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#39,676
DL Harper said:
Anyone have a solution for a zipper on a vintage leather bag that sticks? Bar soap works for a couple of zips back and forth, then the zipper sticks again. The teeth appear to be in good condition and match up perfectly, but there is still stubborn zipper movement. Replacing the zipper is not an option - way too expensive.
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Is it a lightweights? I had a lot of trouble with lightweights zippers. You could try wax paper but I think it is the same principle as soap.
 
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#39,678
DL Harper said:
It's a Chelsea Hippie Zip - metal "heavy duty" type zipper. Did you have to quit using yours because of the zipper?
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I ended up selling them so I wouldn't have to deal with them. On a soft satchel, one time the zipper didn't work at all, then a few days later it worked fine, so I decided it was too fickle for me. It's a shame because I love the look of them.

I had a Chelsea hippie zip. No problems at all.
 
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#39,679
whateve said:
I ended up selling them so I wouldn't have to deal with them. On a soft satchel, one time the zipper didn't work at all, then a few days later it worked fine, so I decided it was too fickle for me. It's a shame because I love the look of them.

I had a Chelsea hippie zip. No problems at all.
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Mine only sticks sometimes, but still too frequently. It always opens, but then doesn't want to zip closed. It sticks at the very end where the zipper begins to come across to close. Frustrating! Otherwise a great bag.
I'll try waxed paper it see if that makes a difference. Thanks for your input.
 
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#39,680
DL Harper said:
Anyone have a solution for a zipper on a vintage leather bag that sticks? Bar soap works for a couple of zips back and forth, then the zipper sticks again. The teeth appear to be in good condition and match up perfectly, but there is still stubborn zipper movement. Replacing the zipper is not an option - way too expensive.
Click to expand...
I've had success using a lead pencil. Color/run the pencil over the teeth of the zipper.
 
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#39,683
DL Harper said:
Thank you - I'll try that. Do you have to go back and apply the lead pencil again after using the zipper for awhile? Does the lead leave a residue on the bag or get on things you take in and out of the bag?
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No, I just applied it to the metal teeth. I did not apply enough to leave a residue. I applied the pencil in the stubborn area and zippered it back and forth, reapplying until the zipper motion became smooth. Because I don't use the bag that often, I don't know how long the fix lasts, but so far so good.
 
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#39,686
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#39,688
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#39,690
I finished working on the berry Halsey bag and am quite pleased with how it turned out.

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Next up: my Station (?) bag.. It's not too terrible-mostly just dry. (edit: i already removed the turn-lock for polishing)
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It's missing a hang tag (I remember losing it :sad:) and I need to replace the clips on the straps. Apparently I carried this bag a LOT in the 90s. I'm guessing it's best to have a shoemaker new brass in, once I track down suitable replacements. Interestingly the D-rings for the strap do not show any kind of wear. anyone have advice on replacements?
IMG_5496.JPG
 
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