Interesting Method for Repair of "Some" Zippers

[raf]

With all possible respect to all, I'd like to see some actual measurements, taken with decent calipers, concerning difference of thickness of the tape used in various size zippers.

Again, NO disrespect, but decent measurements will tell the tale, although I admit that tape variances amongst Mfrs can certainly vary. Probably best to compare modern zippers from same Mfr.

 

[Cavalier]

Hi: I have a zipper repair question and am attaching it here -- which I hope is allowable -- to enlist the assistance of any experts viewing this thread.

The main Crown zipper on my Cal-Leather 1950s double rider has deteriorated at the bottom. I'm hoping to repair it as I do not want it replaced. Would sewing a rectangular piece of thin fabric as reflected in the attached photo stabilize it enough such that it could be zipped? Is there anything else I could do to reinforce the teeth?

I'd like for any repair to be virtually unnoticeable or at least not stand out. Thanks very much in advance for any assistance you can provide!

 

[Peacoat]

With all possible respect to all, I'd like to see some actual measurements, taken with decent calipers, concerning difference of thickness of the tape used in various size zippers.

Again, NO disrespect, but decent measurements will tell the tale, although I admit that tape variances amongst Mfrs can certainly vary. Probably best to compare modern zippers from same Mfr.

The only place a caliper could measure would be at the very bottom of the tape on the male (non slider) side. That is also the area where the reinforcing strip is attached on most modern zippers. Because of that strip, the measurement of the tape thickness would be unreliable.

I have several accurate calipers, but none of them could measure anywhere other than at the bottom of the tape where the reinforcing strip is attached.

The best instrument to use would be a small outside micrometer so the measurement could be taken higher up on the tape where the strip wouldn't affect the measurement.

I have an outside micrometer in my machinist chest in my shop, but I won't be able to get to it for a few days. I also have zippers of different sizes, including two #6 Aero zippers* that haven't yet failed and several #10 zippers, including one that Johnson Leathers replaced on my Aero ThunderBay.

If the measuring faces on my micrometer are small enough to fit on the tape between the leather and the chain, I should be able to do the measurements in a few days.

If anyone else is able to do the measurements sooner, please go ahead and let us know the results.
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* There are two types of #6 zippers on heavy leather jackets: Those that have failed, and those that haven't yet failed.

 

[Fifty150]

Zippers are being reinvented.

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[Peacoat]

Several cons, no pros in my opinion. I would prefer to stick with the tape. At least I can get that type of zipper repaired if it fails.

 

[Peacoat]

The only place a caliper could measure would be at the very bottom of the tape on the male (non slider) side. That is also the area where the reinforcing strip is attached on most modern zippers. Because of that strip, the measurement of the tape thickness would be unreliable.

I have several accurate calipers, but none of them could measure anywhere other than at the bottom of the tape where the reinforcing strip is attached.

The best instrument to use would be a small outside micrometer so the measurement could be taken higher up on the tape where the strip wouldn't affect the measurement.

I have an outside micrometer in my machinist chest in my shop, but I won't be able to get to it for a few days. I also have zippers of different sizes, including two #6 Aero zippers* that haven't yet failed and several #10 zippers, including one that Johnson Leathers replaced on my Aero ThunderBay.

If the measuring faces on my micrometer are small enough to fit on the tape between the leather and the chain, I should be able to do the measurements in a few days.

If anyone else is able to do the measurements sooner, please go ahead and let us know the results.
––––
* There are two types of #6 zippers on heavy leather jackets: Those that have failed, and those that haven't yet failed.

It has taken a while to get back to this. I got my outside micrometer out of the machinist chest in my shop and brought it to the house. I then couldn't locate a jacket with a #10 zipper.

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Then my wife told me that she had taken a bunch of jackets for storage downstairs. Found a jacket with a #10 zip, but there was no need to measure either the #6 or the #10 zip. The #10 was much beefier and the reinforced tape at the bottom of the zipper appeared to be close to twice as thick as the #6 zip.

I couldn't measure the tape unless I measured at the reinforced part at the bottom, as there wasn't enough clearance for the micrometer to measure between the chain and the fabric of the jacket.

So, even without precise measurements, it is clear that the tape on the #10 zip is much thicker than the tape on the #6 zip. Thicker tape = stronger tape and stronger tape leads to fewer tears and failures. I think this is what we suspected all along.

 

[Bern1]

Sail tape works often for this. Can be purchased at a marine shop, got turned on to that by a member here.