How do I repair tools and weapons without losing durability?

In Valheim, repairing tools and weapons is a crucial part of maintaining your efficiency in survival and combat. Unlike many other survival games, Valheim allows you to repair your items without losing durability, making it a forgiving system for players. However, understanding the mechanics and requirements for repairs is essential to avoid unnecessary frustration.\n\nTo repair tools and weapons, you need access to a Workbench. The Workbench is one of the first crafting stations you will build in the game, and it is essential for crafting and repairing most early-game items. To build a Workbench, you need 10 Wood, which can be gathered by chopping down trees in the Meadows biome. Once you have the Workbench, place it in a sheltered area, as it requires a roof and walls to function properly.\n\nOnce your Workbench is set up, approach it and interact with the hammer icon in the crafting menu. This will open the repair interface. Here, you will see a list of all the items in your inventory that can be repaired. Select the item you want to repair, and it will be restored to full durability instantly. Importantly, repairing items does not consume any resources, making it a cost-effective way to maintain your gear.\n\nOne common challenge players face is running out of durability in the middle of an expedition. To avoid this, always carry a portal with you. Portals allow you to quickly return to your base, repair your gear, and resume your adventure. To craft a portal, you need 20 Fine Wood, 10 Greydwarf Eyes, and 2 Surtling Cores. Fine Wood can be obtained by chopping down Birch or Oak trees in the Meadows or Black Forest biomes, while Greydwarf Eyes and Surtling Cores are dropped by Greydwarfs and Surtlings, respectively.\n\nAnother tip is to upgrade your Workbench as you progress. Higher-level Workbenches allow you to repair higher-tier items. For example, to repair bronze tools, you need a Workbench upgraded with a Forge. To build a Forge, you need 4 Stone, 4 Coal, 10 Wood, and 6 Copper. Coal can be obtained by burning Wood in a Charcoal Kiln, and Copper is mined from Copper Deposits in the Black Forest biome.\n\nFor experienced players, managing multiple Workbenches and Forges across different biomes can save time. For instance, setting up a repair station near a mining outpost in the Black Forest ensures you can repair your pickaxe and other tools without traveling back to your main base. This strategy is especially useful when gathering large amounts of resources like Copper or Iron.\n\nIn summary, repairing tools and weapons in Valheim is straightforward and resource-efficient. Always ensure you have a functional Workbench, carry a portal for quick returns, and upgrade your crafting stations as you progress. By following these steps, you can maintain your gear and focus on exploring, building, and conquering the challenges of Valheim.\n\nPractical Tip: If you are far from your base and cannot repair your tools, consider crafting a spare set of basic tools like a Flint Axe or a Crude Bow. These can serve as temporary replacements until you can return to your Workbench.