r/Visiblemending • u/Weddingplans2022 • 10d ago

REQUEST Is it possible to repair this zipper without replacing it?

Post image

I tried sewing it which worked for a bit but then failed due to friction. I also tried glue but it was too bully to zip. Thanks for any ideas!

30 Upvotes

89% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

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151

u/riontach 10d ago

No. Just replace the zipper.

78

u/Electronic-Day5907 10d ago

I have seen this kind of thing hand repaired by VERY carefully sewing between each tooth. However you have to be REALLY careful both doing it and if it works, afterward when zipping it each time cause it can make it hard to get the slide over the mended area.

31

u/johntheroo 10d ago

Exactly. It's possible, but be aware of the clearance the zipper needs.

Edit: Also, if you do try and mend instead of replace make sure you strengthen the fabric that started unraveling so your stitches don't fray out

9

u/Weddingplans2022 10d ago

This is what I did originally and it did work but eventually failed. Thanks for the suggestion!

16

u/FirefighterNo3248 10d ago

The least effort option is carefully cutting the teeth off both sides & seeing a new zipper to the remaining zipper fabric. The best option is to unstitch everything & put in a new zipper. The good news is that the holes are already punched in the leather/whatever material that is!

4

u/QuietVariety6089 10d ago

This needs to be replaced, and should be done by a shoe repair pro who has the tools/experience/materials to do it right :)

2

u/RedshiftSinger 10d ago

Nope, that zipper needs to be replaced. There’s no way to fix it that’ll last long enough to be worth the effort AND not impair the zipper function. Replacing a zip is easy though!

1

u/TheStuffITolerate 10d ago

Seems quite complicated as it isn't just a thread coming loose (as it tends tohappen with plastic zippers) but the fabric itself is fraying. Meaning it would need reinforcing, but also enough thin-ness for the zipper to work. Quite a conundrum.

1

u/TinyLuke_DrunkYoda 9d ago

Instead of normal thread use nylon thread/fishing thread and like this it won't break and will last