Suitcases have it pretty crude. I make mine carry quite a chip of weight and expect it to perform nether the most grueling conditions. I know I'll have to supplant information technology eventually, simply in the meantime, I'm learning how to repair my suitcase and you tin also!

Here are some ways your suitcase might interruption, and some resources on how to fix them.

How to set a suitcase attachment

Oh zippers. They intermission, split up, pinch, and rip. At best, they're a picayune sticky, and at worst, outburst open while you catch a connecting flight in Heathrow Terminal 3 on the start leg of a six-week trip (not a true story).

If you lot think you can fix it, cheque out this article from Life Hacker with detailed directions for nigh zipper troubles. Lots of gems, such every bit how to set up a viscous zipper:

"Windex is skilful because it'south not oil-based, simply you can also use bar soap, or lip balm. Get-go with the zipper all the way up, and slowly use lubricant to the teeth. Then inch the zipper down some more, reapply, and continue doing that until the zipper comes all the way downwards."

How to fix a stuck zipper:

"Get-go, double-check to make certain a piece of fabric or thread isn't stuck in the zipper. Next, expect at the individual teeth. If any of them are sticking out, grab a pair of pliers and motion them back into identify and so they're all straight."

And if your zipper slider calls it quits:

"If the slider comes off completely, or if you need to replace the slider because information technology'south non endmost the teeth correct, then you need to supersede the slider. To get the slider off, use some pliers to cut information technology off. Once that's done, adhere the new attachment slider by sliding it back onto the teeth."

If you lot need to replace your zipper altogether, bravo, you're more ambitious than most. Personally, I would expect into a repair shop first, and weigh the cost before going the DIY route, merely it's achievable.

This article walks you through how to do it, what equipment y'all'll need, and how to take care of your zippers (they propose having a zipper fixer kit with you at all times…that's what I phone call being prepared!). They as well suggest keeping your zippers "happy" with regular lubrication betwixt trips. If you're struggling to run across the zipper teeth and where they're non working, get a magnifying glass to do repairs.

How to set a suitcase handle

If your handle breaks off, now is the time to contact your luggage manufacturer for a replacement part. Release the broken handle, affix the replacement, and tighten the screws. If your release machinery stops working, and a expert cleaning didn't help, replacing a handle would also set that right up.

If your telescoping handles break off, yous'll need to open the suitcase up, including removing the lining, and betrayal the bolts that spike the telescoping handles in place. Replace them in the same way as regular handles past contacting your manufacturer for new parts.

If your handle has a hard time retracting out or in, it might have a bent casing or take debris inside the shaft. Loosen the screws and release the handles to inspect. Sometimes the fix is as unproblematic as a good cleaning and lubricant. If your handles are bent, try straightening them out. This mail service does a really smashing task of walking you through how to completely fix or supplant a bent handle tube.

To avoid this problem in the future, don't overload your suitcase and resting heavy bags on the telescoping handles while yous pull your suitcase.

How to fix suitcase wheels

When wheels cease working properly, it gets very annoying, very fast. Luckily, if the torso is unscathed, yous can acquit your suitcase. Besides, wheels are pretty easy to fix or supplant. If your wheels are squeaky, try to inspect the wheel pulley. Clean it of any debris and lubricate it. My instinct was to reach for the WD-40, but the travel forums say otherwise.

"Endeavor whatever blazon of silicone lube (which is basically what teflon lube is). I have a can of pyroil silicone lube at domicile, which I bought at a local auto parts store, and it comes with a straw. It'south a dry lube, meaning it won't stay wet or go out a greasy residue like WD40 (hence dust magnet). You will take to spray it on occasion, but a lot of other household uses for information technology, so worth information technology."

If you lot need to supercede a wheel, order your new function from the manufacturer (get a few while you're at it). Open your suitcase and unzip the liner to get to the nut bolts holding the wheel screws in place. Remove the damaged bicycle. Pay attending to how the wheel is positioned and try to imitate where it'southward placed with the new wheel earlier screwing it in. Exam information technology out to brand sure information technology's not wobbly or unbalanced. Or, watch a YouTube video most information technology.

How to repair your suitcase shell or outer fabric

If you lot have a fabric suitcase, you lot might eventually find a tear. What a shame to throw out a suitcase just for that! With a combination of duct tape, sewing, and iron-on patches, yous can extend the life of your suitcase. This forum walks you through how to perform a fabric repair on any type of bag.

If your difficult-shell suitcase has a crack, you lot ameliorate believe the auto trunk repair blogs take found the solution. They propose you lot option up a carbon fibre repair kit online. Blogs have likewise touted Sugru gum (that becomes like rubber putty) as a peachy production for all sorts of plastic casing cracks and holes. Here is a tutorial, and here is Sugru.

How to repair a suitcase liner

If your suitcase lining or inside pockets have ripped, it might be annoying to constantly be fishing for your items within the lining. The no-fix way of dealing with this is to use packing cubes instead of relying on your built-in pockets and organizers.

A no-sew option is to buy some fabric iron-on patches or interfacing and to follow this tutorial on how to properly utilize them.

"Cut a square of viscid interfacing large enough to comprehend the rip and place this behind information technology, inside the lining. Pull the fabric together then that it meets all the way along the tear – this ensures a about-invisible repair and covers the interfacing. Set an atomic number 26 to medium and carefully utilize it to the front of the fabric: the rut will make the interfacing bail with the cloth."

You tin can also pick up a needle and thread and secure your new patch in place.

Maintaining your suitcase

The best mode to avoid an unfortunate blow while traveling is to inspect and maintain your luggage earlier every trip. Clean and lubricate your luggage and double-bank check anything that looks wobbly or weak before you go on the plane.

Before you starting time repairing anything, check your warranty: you may be entitled to a brand new replacement and not take to use whatever of these tips?

Happy Travels!

Looking to upgrade your suitcase? Take a look at my suitcase recommendations!

how to fix a suitcase