got a free stratocaster today 
but it needs some repair.
The biggest problem is that the slot where you plug it in is wonky, the “threads” are sticking out too far for the cable to plug in (does that make sense?)
I tried fiddling with it but it doesn’t move so it’s not like I can just twist it back in place. Any idea if this is some kind of easy fix that I can do myself?
First of all - yay!
Second of all - you say “slot” - I assume you mean the hole where you plug in the cable? On a Strat its on the front of the guitar - the chrome bit by the pickguard? That’s the “jack” - a chrome piece screwed into the body; if you unscrew it free and lift it - CAREFULLY, it has wires attached - from the body, you will see an electronic component - the actual jack - has been put through the chrome piece from below, and a threaded nut is being used to hold it in place. You should be able to loosen the nut, lower the jack to expose fewer threads and then tighten the nut back down.
At this point, if that doesn’t work easy as pie - STOP. If you have been given a Strat that has that problem with it - someone has been messing with the guitar. That problem is indicative of a wacky adjustment attempt, not a factory setting. If that doesn’t do the trick and play easily, it is totally worth taking it to a guitar tech at a local shop and for $50 - $75 get a full once over to ensure the guitar is set up properly.
Sounds very cool - what kinda Strat? Where was it made (should be on the front or back of the headstock or stamped on the neck bolt-on plate…)?
I agree with everything Word says above. I would add that if it seems that there are too many threads outside the body of the guitar then perhaps a washer inside would fix the problem. I don’t remember is there is a washer or grommet inside on a strat. You might check though. But, again as Word says, do it carefully.
clearly this is a much more complicated guitar than you can handle… allow me to take it off your hands, thus freeing you of the burden… 
I bought a Strat at an estate sale a few months ago, paid a whole $75 for it. Thought I got a heck of a deal. Took it to a Guitar Center to have it checked out and tuned.
Found out Fender is not the only company that sells a Stratocaster guitar. It’s actually a knock off clone that was made in China. The guy that fixed and tuned said it’s actually a pretty decent guitar. Now I have to learn to play it.
it’s a Japanese Fender, and yes, I did mean the jack, thank you 
I opened it up (so cool) and it is missing a washer. The hardware store up the street doesn’t carry anything that small, so I’ll probably go to the local guitar place and see if I can get one from them.
I’ve been taking lessons on a cheap-ass squire for three years now, so this is pretty exciting for me.
Thanks for your help!
A Made In Japan or a Crafted In Japan guitar is worth keeping, they were some of the better ones. You can probably go to Radio Shack, buy a 1/4 inch phone jack, and take the washer from that. Keep the washer, toss the rest, and there ya are. If it’s too much bother, send it this way