33 phrases · Levels: A1A2B1B2
Dov'è la ferramenta più vicina?
Where is the nearest hardware store?
Use this when you need to find a hardware store. In Italy, ferramenta are often small independent shops run by families — very different from large DIY chains. Asking a neighbour or the local bar is usually the most reliable approach.
Ho bisogno di un cacciavite.
I need a screwdriver.
Use this as your first shopping phrase in a ferramenta. It is a basic request and will be understood everywhere. Specify the type (a testa piatta / a croce) if you know which one you need.
Avete un martello?
Do you have a hammer?
Use this straightforward request when you need a hammer. Follow up by specifying the weight or type if needed: martello da carpentiere (carpenter's hammer), martello da muratore (mason's hammer), mazza (sledgehammer).
Cerco delle viti in acciaio inox.
I'm looking for stainless steel screws.
Use this when you need specific screws and know the material. Specifying the material is important for outdoor, kitchen, or bathroom use where corrosion resistance matters. In a ferramenta, staff can advise on the right specification.
Che tassello devo usare per questo muro?
Which wall plug should I use for this wall?
Use this before drilling into an Italian wall. Getting the wrong type of plug is one of the most common DIY mistakes in Italy, where walls vary enormously from building to building.
Posso noleggiare un trapano?
Can I hire a drill?
Use this when you need a drill for a one-time job and do not own one. Some Italian ferramenta and most Brico stores offer tool hire (noleggio). Alternatively, ask a neighbour — sharing tools is common practice in Italian apartment buildings.
Che vernice usate per i muri interni?
What paint do you use for interior walls?
Use this when beginning a painting project. Italian hardware stores stock a wide range of paints for different surfaces, and staff can advise on the right type, finish, and application method for your specific walls.
Cercavo del nastro adesivo trasparente.
I was looking for clear adhesive tape.
Use this simple phrase when looking for tape. Italian ferramenta stock many types of tape — knowing the Italian terms for each helps you get exactly what you need.
Ho bisogno di sigillante per il bagno.
I need sealant for the bathroom.
Use this when you need to seal joints around a bath, shower, sink, or window. Sealant is one of the most commonly needed products in Italian apartments, where ageing silicone joints are a frequent source of leaks.
Il rubinetto perde. Come lo riparo?
The tap is dripping. How do I fix it?
Use this when you have a dripping or leaking tap and want to fix it yourself rather than calling a plumber. Italian ferramenta owners often enjoy giving repair advice — this question will typically start a useful conversation.
Devo cambiare la serratura della porta.
I need to change the door lock.
Use this when moving into a new apartment, after losing your keys, or when security improvements are needed. Changing locks is a common DIY task in Italy — ferramenta stock a wide range of locks and can advise on the best fit.
Che colla va bene per attaccare il legno?
Which glue is good for bonding wood?
Use this when you need to glue wood, whether for furniture repair or carpentry. Specifying 'for wood' helps the staff recommend the right product from Italy's wide range of adhesives.
Mi serve della carta vetrata a grana fine.
I need fine-grit sandpaper.
Use this when you need sandpaper for smoothing wood, metal, or painted surfaces before refinishing. Knowing the grain terminology saves confusion in the shop.
Ho bisogno di una livella e un metro.
I need a spirit level and a tape measure.
Use this when starting any installation, shelf-hanging, or tiling project. These two tools are essential and widely available. A livella (spirit level) comes in different lengths — ask for a length appropriate to your job.
Avete guanti da lavoro resistenti?
Do you have tough work gloves?
Use this when you need protection for hands during DIY, garden work, or construction tasks. Italian ferramenta stock a range of gloves for different applications — specify your task for the best recommendation.
Che pennello uso per verniciare le porte?
Which brush do I use for painting doors?
Use this when choosing painting tools. For Italian doors (typically wood or MDF), the right brush or applicator makes a significant difference to the finish quality.
Ho bisogno di un tubo flessibile per il lavandino.
I need a flexible pipe for the sink.
Use this when replacing or adding plumbing connections — under a sink, behind a washing machine, or for a shower hose. Flexible pipes (tubi flessibili or trecce) are far easier to install than rigid copper or plastic piping.
