Zips Problem - can you help?

After the latest batch of screaming and cursing trying on two of my jackets, I decided it's finally time to see if anyone here has the same problem (and/ or a solution).

I have four Aero leather jackets. Two - Goat A2 & a 30s half belt - not a problem with either. Two others - a MC and a Bootlegger are driving me daft even after nearly two years of ownership. It's the zips, and it appears to be a design problem. I have serious trouble getting them to fasten, to the point where last I wore the Bootlegger out, I froze on the way home having given up. The problem is NOT one of sizing - both jackets are fine that way. Hell, I've never had a single problem with the zip on my 30s Halfbelt, which is definitely a neater fit. The little keeper bit at the bottom of the zip simply isn't easy (or often even possible) to get into the zipper box when being worn (I can do it when I can see it, but to be able to see it when wearing the jacket, the garment would have to be so comically over-sized....). I think it's a design thing - buried as it is between two sides of leather which are stitched to the fabric of the zip tape, it's impossible to hold it exactly still to get in the zip. Actually a bigger problem with the mc as it will sometimes appear to fasten, but with the keeper not in the slot so the zip "splits". It's now missing two teeth at the top end because of this.

Again, I emphasise this is not a question of the jackets being too small - they are the correct size - but clearly I'm having issues with the zips. Has anyone else had this problem? How did you get round it? I'll email Amanda if needsbe, but I'd rather not bother them if there's an easy fix. I thought it was only a matter of break in with the Bootlegger, but two years on its is still a problem and the fact I have the same issue with a different jacket.... I've considered having the zips replaced, but I'd rather avoid that hassle and expense.... I cannot even begin to articulate how frustrating this is: it's taken ten minutes for the blue air to clear after the latest attempt....

ETA: both zips are still rather stiff..... would WD40 help?

I know what you are talking about. What I do is pull both ends of the zip up a little toward my face so I can actually see them and see what I am doing. Once I can see both ends, I straighten them at a 90 degree angle away from my body so there is a flat path for a connection, and slip the insertion pin into the slider, which is held tight against the box. I then pull down and out on the tape next to the insertion pin and pull up and in on the pull. It takes longer to explain than it takes to execute once one gets the hang of it For stiff zips, use candle wax.

Peacoat said:

I know what you are talking about. What I do is pull both ends of the zip up a little toward my face so I can actually see them and see what I am doing. Once I can see both ends, I straighten them at a 90 degree angle away from my body so there is a flat path for a connection, and slip the insertion pin into the slider, which is held tight against the box. I then pull down and out on the tape next to the insertion pin and pull up and in on the pull. It takes longer to explain than it takes to execute once one gets the hang of it For stiff zips, use candle wax.

Click to expand...

I get what you mean - thanks, I'll have a go at that when I get home. Funnily enough, after I posted I tried again with the Halfbelt just to be sure I wasn't kidding myself about size, but nope, damn thing went in no problem right iff the bat. Definitely the fold-overs that are the problem...

Candlewax, do you just rub on direct from candle, or use melted?

Just rub it on from the candle.

There used to be rectangular blocks of wax we used for surfboards years ago that would be good if still available. I believe it was Gulf Wax Paraffin. It had uses other than surfboards, obviously. I think it was for making candles and perhaps canning--back when farmers did their own canning at home. A very clean substance. If available in England, you might give it a go.