How to shorten the tractor lightning from above?

The shelves of shops selling goods for needlework are bursting with an excess of materials. But unfortunately, with all the variety of choices, it is not always possible to buy the necessary part. This happens when looking for the right zipper. Size may fit the criteria, but the color does not fit. Or vice versa, the color suits, but the required length of the fastener is much less than the one that is commercially available. How do we shorten it to the right size without violating functionality, read on.

Nuances of shortening detachable and one-piece zippers from above

You can only lower the one-piece zipper from the bottom . If you have to work with a detachable, then you can cut it only at the top. Since the design of the limiter consists of a slot into which the pin is inserted, it is almost impossible to restore them after trimming. From above it is quite possible to change the length of one and the other variety and it will not be difficult even for a child.

What is necessary for work?

There are four types of one-piece locks - secret, with metal teeth, plastic spirals and “tractor” teeth. We will talk about the most popular and affordable ways to shorten lightning in the upper segment. For this process, we will come in handy:

  • the clasp itself;
  • pen or felt-tip pen;
  • tape measure;
  • soldering iron or nail;
  • thread with a needle;
  • scissors;
  • knife or scalpel;
  • screwdriver;
  • side cutters or tweezers for manicure;
  • pliers or pliers.

Step-by-step shortening process from above

There are several methods of shortening, you just have to choose the right one.

Method 1

In order for the clasp to retain its original appearance, we must carefully remove the stopper from its upper ribbons . Usually it happens from plastic, similar to cloves, which can be removed with a knife. Of course, everything must be done carefully so that subsequently the item does not lose its working capacity with intensive use and washing. Insert the knife into the slot between the plastic part and the fabric. With a slight pressure we push apart and remove the braid from it.

After trimming an unnecessary fragment and removing unnecessary parts, the limiter can be fixed with super glue . If it was not possible to remove parts of the limiter without losing appearance, you can make them simulate from remote links. One of them is clamped between two, located at the end of the tape, pre-lubricated with glue. In some cases, they are melted with a soldering iron or a heated lighter with a nail clamped by pliers. The ends are aligned with a file.

Method 2

If the stops are made of metal in the form of a bracket with sharp spikes or without them, then a screwdriver will come to our aid, which is quite easy to part its ends to the sides.

After the stops have been successfully dismantled, the excess length is cut off after careful measurement. Since it will be impossible to recover the deleted fragment. Therefore, we need a supply on which the teeth are removed and the brackets are installed . And this is not less than 2-3 centimeters. It is at this interval that we remove the excess links with pliers. Then the limiters are installed above the uppermost of them.

Method 3

He is the most elementary of all. Here, the role of the stub is performed by ordinary threads to the color of the braid or fabric from which the product is sewn. They overlap over the last links in a few stitches. Most often, such manipulation is performed on hidden lightning bolts.

Features of working with a lightning tractor

To remove the teeth of a tractor lightning is a little more difficult than metal ones, because they are fixed by soldering directly to the edge of the braid. As a result, they are removed, biting the upper part with side cutters, and the residues are gradually crushed on both sides. This is done slowly, since the plastic parts are quite durable. It is enough to free a section from them for 1.5-2 cm. And you can fix a homemade stopper, as described in the first method.

In conclusion, I want to say that it is very practical to keep old, failed lightnings . Because the limiters installed on them are quite suitable for any lock, regardless of the mechanism and the material used. Also, these details can be bought at a store that sells fabrics and accessories.