How to Fix a Broken Zipper for Pull-on Boots

Have you ever been zipped into your boots and then, halfway through getting them on, the zipper pull breaks? 

It’s a frustrating experience, but it doesn’t have to mean the end of your boots. In this post, we’re going to show you how to fix broken zipper pull-on boots. Keep reading for all the details.

Types of pull available

Before the process, you need to know the type of pull in your boots as there are many types of pull on the market. In our opinion, the best pulls for boots should be simple but highly functional. 

It should not be too fancy but should work well. Often great-looking pulls can cause various hindrances. 

Similarly, your pull should be compatible with your boot’s zipper system, and it should be large enough to handle things easily. Too small pulls in the work boots can cause issues when you zip up or zip down.

How to Fix a Broken Zipper for Pull-on Boots

The first thing that you will need during the process is the pliers. For all zipper boot lovers, pliers are important and somewhat necessary.

Hence you need to ensure that you have the right size pliers in your box as using inappropriate or bigger pliers can break the zip and damage its tooth.

Analyze the damages and condition of your zipper pull

The first step involves analyzing the severity of your broken zipper. Here we also recommend you analyze and check damages done to your best pull-on work boots and their zipper pull.

If you are dealing with minor damages, fixing the zipper yourself will be simple and quick. However, if the damages are severe or your shoe’s leather is completely damaged or torn apart, then you need to consult an experienced cobbler. 

In the first scenario, you may have to change the pull. In some cases, you may need to fix or add a wire hook if the zipper’s stoppers are still intact and working adequately.

Remove the stopper using pliers

You can take out the stopper from the boot’s zipper. Generally speaking, it looks like the zip’s tooth but is much bigger and more notable. 

It keeps the pull at its place and avoids slipping out of the zipper when you are using it. You can use Pliers for this purpose but be careful as there is no need to cut them off. Plus you will need them after the repairing job.

Takeout the zipper’s slider

Once you have removed the zip’s stopper, then you will have to remove its slider, which pull is attached. By doing so, you can access the actual condition of the pull. Here you have a couple of options. 

You can replace the pull and use another. Most companies provide the spare one for this purpose. The other option is applicable when you don’t want to remove the pull. In the second method, use the clamp and press the two zipper’s broken ends together. 

This little process will temporarily recover the pull, and then you can take your boots to a professional cobbler for proper repair.

Manual connection of the zipper

If you don’t want to fix the pull, you have another option as well. The second way to fix the pull-on boots is to go for a manual connection of the zipper. 

In this method, all you need to do is to take the plier and connect the broken zipper tooth together. Once all the teeth are tightly clamped, they will not open or get loose while walking.

We know it is also possible that you can miss some teeth while assembling, and you might face some faults. Hence you can use the plier to do the job. 

But if you are unable to resolve the issue by yourself, we will advise you to consult a professional cobbler as soon as possible.

Remove the initial teeth

On each side, you will find many zipper teeth. In this regard, we will advise you to remove the zipper’s teeth. 

When removing the stopper, it is seen that the zipper teeth get damaged, and in that case, you cannot load the slier back. So you will have to remove them with the plier before anything.

If you see problems with the second zipper tooth, then you need to remove them as well as your ultimate goal is to obtain a fine working zipper that slides and glides smoothly. 

However, you need to be extra careful during the process. While doing so, don’t overcut the tooth located in the end, especially if you are working with a short zipper.

Load the sliders

This is the most challenging part and needs some patience. Once you have fixed the pull, you will have to place the zipper’s both ends on the two slider’s holes. 

The bridge or gap between the two holes is designed to keep the ends separate and allows you to get a smooth sliding zipper. This is the best way to recover a broken pull.

Stopper re-installing steps

Overall, reinstalling the stopper is easy, and you can complete the task in only a few minutes. However, don’t rush and be vigilant as you can break the stopper easily, and things will become more complicated. 

To reinstall the stopper, pick it up with the pliers and gradually insert the stopper with great accuracy and patience.

Secure the stopper firmly

The last part of the process is to press the stopper appropriately and with full power. This is done to reduce loose ends in your boot’s zipper. 

During the process, most people witness the problems in the zipper’s ends; hence we will advise you to sew the zipper’s ends and get the new one for your boots.

The steps mentioned above are simple and quick. These will make your zipper boots and come in handy in emergency situations. 

In simple words, these methods or steps are temporary, and later you will have to seek professional help to resolve the matter permanently. Those people who don’t want to get into the hassles of a zipper can change their faulty zippers with new zipper boots.