Foul Weather Gear Zipper Repair

[Dockhead]

I've got two different sets of XM salopettes on board with broken zippers. I've been quite happy with them in general and they have stood up to a lot of hard use. I'm thinking to replace or repair the zippers rather than replacing the garments themselves.

Has anyone done this? Is there any magic to replacing the zipper on a waterproof garment? Can any seamstress do it? Extra points if someone knows somewhere in Cowes who are knowledge in this kind of repair.

Grateful for all tips.

 

[TiggerToo]

I've got two different sets of XM salopettes on board with broken zippers. I've been quite happy with them in general and they have stood up to a lot of hard use. I'm thinking to replace or repair the zippers rather than replacing the garments themselves.

Has anyone done this? Is there any magic to replacing the zipper on a waterproof garment? Can any seamstress do it? Extra points if someone knows somewhere in Cowes who are knowledge in this kind of repair.

Grateful for all tips.

If you can sew the new zip on the material of the old one, that is probably the best way to do it. It does not look as neat, but it will not compromise the waterproof-ness of the garment. I assume there is a "flap" over the whole thing

 

[Dockhead]

OK, thanks. The zip itself doesn't need to be waterproof, or sewn in in some waterproof way?

 

[jiris]

I've got two different sets of XM salopettes on board with broken zippers. I've been quite happy with them in general and they have stood up to a lot of hard use. I'm thinking to replace or repair the zippers rather than replacing the garments themselves.

Has anyone done this? Is there any magic to replacing the zipper on a waterproof garment? Can any seamstress do it? Extra points if someone knows somewhere in Cowes who are knowledge in this kind of repair.

Grateful for all tips.

I found out, in most cases you actually don't need to replace the whole zipper. Usually it is only the slider that kind of opens or breaks. Find a zipper with the same slider and insert it in your old zipper. It will work like new. Sometimes the operation is completely painless, but on some occasions you will have to remove a few teeth from the old zipper just above the closed end. Stitch it back together after inserting the slider.

 

[paulieraw]

I found out, in most cases you actually don't need to replace the whole zipper. Usually it is only the slider that kind of opens or breaks. Find a zipper with the same slider and insert it in your old zipper. It will work like new. Sometimes the operation is completely painless, but on some occasions you will have to remove a few teeth from the old zipper just above the closed end. Stitch it back together after inserting the slider.

You can get sliders that are designed to replace broken ones that clip on and work really well. Look on eBay they are a couple of quid

 

[Dockhead]

Thanks for all the helpful replies! Learned a number of new things. Cheers.