Even with the most careful handling of accessories, problems may arise in the form of hardware breakdowns. Owners of both expensive and economy options face a similar problem. In this regard, it is useful to know what to do if the zipper on a bag comes apart - the ways to fix it are varied, but require careful study before starting work. It is recommended to carry out independent repairs only if the damage is minor or if you have experience in fixing similar problems with bag fittings.
How to fix a lock and what to do if it breaks on a backpack or bag
When a breakdown occurs at home, it is easier to fix it with the help of household tools that every owner should always have (pliers, an awl, scissors, thread and needle, or a new lock).
But often trouble happens on a business trip, on vacation, or in nature. Then you will have to use materials in the form of a paper clip, pin, or wire. But keep in mind that such repairs will be temporary and you will still have to redo them. Let's look at several ways to help cope with the problem that can happen with different accessories.
The bag does not fasten
Arm yourself with a magnifying glass and carefully inspect all the elements. If the teeth are worn out, broken or fallen out, repairing them yourself will not lead to anything good. The best option for you is to put the item in the hands of professionals who will completely replace all the fittings.
It happens that the coil becomes clogged, then remove all the debris and, if desired, use a vacuum cleaner. Drop a little sunflower or any other oil and gently pull the dog up. You can shake it in different directions. Lower the slider down and do this operation several times.
How to fix a broken zipper on a bag or backpack
This type of failure is the most common. If the pawl is to blame (it is weakening due to long-term use), take pliers and pinch the edges on the side (it is strictly not recommended to touch the middle). However, do not overdo it, as the element itself may burst. Keep in mind that manipulation can only be done with a metal lock; plastic fittings will not withstand pressure. After this, the slider will work a little tighter than usual. Finally, lubricate it with a pencil lead or wax from a household candle.
The dog is broken
The slider is the most important mechanism that connects the two edges of the fastener. If it falls out, try to put it back in place yourself. To do this, slightly expand any of its sides. Insert one half of the product into the hole and press lightly. At the start of the fastener, it is necessary to make several turns of thread to prevent slipping. You can safely use the item.
Another unpleasant moment is the breakdown of the slider. In this case, buy a similar copy in the store (to avoid mistakes, take a photo of the element or bring it with you) and two limiters.
Start the repair using an awl and pliers. Remove the metal stoppers and cut off the plastic stoppers, being careful not to catch the fabric. Put on the new pawl and check operation. If everything is in order, then insert the stops and tighten them.
The slider tab broke
Such a nuisance happens very often, but we always have items in our bags or pockets that we hate to throw away. For example, a piece of wire, a pin or a paper clip will help in the repair. Place one of the options in place of the broken part. It will take no more than 2-3 minutes.
If you don’t have a “helper” at hand, pinch the slider with pliers and slowly open the clasp, but not all the way, as it might just pop out. Then you will have to replace the tongue with a new one.
Lightning came off
It happens that the main metal or plastic part comes away from the fabric base. A small piece of tear can be repaired using a needle with a large eye and thick thread. In case of large-scale troubles, it is better to take the travel accessory to a workshop so that professionals can sew it on a sewing machine. Otherwise, your item will have an unsightly appearance, since bags are made of thick material, and you will not be able to do the job well.
Damaged foundation
This problem does not happen with metal coils. Clasps made of plastic and nylon suffer. To fix the damage, you need to apply office glue to the damaged part, wait until it dries completely and repeat the procedure twice.
The second effective way is to melt the frayed tip with a lighter.
What to do if the zipper on your backpack comes apart due to a broken tooth
It is much easier to replace the old fastener with a new one. But if you decide to take action on your own, be patient, as the process is very long and painstaking. To do this, remove the broken elements and insert the teeth from another zipper in their place. Secure them with stitches.
The lock does not close well
Tight opening/closing also brings a lot of inconvenience. This problem is much easier to solve than fixing a broken zipper. To do this, look at the item with a magnifying glass, in case there are foreign objects between the links or in the pawl that are not visible to the naked eye. Remove them if necessary. Rub a pencil lead or wax onto the coil itself and drop some oil inside the runner. Just do not use a product intended for vehicles. The chemical elements present in it corrode leather and other materials of travel accessories.
How to fix a zipper lock if the teeth on a bag or backpack are bent
Take the accessory in your hands. Using pliers, carefully align the damaged metal elements. Next, place the item on a hard surface or stick a cutting board inside and gently tap the damaged teeth with a hammer.
Preventing zipper breakage
In order to avoid problems with lightning, you should treat it with some thrift, for this you must follow the following tips:
- The slider should be moved parallel to the edges.
- The teeth and the “dog” need to be waxed periodically.
- Make sure that no foreign objects get into the zipper elements.
- It is also necessary to ensure that no threads or pieces of fabric get caught in the zipper.
- The frayed edges must be cut off.
- If your bag was made of fabric, you can apply a strip of tape to the edges.
