Zipper fix tips?

PhilR

Whale Shark
Forum Supporter
I broke the zipper on my felt tabis, and was wondering if anyone has an easy fix for this. Since there’s a tooth missing, I figured I could just kinda force it back down but no joy.

Thanks

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OK, it's doable, but may total it and need a new zipper sewn in if it doesn't work (no loss, right). So, with a thin bladed screw driver or preferred flat lever (knife, be careful), carefully pry the zipper pull open just enough to slide on through the missing tooth (up or down). Alternately, just open enough to get over the top, then slide down. Very lightly crimp it back closed, but not too much, and zip up. With a needle and thread sew across well above the missing tooth for a new bottom stop and to hold it together securely. It works, I have a couple repaired items. I have broken more than one pull as well.
 
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OK, it's doable, but may total it and need a new zipper sewn in if it doesn't work (no loss, right). So, with a thin bladed screw driver or preferred flat lever (knife, be careful), carefully pry the zipper pull open just enough to slide on through the missing tooth (up or down). Alternately, just open enough to get over the top, then slide down. Very lightly crimp it back closed, but not too much, and zip up. With a needle and thread sew across well above the missing tooth for a new bottom stop and to hold it together securely. It works, I have a couple repaired items. I have broken more than one pull as well.

Tom, thanks. That seems pretty straightforward.
 
Well, looks like off to a shoe repair place. Zipper pull did not like being spread apart…

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Can't fix that zipper but in the future I found a good soaking of CLR helps to free up the corrosion clogging the zipper so you can salvage the zipper before it breaks. Doesn't quite work miracles on severe corrosion but it seems to help a lot for me.
 
Well, looks like off to a shoe repair place. Zipper pull did not like being spread apart…

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Sorry that didn't work, I've seen that as well. Sometimes the teeth won't set well again also. When that happens I measure the zipper, get a new one at Joann's, rip it out and sew in a new one. I have cycling booties just like those, saved 'em both once, then they needed new.
 

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Check Rainy Pass Repair to see if they can replace it for you. Might have to buy a,new,zipper yourself and send it with but im pretty positive they can fix it. they replaced a door zipper on my Coleman tent 10 years ago and its still going strong.
 
@Tom Butler nailed it, now you can just buy a new pull. If and I mean if you can find the right size.
 
I have no idea what those booties cost as I have never used them. Based on my experience of trying to get zippers repaired or replaced on various items I suspect that buying a new pair of booties might be the best course of action as zipper repair/replacement may cost more than 50% of a new pair.
 
I have a repair kit in the way. Worst case, I replace, but I got them on a fun trip and slightly sentimental value
 
I have no idea what those booties cost as I have never used them. Based on my experience of trying to get zippers repaired or replaced on various items I suspect that buying a new pair of booties might be the best course of action as zipper repair/replacement may cost more than 50% of a new pair.
This is an interesting thead - the zipper on my two rod bag won't stay zipped up. I called a shoe shop and asked about getting the zipper replaced and was told they could do it but I'd be better off buying a new rod case. The shop offered a couple suggestions that might work: they didn't. If Tom Butler was a bit closer I'd buy a zipper and several boxes of hooks....... ;-) In the meantime, the two rod bag is used for in house storage but not transportation. Don't ask why.

I wear Adams Built Knott Creek boots for float tubing. The zippers like to be wet to be zipped up.
 
In our 'throw away and replace' world it is always refreshing (to me anyway!) to hear recommendations about how to rescue or increase the longevity of items.
I hear you but at what point does repair become contrary to the economics of replacing an item? I've thought about adhering velcro closure strips to the fabric.....
 
I hear you but at what point does repair become contrary to the economics of replacing an item? I've thought about adhering velcro closure strips to the fabric.....
Check out Zipper Rescue. They have kits for different repairs, a part selection wizard, and a ton of videos. And then there’s the You Tube.
 
I hear you but at what point does repair become contrary to the economics of replacing an item? I've thought about adhering velcro closure strips to the fabric.....
It occurs when I'm attracted to purchasing a bright shiny new item (often with superior features and quality). I'll cut my losses pretty quick when the item includes additional impending points of product failure. I don't have much reluctance shitcanning something whose failure could ruin a fishing trip.
 
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