Is there a way to fix a broken zipper pull? - YouLookFab Forum

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Is there a way to fix a broken zipper pull?

Diana

Veteran

The zipper pull on one of my pewter boots snapped off recently (see the attached pic - there used to be a much longer pull) and now it is very difficult to get a grip on it to zip the boot closed. I have been using a paper clip through the remaining part to pull it up and down, but this is an inelegant solution at best. Does anyone have a better, more permanent solution that may or may not include office supplies?

There is nothing wrong with the zipper itself, so I do not want to deal with the hassle or expense of getting the zippers replaced.

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18 replies

Latest reply was from Freckles

ramya

Veteran

Diana you can just replace the zip not the entire thing but just the part that broke. Such zippers have a gap where in you can slide in the bew one. Those zip thingys must be available on ebay. I got mine replaced in India. So you may have to check in US

Claudia

Veteran

A very small split-ring from the hardware store, or take one off of something you already have and don't use?

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MuseumGal

Veteran

A sewing supply store will have zip pulls you can attach.
http://www.joann.com/search?q=zipper%20pull

JAileen

Veteran

Another alternative is a small length of nylon cord. If you went that route, I'd probably do the same on both zippers.

I had to replace a zipper pull on a jacket recently, and it cost only 81 cents!

Sarah A

Veteran

I have just looped a little piece of scrap leather through on the space (2" long by 1/4" wide) folded it onto itself so it became a 1" pull tab and secured it with 3 stitches down the middle. Will try to get a photo later today.

kkards

Veteran

nothing to add, but interested in the answers, because i too have used the trusty paper clip.

AnnieMouse

Veteran

I second the bit of leather suggestion.

I've often deliberately taken the pulls off things and replaced them with a rotting array of ribbon snippets that coordinate with my wardrobe, for an extra wee tie-in with what I'm wearing.

Diana

Veteran

Ooh, thanks, everyone! I had no idea you could buy replacement zipper pulls. I will go to Michaels this weekend and look for them.

The leather/ribbon thing won't work for these because the boots are pretty snug so the pull takes a bit of stress (probably why it broke in the first place).

By the way, how do you remove the old pull (or in my case, the broken bit)? It doesn't look like it has an opening that can be opened with pliers the way the replacements do. Wire cutters?

DonnaF

Veteran

Per Sarah's suggestion: I have used leather shoelaces when zipper pulls broke on a suitcase. I suppose in the case of your pewter boots, you might want to dye them to match or go if such laces don't also come in black.

JAileen

Veteran

On my jacket (where the replacement cost 81 cents, including tax) she removed the stopper thing at the top, put the pull on, and put a new stopper on. Your boots would be different because it doesn't come apart like a jacket does. If you wanted to replace the entire pull, I would take it to a good shoe repair and see what they can do. I think they need to remove the stopper at the bottom, instead.

ETA: I went to a fabric store. At Joannes, a package of zipper pulls cost $15. I went to a local independent fabric store that buys up weird lots of stuff. The woman behind the counter even made the repair for me. I'm a good customer there - they've known me for years!

Day Vies

Veteran

I think they actually sell decorative zipper pulls. I had a boss who loved them. Though I have only seen them off and on over the years. I like the idea of a large paper clip in a pinch. (easy on easy off)

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I replaced the pull on my pair of boots - the cobbler charged me $7 or so

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Like Lyn a boot maker has replaced them for me

Diana

Veteran

OK, so I should add that I much prefer to do it myself. My cobbler is great, but slow as molasses (like, takes a month sometimes to resole boots as it's just this one old guy in his ancient shop that is open the weirdest hours) and charges an arm and a leg.

The kind that MG linked looks like it pries open and closed with pliers, which is easy to do oneself. And you don't replace the slider part (which I DON'T think I could do myself). I just have to figure out how to get the broken bit off of the old slider.

Sarah A

Veteran

Nail nippers is my vote to get the old part off. Like wire cutters but the sharp edges are on the end not the side (like scissors) so you can maneuver into tight spaces easier. Any hardware store should have them.

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Isabel

Veteran

I use a charm....well, maybe not the smiley face... : )

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Karie

(website)

Veteran

The cobbler can fix it cheaply, or you can get a zipper pull on Amazon or at a fabric store. A Walmart with a craft dept. might even have them.

Freckles

Veteran

Good luck Diana, I had no idea that you could only replace that part, brilliant!