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.
The lock on the boots is coming apart, what to do?
Most often, boots are fastened with a zipper. Although this design is considered durable, it often fails. A sudden surprise in the form of a broken shoe lock can unsettle you, especially if you don’t have a replacement model or you urgently need to run to a meeting. The problem of a lock coming apart can be very insidious: the boot seems to be fastened well, but at any moment the situation can change.
What to do if the lock on your boots comes apart? First, you should prepare the necessary tools to repair it yourself.
These include:
- pliers;
- wax or paraffin candle;
- Toothbrush;
- alcohol solution of rosin;
- the needle is strong, ideally a “gypsy” one;
- thick thread;
- a new “runner” if there is a need to replace it.
Let's consider several situations depending on the availability of free time. If the lock suddenly opens and you need to hurry somewhere, then you should act quickly.
What to do in this case:
- Take pliers and lightly tighten the lock “slider”. Try closing the zipper. In most cases this helps. But it should be remembered that such physical impact will eventually lead to breakage of the “runner”.
- If manipulation with pliers does not help, then you need to take a hammer and lightly tap the zipper from the outside and inside.
- If the problem has been bothering you for a long time, you can use a rosin solution. The substance should be applied to the zipper on both sides. Leave unbuttoned for 2 - 3 hours. You can do this procedure several times; it is safe for the zipper and the material of the boot itself.
The main advice when renovating is not to rush. Incorrect handling of pliers or a hammer can cost the integrity of the zipper. Then you will have to spend more time to fix it.
The “runner” is broken – how to fix it?
You need to be prepared for such a development of events, so a spare “runner” should always be on hand. You can find and buy it at any sewing or shoe store. It is easy to select the desired “slider” if you call its number, which is located on the inside.
How to replace the “slider”:
- Remove the broken part.
- Open the restraints.
- Place a new slider on the clasp.
- Secure the part and press it with pliers.
The zipper on the boot came apart, reasons
It is important not only to repair the zipper on the boot, but also to prevent the problem from occurring again. This is possible if you analyze the causes of the breakdown. If you find the “root” of the problem, you can save yourself from wasting time in the future and even protect your favorite shoes and extend their “life.”
What are the reasons why the zipper on the boot came apart:
- the inside of the “runner” has become worn;
- the “runner” has become bent and cannot hold back the two parts of the zipper;
- poor quality zipper;
- physical influence on her from the outside.
The first and second reasons arise over time. Usually, after several years of using one shoe model, its owner begins to notice that the “slider” has become weak and does not hold the two parts of the zipper well. In such a situation, you need to approach repairs carefully. A strong impact of pliers on the “runner” can break it. Then you will have to change it.
The third reason is poor quality zipper. Cheap shoes often bring surprises like this. The saddest thing in this situation is that manipulations to repair the zipper are only a temporary solution to the problem; over time, the zipper will have to be replaced.
Lightning can also disperse due to strong physical impact. For example, a person has a full lower leg. Every time he puts on a high boot, he pulls the two halves of the zipper too tight. As a result, it cannot withstand daily stress and breaks down. This is why it is important to select boots that fit not only your feet, but also your shins.
What to do if a fastener link falls out?
To troubleshoot the problem you must:
- Use a “gypsy” needle and fishing line, which must be threaded through the large eye of the needle.
- Make a couple of stitches in the place of the dropped link.
Important! Such an event will provide only temporary relief of discomfort, stabilizing normal work. After the procedure, you will need to send your shoes in for repair, but there will be a time reserve of 1-2 days.
The zipper on the boots comes unzipped, what to do?
A busy day can be ruined by lightning, which constantly “runs away”. The reason for this “escape” is the slider that does not stay on the zipper. You can quickly correct the inconvenience on your own. To do this, apply a little pressure on it. Sometimes even the effort of the hands is enough for this if a man presses on the slider.
Pliers will certainly help to press this element well. But it is important to correctly calculate the force and press in the right place. Sometimes excessive force and ignorance lead to the “slider” breaking and the only solution is to replace it with a new one.
What to do if the zipper on your boots comes undone?
You need to take pliers and do the following:
- fasten the zipper (maybe not all the way);
- press the “slider”, first a little, then a little harder;
- try to fasten the boot;
- You can also take pliers and squeeze the “runner” along the edges. This is done because the end edges of the zipper wear out and as a result, it “runs” down. It is important to clamp on both sides: front and back.
After these manipulations, the “runner” should move more tightly, which means there is every chance for it to hold on and not “slide” down.
If it was not possible to achieve a positive result the first time, then you should repeat the manipulations with the zipper closed. There may be several approaches, but it is important to correctly calculate the force and not break the clasp.
A hook sewn to the edge of the zipper at the top can also help. After the zipper is closed, the “tongue” of the lock must be hooked to the hook.
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
