Help with zipper repair...Please!

Nordictat2

My husbands leather riding trousers got damaged. One of the zippers on the side has come off. Well not the whole zipper just the pull thingy that keeps the zipper closed (pictured below).



Is there any way I can repair this myself or will I have to take it to get it repaired.

Penelope_Penguin

Nordictat2 wrote: »

My husbands leather riding trousers got damaged. One of the zippers on the side has come off. Well not the whole zipper just the pull thingy that keeps the zipper closed (pictured below).



Is there any way I can repair this myself or will I have to take it to get it repaired.

Is it the whole thing, or just the loose toggle bit If it's the whole thing, it'll need a professional repair

Penny. x

Unity

I've fixed zips like this in the past - but it's entirely up to you if you want to try this. By all means get the price for a professional repair first, as it's not the easiest of jobs - but it may look better and cost less than having the whole zip replaced.

Is the bottom end of the zip closed, or is it one of those that opens from either end? If it is closed with one of those metal bars (looks like a closed staple when viewed from the inside) then you can pry the closed ends open and remove it. You should then be able to put the part you've photographed back on from the bottom end.

This sometimes takes a few tries to get it aligned properly. Once you have the zip part way closed (you might want to keep it closed by running some tacking stitches with a needle and thread) you can replace the bar and close the ends firmly. A good tap with a small hammer works for this.

I've done this with zips on jeans and handbags - but I haven't tried it on biking leathers. It might actually be easier if it is a larger zip - some of the smaller ones can be quite fiddly.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Penelope_Penguin

Unity wrote: »

I've fixed zips like this in the past - but it's entirely up to you if you want to try this. By all means get the price for a professional repair first, as it's not the easiest of jobs - but it may look better and cost less than having the whole zip replaced.

I take it back - it can be done :T Thanks Unity :A

Penny. x

Nordictat2

Thanks for advice ladies.

My hubby was in a bad mood at the time and just zipped too hard and off the zipper came. It's just the thing (pull tab and slider body) I showed a pic of that came completely off. The long part and teeth of the zipper are ok and it's a regular zip and NOT one that opens from either end. At the moment the zipper is open all the way to the top.

I just got these for him a few weeks ago so of course I feel like beating his bum lol.

foxgloves

Last year I broke the long zip on a pair of leather boots. I was going to chuck them and buy another pair but it seemd very wasteful. Local shoemender put new zip in them. Yes it was £14, but the boots lasted all last winter and are still fine this year so worth a try. I don't think they just mend shoes. The expertise they have probably extends to bags, leather coats, etc, as they have the machinery to do the stitching and I'm sure would know about repairing zips. Worth a try?