It’s very unpleasant when the zipper on your favorite bag breaks. It doesn't matter what kind of thing it is, cheap or expensive. All bags with a zipper are at risk. In case of breakdown, you can easily contact a specialist. But not everyone has this opportunity. However, you can make repairs at home. It won't take long. The main advantage of this method is saving money.
Tips: the zipper has come apart, how to fasten it
Our recommendations:
- Usually a weakened slider is to blame. Pinch it on both sides with pliers without touching the middle. If you press hard, it will stop moving completely.
- The plastic fastener may come apart spontaneously. Unfasten the product completely, place a film or plastic bag under the clasp, moisten the cloves with an alcohol solution of rosin and leave in this position for 2-3 hours.
- It will only take you a few minutes to repair metal fittings. To do this, carefully (do not overdo it) hit it from the outside and inside along the entire length with a hammer.
- The spontaneously opening lock can be secured using a hook made, which is sewn on top to the edge of the tape. Then the dog can be fixed on it.
- A tightly fastened zipper can be easily returned to its original form by lubricating it with paraffin or a soft pencil lead.
Two words about fasteners
Bags and backpacks usually have permanent zippers. They are:
- Metal. They are more reliable, but not everyone likes the way they look. On an elegant evening handbag, such a clasp looks a little rough. However, metal zippers have their advantages - they are less likely to break, and if problems arise, they are easier to deal with.
- Plastic. The good thing about this type of zipper is that it can be matched exactly to the color of the material and sewn in so that it is completely invisible without any flap. Unfortunately, plastic fasteners break more often, and it is not always possible to repair them. Thin zippers, which have a long plastic spring inserted instead of teeth, are especially unreliable.
How to fix a lock
Zipper divergence occurs not only on shoes or clothes; other things that we use every day are also susceptible to this phenomenon. Breakage can occur on different items.
Jacket
We wear demi-season clothing for a very long time, so long-term use can cause damage to the runner, teeth and the zipper itself.
In different cases, it is easiest to replace an unusable element in a special workshop, but if this is not possible, then arm yourself with pliers, a hammer, a needle and thread, scissors and lubricant and follow the instructions described above.
Wallet
A common failure is loss of teeth. In this case, you can restore them using fishing line (if we are talking about plastic fittings). You can try to sew metal elements by removing them from the backup product.
How to fix a zipper on a suitcase
A divergent lock can play a bad role when traveling. Therefore, strong fixation is necessary. Make a ring out of wire or remove a circle from any keychain. Stick one of the suggested items into the tail of the slider. And fasten the dog itself to the handle of the travel accessory.
Another danger that may await you on the road is a poorly opening lock. In this case, you can find a piece of lard, soap, a pencil rod or a candle and lubricate the entire length of the mechanism. Carry out this procedure several times, while zipping and unzipping the suitcase. If you use a lubricant made from fat, then lay down newspaper, cellophane or other plastic, as marks and stains may remain on your item.
How to repair and make a lock on a briefcase
If the problem is in the slider, then using pliers you can fix the problem. To do this, open the product completely, clamp the pawl on both sides so that it can connect all the links into one strip. The same can be done with plastic fittings, but you need to act very carefully so as not to break the element. The plastic will not withstand secondary repairs; you will have to completely replace it.
It often happens that the ends of the product become frayed, so the stops that secure the pawl break. In this case, you may even end up with a portfolio that will be open. Nail polish or office glue will help you get out of the situation. Apply these products to the worn areas several times and wait until they dry completely. They will play the role of stoppers for a very long time and will not spoil the appearance of the briefcase fabric and accessories.
How to fix a zipper if it comes apart on a backpack
To restore the zipper you will have to have on hand:
- a replacement part with a suspension (if the repair was unsuccessful);
- scissors;
- screwdriver;
- pliers;
- school ruler or sewing tape measure.
There are several options for breakdowns, so we’ll tell you about each of them:
- Bent links are straightened by hitting them with a heavy object.
- The dropped elements are replaced with improvised parts made from fishing line or coarse thread.
- The loose pawl is evenly clamped with pliers on both sides.
- A lost or damaged slider must be replaced with a new one. In this case, you need to know exactly its characteristics and number. You can measure the size using a ruler.
The lock on the bag is coming apart
If you buy an item at a low cost, be prepared for the fact that such a nuisance will happen sooner or later. After all, manufacturers are trying to save money on accessories. When choosing a women's handbag, you must take into account that it will be used every day.
The best option for you would be to purchase a model made from quality materials. Products from Italian ]Piquadro[/anchor] will never disappoint you or ruin your mood. After all, leather always remains in fashion, looks elegant and expensive. In addition, all products are equipped with high-quality fittings, functional compartments and additional modern elements in the form of a combination lock and latch. Such bags will never let you down on a business trip, on vacation or just in everyday life.
If the zipper does break, use our tips described above. The main thing is to have the necessary items on hand during all operations, patience and accuracy in work, so as not to break the zipper at all.
Causes of failure
Such an unpleasant problem as a zipper failure can occur at any time. It is very important to know the main causes of failure in order to prevent similar situations in the future.
