Introduction: Fix a Separated Boot Zipper (any Zipper, Really)

About: I'm a life-hacking reuse junkie who loves to create, even if all I'm making is a mess. I love hammers and rocks and history and hand planes. I hugged trees before it was cool but can still operate a chainsaw. …

It's frustrating. You're up, showered, dressed. Coffee's in the cup. The only thing standing between you and doing stuff is shoes. But you go to zip up your boot and it happens: the zipper separates.

Sure, you could wear different shoes, change your whole outfit, or throw up your hands in despair and go back to bed... But you don't give up that easily. You've got ass to kick and it ought to be in the boots you feel like kickin' in.

For this task you'll need:
-a bit of wax (I'm using Johnson Paste Wax)
-wax applicator (a finger works fine, but a small rag or Q-Tip is good if you don't want to smell like paste wax all day)

You also might need:
-needlenose pliers
-scissors

Grab your supplies and let's show this boot who's boss!

Step 1: Work the Zipper Down

The reason your zipper separated is that somewhere along the line a tooth didn't fall into place. In order to remedy the situation, you'll need to work the zipper back down below that point.

When you hit resistance, avoid the urge to force the zipper down. This could bend or break the teeth beyond repair. Instead, use a combination of gently wiggling it, reversing it, and tugging on one side or another of the zipper terminus.

Step 2: Straighten, Snip & Clean

Examine the zipper teeth. If any are obviously bent, straighten them out. Depending on the severity of the bend, you may need to use needlenose pliers for this task. Bend slowly and carefully to avoid turning a bent tooth into a broken one.

Wipe off any dust or grime and snip any loose threads that could impede the zipper's path.

Step 3: Wax On, Take Off

Load your applicator and spread a fair amount of wax to all the zipper teeth. Work into the grooves and into the zipper itself.

Give the zipper a zip back and forth. Do this slowly, watching to be sure all the teeth are catching.

If you meet resistance, reverse zip, apply a tad more wax, and retry. If you're still meeting resistance, go back a step and straighten up.

If you're zipper is now behaving, wipe off the excess wax, do whatever trash talking you need to do ("Who's your mamma now, boot? You think I'm gonna let a dumb little zipper ruin my day? Pshaw!"), and put on your shoe.

Time to get out the door and go kick some ass.