rm ([personal profile] rm) wrote2005-10-13 05:27 pm

zipper tips?

The zipper on my purse broke, or more accurately, part of the zipper trim got stuck in it, so I can't open it or close it.

Anyone got any suggestions, other than cutting open and throwing out my $50 purse? Since right now that's the only way I can get my passport out of it.

P.S. -- not leather.

[identity profile] orien.livejournal.com 2005-10-13 09:25 pm (UTC)(link)
There's ten million zipper repair/replacement places around my house. If it's leather, ask in one of the leather repair shops.

[identity profile] schpahky.livejournal.com 2005-10-13 09:26 pm (UTC)(link)
Can you take it to a shoemaker? They are usually pretty good with all leather goods and may be able to liberate you while you wait.

[identity profile] schpahky.livejournal.com 2005-10-13 09:34 pm (UTC)(link)
OK, not leather. Fetish shop maybe? They must get this all the time.

[identity profile] roadnotes.livejournal.com 2005-10-13 09:36 pm (UTC)(link)
Is the zipper sewn in? Can you pick apart some of the side, enough to get the passport out, and then resew it after you unjam the trim?

[identity profile] ladypeculiar.livejournal.com 2005-10-13 09:55 pm (UTC)(link)
There's an awesome cheap tailors on Stanton and something . .. somewhere between Clinton and Ludlow but I'm not sure exactly where but in that area (sorry I can't be of more help, citysearch can probably do better), who can probably fix it for $10.

[identity profile] fleur.livejournal.com 2005-10-13 10:01 pm (UTC)(link)
If it's fabric, I would think you could (very gently) pick the stitching out on one side of the zipper with a seamripper.

[identity profile] feyandstrange.livejournal.com 2005-10-13 10:16 pm (UTC)(link)
There are "zipper repair kits" available at craft/sewing stores sometimes, but I think those are for actually broken zippers, whereas it sounds like yours is just jammed on fabric. Working the fabric gently out with a pin or something like one (small knitting needle maybe) is tedious as hell, but works eventually.

And it could be worse. The zip on my leather pants busted in a diner bathroom once; zipper head stuck in the middle, both sizes of the zipper gaping open, and me in a cropped-shirt shirt and jacket. Fortunately my boyfriend was kind and swapped sweaters with me, even though he looked very stupid in mine. Ruined the date though; nothing like knowing that you have to get home to find industrial pliers before you ever get to pee again, and a large milkshake, to ruin the evening's plans.
ext_79676: (delicate)

[identity profile] sola.livejournal.com 2005-10-14 12:31 am (UTC)(link)
if you cant' take it to the tailor's, and the slider can be moved at all, try working the point of a pencil and and around the area. the graphite acts as a dry lubricant.


i'd also sometimes found wetting the area will allow me to ease the material out. if this is your velvet purse, though, i guess that won't help.

[identity profile] rm.livejournal.com 2005-10-14 01:41 am (UTC)(link)
The very one. I shall bring it to a professional, and it's the best purse ever, and have just found the model has been discontinued.