hay, i found and old kite travel bag perfect condition but the zips been broken off went into a kite store they said the zips where the most expensive bit and recommended that i not bother and to just buy another travel bag
- has anyone got kite bags fixed - is it worth it- and where would you take it ??
thanks
Hi Fabienne
I'm sorry to say, but the shop is probably right regarding fixing the zip (if all the zip needs to be replaced).
I had many customer with zip problems and mostly I have advices to by new bags ( I don't sell them)
If the slider on the zip just went off the track, it might be a easier fix? (or if the damage is only towards one of the ends)
I'm happy to have a look at it, - to see if it is a easy fix.
Cheers
Jesper
Sail Repair WA
0439978708
My workshop is south of river in Kardinya 6153
Don't go to a kite store. Go to a luggage repair shop or shoe repairer. They can whack on a new slider for under $10.
The new slider will be adequate, and probably as good as the one you are replacing (considering it has corroded). The best zips have a plastic slider, so you never get any corrosion, and luggage places don't usually stock them.
Having said that, most new gear comes with a bag. I have lost count of the number of bags and back packs that have filled my cupboards over the years.
I bought a Dakine kite travel bag, used it once for a week and it's now berried in the spare room. Was an awesome bag though. !
Probably not if you have to pay someone to fix it - then again there is Spotlight that you can buy new zippers at bugger all cost! (at least thats the name of the shop in Vic) - But you need to have access to a sewing machine and know how to use it ( or know someone you can bribe!!) .
Sliders as mentioned are ususally the problem as often the zip is just fine but if the whole zip needs replacing, its still not all that hard!!
I reckon a decent kite bag is going to cost $150 +++ new - so if you can fix a used, but good bag for $30 why wouldnt you??
Go for it - you'll have the satisfaction of recycling stuff that has heaps of life left in it that most dished up punters would simply chuck out.....
I've had zippers replaced on luggage and tons of motorcycle leathers by Reids Bootmakers in Vic Park. They do an awesome job and I've always found the price to be surprisingly cheap.
Thanks for the suggestions this is the bag the actual zipper seems to be in perfect condition its just missing the zip and there's a bit of corrosion
Hey Fabienne,
I would try and find out what zips were used on the bag, most probably the YY's or YZ'd or whatever they are called. Buy the shortest one with the same size teeth and remove the zipper part by usually opening up the little stoppers on the end and put them on the bag zipper.
Clean up the zipper with lemon juice or isopropyl alcohol - check on the net for the best options.
Alternatively if there is more than one zipper on the bag, transplant the metal zipper part from the unused zipper on the the broken one.
Good luck.
Rich
and spray the zip with a good dose of inox or any other lanolin based lubricant. it will prevent more corrosion
Great with the pictures, to see what the problem is,,
I have the Zipper sliders in my workshop. They are different sizes so we should find one that fit.
Not sure where you are?, but you are welcome to come around and we can give it a go.
If it don't work out then no charge,,
If it just needs the new slider and a bit of unpicking and stitching, then no more than $20,,
Just give a text or call before you go to make sure I'm in the workshop.
40B Bowen Street, 6163 Kardinya.
0439978708
Cheers
Jesper
Sail Repair WA
Thanks everybody I took it to Jesper at Sail Repair WA he fixed it in 5 min and charged me hardly anything. Get all your old bags out of the cupboard and get them repaired its so worth it. He also does kite and windsurfing repair i will definitely be taking my gear there next time.
