Can Raul Repair Items for Free in Fallout: New Vegas?

One of the most intriguing mechanics in Fallout: New Vegas is the ability to repair items, and Raul Tejada, a ghoul mechanic, plays a significant role in this process. However, the question remains: can Raul repair items for free?

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Understanding Raul’s Repair Services

Raul is the only non-faction non-player character in the base game who can repair items up to 100%. Before recruiting him as a companion, Raul will repair items for a fee in his prison room. This fee-based service raises the question of whether there are ways to get Raul to repair items without paying him.

Pickpocketing Raul: A Risky Approach

Some players have attempted to pickpocket Raul to recover the cost of repairs. However, this method is fraught with difficulty, even with the aid of a Stealth Boy. Raul’s high awareness and the risk of him becoming hostile make pickpocketing a challenging and unreliable option.

Alternative Methods and Exploits

While there are no straightforward ways to get Raul to repair items for free, some players have discovered exploits that can be used to their advantage. For instance, if Raul is at his shack, you can repair your items and then pickpocket him to get your caps back. However, this method requires careful timing and a quick escape to avoid hostility.