All professions are important, all professions are needed. Of course, any work activity of a person is a plus, both for him and for those to whom he can provide his services. One of these useful professions is a shoe repairman. The services of a specialist are not expensive, but you don’t want to look for him, running all over the city because of any trifle, and you don’t always have time for this. But what to do if there are problems with the zipper on the boot, and there is only one pair? A simple option is to contact a locksmith, but many people ask the question: is it possible to fix the lock at home? Let's find out.
You will need pliers
Most likely, you have already tried to fix a zipper using pliers, first clamping one side of the slider and then the other. This is a fairly common method, which has several negative aspects. Firstly, when one end is compressed, the second simply expands; secondly, the central transverse plate of the runner becomes loose, which leads to the fact that the runner simply falls apart into two parts. If you are used to repairing zippers this way, then you know what we are talking about.
Why lightning may diverge and how to fix it
The main task of repair is not only to bring the zipper into working order, but also to prevent the problem from occurring again. To do this, it is necessary to take into account the causes of the breakdown.
Lightning diverges due to:
- loss of the internal part of the “runner”;
- the inability of the “runner” to hold 2 parts of the zipper;
- Low quality;
- physical impact;
- thread or fabric getting stuck in the runner;
- accumulation of dirt between the links;
- broken or deformed teeth.
The slider may be lost over time. Usually, after several years of use of the shoe, the slider weakly holds parts of the zipper. In this case, careful repair is needed. If the impact is strong, parts may break and then they will need to be replaced.
Often the zipper comes apart because it is of poor quality. This usually applies to cheap shoes. In addition, repairing the fastener only gives a temporary effect. Most often replacement is required.
The fastener comes apart due to strong impact. For example, a person has a full lower leg. When fastening a high boot, the zipper is pulled strongly. It cannot withstand constant loads and breaks down over time. Therefore, you need to choose shoes according to the size of your foot and lower leg.
The clasp has come apart
This usually happens unexpectedly while getting ready for work or a walk. Therefore, there is a need for quick repairs.
- Using pliers, you need to slightly compress the “slider” of the lock. Usually after such manipulation the mechanism works stably.
- If this does not work, you should tap the “snake” with a hammer outside and inside.
- Sometimes an alcohol solution of rosin helps. Unfasten the clasp and apply the product to both halves. The zipper should dry for several hours, then you can check its performance. If you don't like the effect, the procedure is performed again.
These three methods usually help out when the lock on the boots comes apart. After this, the clasp can work as before again.
If the defect has been corrected, you must wear your shoes carefully. This will prevent the breakdown from occurring again.
The clasp link has fallen out
For repairs you will need a needle with a large eye. It is also called “gypsy”. The line is threaded through the eye, then a few stitches are made in the area where there is no link. Typically, this procedure restores the lock's operation, but it must be taken into account that this is a temporary measure. In order for your boots to last for a long time, you need to contact a shoe repair shop.
If the procedure does not help and the fastener becomes unusable, you can sew a new one. They also do the work independently. You should prepare materials: reel, shoe nylon, zipper, glue. First, the old zipper is removed. This should be done carefully, first of all the threads are removed so as not to damage the skin. The new fastener is sewn into the same holes.
The ends of the new zipper are cut off to the iron staples. This is done to ensure that it is inserted all the way. Working with the upper part of the boots is easier, so you should start sewing the fastener from here.
The work is done with a strong needle and pliers. The latter are required for stitching at the bottom of the boot, since that is the roughest area. It is necessary to sew the zipper along the entire height of the shoe with neat stitches, and finally, you need to check the reliability of the fastening.
The slider is broken
It is advisable to purchase a spare “runner” in advance. It is sold in shoe and clothing stores. To select the correct size, a number is usually indicated on the inside of the part. The repair procedure is performed as follows:
- The broken “slider” is removed.
- A new part is placed on the clasp. The limiters must be retracted.
- The new “runner” is secured with pliers.
Will you be repairing zippers on your boots yourself?
Yes
No
Sometimes the slider cannot be replaced. Inaccurate operation may cause the mechanism to malfunction. In this case, it is easier to replace the clasp with a new one, then the lock will close much easier.
Repairing a zipper if teeth are missing
In this situation, you should not throw away your shoes, as the problem can be fixed on your own. If there are no metal zippers on the boot, then you need to buy new teeth. You can pick up the missing items on another clasp. If you were unable to fix them yourself, you can use the services of a workshop.
It is much easier to repair fasteners made of nylon or plastic. This will require a thick fishing line. A small piece is taken and secured so that the ends do not interfere with the operation of the mechanism.
In the absence of iron teeth, the snake is difficult to fasten and comes apart over time. To correct the defect, tap the fastener with a hammer to force the teeth into place. If all else fails, only a master can help.
The zipper slider in the new shoes broke
It happens that you don’t have time to buy new shoes. And after a few days, these shoes must be taken to the workshop for repairs. Her zipper slider broke. Why might the zipper slider in new shoes break? One of the most common reasons is fur getting into the zipper when closing it.
When fur gets under the slider when closing the zipper, it is difficult to move it further. But we don’t always understand why the zipper suddenly began to close poorly, and we continue to pull as much as we can.
Sometimes we win this fight and the boot closes. But, if this is repeated day after day, then the lightning slider ceases to perform its functions. He starts to go on strike.
How can this manifest itself?
- constantly sticks in a certain place
- when fastening the zipper, the slider is partially fastened, and in some part the zipper begins to diverge
- and finally, the zipper slider holder comes off
To prevent this from happening, and also to extend the life of the zipper slider, you need to do some things. After purchasing shoes or after repairs, and in particular replacing the zipper in a workshop, carefully inspect the inside of the zipper to see if the fur protrudes so far from the cut that it can get on the zipper.
It will be visible.
If parts of the fur still protrude quite far, be sure to cut them off.
You need to cut off all the protruding fur along the entire length of the zipper.
This is better than repairing the slider or the entire zipper later