Let's look at the main reasons:
- The teeth are deformed. They may fall out or become deformed.
- Problem with sliders. Sliders are the most common cause of zipper failure. The lock tends to get stuck, and its tongue “loves” to break.
Let's look at how to fix such problems at home below.
Care Tips
Our recommendations:
- When using a newly purchased item, you must slowly, without tugging, carefully fasten it, since the lock itself has not yet been developed. With sudden actions, it can immediately fail.
- Do not fill the product with food or other items to the very top. After all, when fastening, the tape may become skewed and the edges will not close.
- Since we live in the Russian Federation, where it rains most of the year, the zipper needs to be periodically lubricated with paraffin, pencil lead or vegetable fat.
- Inspect and clean the surface to prevent foreign objects from getting into the teeth, such as threads, dust, tree branches, grass. You can remove them with a brush or vacuum cleaner.
- Do not allow the bag to fall or be hit directly by a heavy object. This may cause the parts to split and fall out.
By taking all precautions, you will extend the life of your item for many years.
If the teeth have popped out
Over time, the cloves fall out. The zipper will most likely have to be changed, but you can still try to fix it. Sometimes it works.
Option 1
If the zipper is plastic, regular fishing line can help you out. It varies in thickness, but usually this does not matter. The missing teeth can simply be “sewn on”:
- Make a knot in the fishing line (you can simply melt the tip).
- Thread the line through a needle with a wide eye.
- Make a few over-the-edge stitches where the teeth have fallen out.
- Trim the tip and also melt it so that it does not slip through the fabric.
Important! You have to work carefully because plastic also melts.
Option 2
This number will not work with a metal zipper. You will need a second zipper with exactly the same teeth (this is why it is better not to throw away old broken zippers, but to put them in a box - it is not known when they may be needed).
We proceed like this:
- Remove the required number of teeth from the spare zipper.
- Try to put them on the one in the bag - not everyone succeeds, but sometimes it works.
- Align the teeth with a hammer.
Video material
Very often, the zipper starts to act up after washing, and for backpacks - after another hike. There is no need to wash the bag with powder; it is better to use liquid detergents, and after “hygienic procedures”, thoroughly dry and rub all parts with wax. As for the field backpack, the most important thing is to promptly remove the dried dirt that accumulates between the teeth. If the zipper is stuck, or you cannot open the zipper, then the suggested tips in this article will always help you.
Nail polish
This method will help return battered lightning to service. Nail polish will strengthen the teeth. It is best to use a clear varnish so that your trick is not obvious.
What to do
Apply varnish to the zipper teeth and let it dry. Repeat the procedure until the cloves become thick enough. Check the movement of the dog after each application, as soon as you are sure that the varnish has set. If you start fastening the varnish while the varnish is still fresh, you can completely ruin the lock.
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Screwdriver
Source: Instagram (@repairshoe)
You can also use a screwdriver if the zipper comes apart. This method is mainly used in conjunction with the first one in order to better fit the zipper onto the teeth if the zipper begins to diverge. A screwdriver, like pliers, should not be used when repairing plastic zippers.
What to do
Insert the tip of the screwdriver into the slider hole at the top. Turn it so that the lock space becomes a little larger, and then take the pliers and press lightly.
New teeth
This is more painstaking work, unlike the previous ones. If you don’t want to take an item for repair, then you can practice restoring things yourself. For example, when several teeth fell out of the zipper on your favorite jeans, you can rearrange the missing parts from another zipper or buy them at a sewing store.
What to do
Move the new teeth into place using tweezers and secure with pliers.
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The bag does not fasten
What to do if the zipper is fine, the teeth and slider are intact, but the bag does not fasten? Most likely, the problem lies in the slider, as it could simply have weakened.
Important! Take any item with a zipper and take a close look at its “dog”. It is easy to see that the runner consists of two plates connected by a jumper with small sides. There is a small gap between the plates, through which lightning passes. With frequent use of the fastener, the gap becomes larger - this is the cause of the problem. You can eliminate it by using pliers.
The slider must be repaired with extreme caution, as its plates are quite fragile and can be broken. Stages of work:
- Set the pawl to its original position at the beginning of the fastener.
- Align it evenly, gently squeezing it with pliers so that the sides come closer together.
- Try the result, bring it to perfection.
Important! If the problem cannot be corrected, then you do not need to press harder, just replace the slider.
Pliers
The most common situation is lightning divergence. This can happen both with new things, whose “dogs” turned out to be unreliable, and with old ones, due to wear of the lock. This problem can be solved using pliers.
What to do
Return the lock to its original position, and then carefully squeeze the upper and lower parts of the slider plate with pliers. Do it effortlessly, otherwise you will break it. Also, pliers can be effective if the problem is not with the “pawl” itself, but with bent teeth of the zipper. With a tool you need to squeeze the deformed piece and carefully, literally a millimeter, pull it in the right direction. You can do it in several approaches, each time checking how straight the clove is.
Important! This method only works with metal teeth. Plastic ones can break even with light pressure.
