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Fix A Broken Suitcase Zipper Pull Easily

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No matter how much I spend on a suitcase, the zipper pulls always break within a year or two. Such a pain in the butt. After losing both main zipper pulls on my favorite suitcase, I decided to try to fix them myself.

I found Zippermend on Amazon, and it was so inexpensive I figured it wouldn’t work. But that also meant that I didn’t have much to lose, so I bought two. Here’s what happened:

Keep in mind, you still need someplace not broken to attach the new zipper pull to. When zipper pulls break they sometimes rip off, taking half of the piece that was holding them. But even if the part that the zipper pull was attached to is broken, you should still have the rings that you’re supposed to put your lock into to keep the suitcase closed (you know, the ones we used to use before the TSA said they had to get into our suitcases and go through our underwear).

Zippermend zipper repair

When the zipper pull broke it pulled the piece holding it half off

Zippermend zipper repair

This one was pulled right off

We’ve used the fixed suitcase on two trips, and so far so good. The new pulls don’t pull as smoothly in one direction as they originally did, since they’re now attached only on one end (instead of being able to slide from one end to the other), but it’s a million times better than trying to use a paper clip. Happy zipping!

Zippermend zipper repair

Alan

Friday 16th of December 2016

Hi Amy I searched for ways to fix zipper problem and came across your blog. I have a very good carry-on luggage but one side of the zipper tape came off both the sliders. Hate to throw the whole thing out but it seems impossible to lace the tape back into the slider unless I open the end of the zipper tape where it was sewn tightly to the luggage. Any tricks? Thanks

Amy Oztan

Saturday 17th of December 2016

Sorry, wish I could help, but replacing the zipper pull is the extent of my knowledge!

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