How to fix a broken suitcase zip pull

Problem
The zip pull has gone or broken. Why does it matter?
1 It looks unsightly.
2 You cannot get a good grip to pull.
3 You cannot unzip in a hurry at Security.
4 You scratch your hand on the broken part.
5 You might yank the zip and break it.
6 You cannot padlock together the two zip pulls which meet in the middle or pull to both ends of a double ended zip.
What can you do?

Answer
1 Swap Pull from same suitcase.
In theory you could remove the one from the outside pocket, if you use that less often. Use it to replace the missing or broken zip pull on the main zip.

You would have to be very careful not to break, lose, or be unable to reattach the replacement zip pull it to the main zip.

2 Twist Ties
Use a twist tie to extend the zip pull. Where do you find a twist tie? Look around your possessions and everybody else's. Even the bin in a shop - ask if you may look in a bin. They will probably save you the trouble and just hand you one.Even a grocery store may have twist ties or plastic piece you can glue onto the old broken key.

3 Add An Additional Zip
Glue on another zip. You can leave the old one inside. Or cut it out - after you've checked that the new one works.

You need a heavy duty zip. Most long zips in shops are for dresses and are light weight.

You can probably find heavy duty tips on old items in your attic or basement. Look in the spare room or the unused shelves overhead in your spare room or your own bedroom.

Yes, it's a shame to destroy an old bag. But you weren't using it.

What are you saving it for? In case the whole thing or part of it is one day needed? Today is the day that it is needed!

I've even found discarded shoulder bags, kiddie rucksacks with stains or crayon marks, and abandoned old suitcases, outside a block of flats in Singapore. They appeared on a regular basis. Old or dirty. Torn. But all had working large heavy duty zips.

3 Repair Shop
Go to a suitcase repair shop. You run the risk that they will tell you it cannot be fixed, or must be left for a week, or will cost more than a new case. They may try to sell you a new case and ask you to leave behind the old one which they will dispose of.

This happened to me once. I suspect they will either repair and re-sell or use it for spares and save the zips and handles and inner pockets and wheels and elastic inside clothes ties.

If you leave it behind, to be thrown away, make sure you save any attached keys and padlock. Also check the inside and outside pockets for items such as your passport, toothbrush, whatever.

Author
Angela Lansbury, travel writer and photographer, author and speaker. See my other posts on zips, repairs and suitcases. Please share links to your favourite posts.