: The Prepper’s Guide to Fixing (Almost) Everything

In Duct Tape We Trust

They say money makes the world go ‘round, but I’d argue it’s actually duct tape, bungee cords, and that one guy named Steve who somehow knows how to repair a composting toilet with a butter knife and a half-chewed pencil.

In a world where preppers are stocking up on freeze-dried lasagna and debating whether gold or silver is better for post-apocalyptic bartering (spoiler alert: neither buys you a working can opener), it’s high time we shine the flashlight on something far more useful—repair kits. Because no matter how much food, water, or ammo you’ve stashed, if your gear breaks and you can’t fix it… well, welcome to your $3,000 paperweight collection.

The Gospel of Gear Repair: Why Fixing Beats Replacing

In the land of preparedness, redundancy is king. But so is resilience—and nothing says “resilient” like being able to fix your own stuff. Whether you’re bugging in during a blizzard or bugging out because your neighbor Greg finally snapped over the HOA bylaws, having a set of customized repair kits can make or break your day. Literally.

So let’s ditch the one-size-fits-none approach and build kits that actually reflect how real people break real stuff in real life.

1. The “MacGyver Would Be Proud” Tape Kit

Yes, duct tape’s the Beyoncé of the fix-it world—but let’s not ignore the rest of Destiny’s Children.

Include:

• Duct tape (the obvious queen)

• Gorilla tape (when duct tape just isn’t angry enough)

• Electrical tape (because wires hate commitment)

• Tenacious Tape or gear repair tape (for tents, tarps, and backpacks)

• Fabric fusing tape (a no-sew miracle for torn clothes and gear)

• Aluminum HVAC tape (sticks to metal like gossip sticks to a small town)

Pro tip: Wrap several feet around an old credit card and toss it in every bag, glove box, and sock drawer. You never know.

2. The “Clothing & Gear Trauma Unit” Kit

Because your backpack always rips after you’ve packed it, and your pants split at the least dignified moment.

Include:

• Speedy stitcher or leather sewing awl

• Upholstery needles and heavy-duty thread

• Safety pins (bonus: makeshift fishhooks, too)

• Nylon patches and iron-on fabric kits

• Zip ties (more on these beauties later)

• Shoe goo or Aquaseal (to fix everything from boots to raincoats)

If you’ve ever tried hiking with one working boot and a sock flapping like a surrender flag, you’ll appreciate this kit.

3. The “Home Frankenstein” Kit

For when your off-grid abode or suburban stronghold needs emergency TLC.

Include:

• JB Weld (the poor man’s welding rig)

• Wood filler + putty knife

• Assorted screws, nuts, bolts, and washers (because something always rattles loose)

• Allen wrenches and multi-bit screwdriver

• Super glue + baking soda (the combo acts like an instant plastic weld)

• Plumber’s epoxy (for emergency water line or pipe fixes)

This kit makes you feel like Bob Vila and Dr. Frankenstein had a DIY baby.

4. The “I Hate Plumbing, but I Hate Floods More” Kit

A DIY Fix It Kit

Because water finds the one weak point in your shelter, every time.

Include:

• Pipe thread tape (aka plumber’s Teflon tape)

• Compression fittings (for those “I don’t know what I’m doing, but it stopped leaking” wins)

• Hose clamps in assorted sizes

• Rubber gasket material + utility knife

• Silicone sealant

• Toilet wax ring (because you will have to reseat a toilet someday, and it’s never at a convenient time)

Also doubles as a marital stress test when fixing a leak together.

5. The “Zip Tie & Wire Wizard” Kit

Zip ties: for when you need to feel powerful with minimal effort. Wire: for when you want to feel confused and powerful.

Include:

• Zip ties (various lengths and colors—color-coding your chaos is a flex)

• Baling wire or mechanics wire (sturdier than your last diet)

• Twine, paracord, and fishing line

• Mini carabiners and S-biners

• Velcro cable ties (for the gear minimalist who hates commitment)

Whether you’re securing a tarp, restraining a flapping door, or crafting a makeshift rabbit trap, this kit’s your versatile MVP.

6. The “Tech is Dumb but I Still Use It” Repair Kit

For the solar panel, battery bank, and communication gear crowd. (You fancy.)

Include:

• Electrical tape

• Soldering iron + solder (USB-powered options are compact)

• Spare fuses and inline fuse holders

• Battery terminal cleaner

• Contact cleaner spray (great for radios, too)

• Mini multimeter (because guessing is not a skill)

Because your ham radio isn’t going to fix itself… and your walkie died from waterboarding in the last rainstorm.

7. The “Pocket-Sized Oh-No Kit”

For glove boxes, EDC bags, or your “just running to the store” pouches.

Include:

• Tiny roll of duct tape

• Mini sewing kit

• Small tube of super glue

• Flat pack of zip ties

• A couple of band-aids (because you will cut yourself fixing stuff)

You’ll feel smug pulling this out while others are Googling “how to fix broken shoelace in wilderness.”

Here’s the thing: being self-reliant isn’t just about collecting tools—it’s about building the confidence to problem-solve. Every time you fix instead of replace, patch instead of pout, you’re investing in the kind of resourcefulness money can’t buy. These little kits? They’re more than just gear—they’re tiny monuments to your ingenuity.

And hey, if you ever need to rebuild civilization with nothing but a roll of tape and a sandwich bag full of zip ties… you’ve got this.