La valvola del termosifone è rotta.
The radiator valve is broken.
Use this when you need to replace a radiator valve. In Italy, radiator problems are common in older apartment buildings, and thermostatic valves (valvole termostatiche) have become legally required in all Italian homes with centralised heating since 2017.
Servono gli occhiali di protezione?
Are safety goggles needed?
Use this before starting any work that generates flying particles or spray — drilling, cutting, grinding, or using chemicals. A good ferramenta will remind you about safety equipment when selling power tools or chemicals.
Cerco un interruttore della luce.
I'm looking for a light switch.
Use this when replacing a broken switch or adding one. Italian electrical fittings follow specific compatibility systems — knowing the brand (sistema) currently installed is important for finding the right replacement.
Avete del WD-40 o grasso lubrificante?
Do you have WD-40 or lubricating grease?
Use this for squeaky hinges, sticky locks, seized bolts, and general lubrication tasks. These products are universally stocked at ferramenta and are among the most commonly purchased items.
Ho bisogno di cemento per piccole riparazioni.
I need cement for small repairs.
Use this when you need to fill small cracks in external walls, repair garden structures, or patch concrete. Italian ferramenta stock small bags of ready-mix products for household repairs.
Avete del filo di ferro?
Do you have wire?
Use this when you need binding wire for general repairs, gardening, or light construction work. Wire is a versatile and inexpensive material available in many gauges and types.
Devo misurare la stanza prima di comprare.
I need to measure the room before buying.
Use this to explain why you are asking for measurements or to describe what you are planning. It shows good preparation and will prompt more targeted advice from ferramenta staff.
Devo cambiare il tubo del gas della cucina.
I need to change the kitchen gas pipe.
Use this when you need to replace the flexible hose connecting a gas appliance. In Italy, gas hoses must be replaced every few years and must carry specific certifications. This is a safety-critical product.
Avete una chiave inglese regolabile?
Do you have an adjustable spanner?
Use this when you need a versatile wrench that can fit multiple bolt sizes. In Italian, it is called chiave inglese (English key/wrench) — an interesting linguistic borrowing that reflects Italy's historical technical exchanges with Britain.
Ho bisogno di sacchi resistenti per le macerie.
I need heavy-duty sacks for rubble.
Use this when doing demolition or renovation work that produces rubble, broken tiles, or heavy debris. Standard bin bags are not suitable — you need purpose-made construction waste sacks.
Che adesivo uso per attaccare le piastrelle?
Which adhesive do I use for laying tiles?
Use this when planning a tiling project — kitchen backsplash, bathroom walls, or floor. The adhesive choice depends on the substrate, the tile size and weight, and whether the surface will be wet.
Devo sistemare i gradini della scala in legno.
I need to sort out the steps of the wooden staircase.
Use this when wooden staircase steps need refinishing, non-slip treatment, or structural repair. Wooden stairs are common in Italian palazzi storici and need periodic maintenance.
La caldaia ha bisogno di manutenzione?
Does the boiler need maintenance?
Use this to start a conversation about boiler maintenance at a ferramenta that also sells heating equipment, or when asking a professional. Italian law requires annual boiler maintenance (manutenzione annuale della caldaia).
Avete sistemi per tenere i piccioni lontani?
Do you have systems to keep pigeons away?
Use this in Italian cities, where pigeon infestations on balconies, window sills, and roofs are a major and nearly universal problem. Ferramenta stock a range of deterrents for this very Italian urban challenge.
Ho bisogno di un prodotto impermeabilizzante per la terrazza.
I need a waterproofing product for the terrace.
Use this when you have a leaking terrace, flat roof, or basement that needs waterproofing. This is a common maintenance issue for Italian apartment owners and is typically addressed with liquid-applied membrane products.
Ho la cantina allagata. Serve una pompa.
I have a flooded basement. I need a pump.
Use this in an emergency — after heavy rain, a burst pipe, or a flooding event when water has entered a cellar or lower floor. Italian ferramenta often stock submersible pumps and drainage equipment for exactly this situation.