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Bag lock repair
and hardware re-plating for designer bags
When your bag lock needs repair
Stuck zip
It stops halfway, or only moves with a hard tug. Usually the teeth are dirty or misaligned, or the puller is worn.
Zip splitting open
The zip closes but the two rows of teeth open up again behind it. The puller has stretched and no longer presses the teeth together.
Broken pull tab or puller
The tab is missing or the puller body has snapped. Often only the puller needs replacing, keeping the zip tape.
Broken or misaligned teeth
A few broken or misaligned teeth and the zip will jam at that spot every time. This usually means replacing the whole zip.
Snap or turn-lock clasp not closing
A weak magnetic snap, a loose turn-lock or a broken catch, and the bag no longer shuts securely.
Dull or peeling plating
Locks, logos, clips and chains that are tarnished, scratched or peeling make the whole bag look old.
Bag lock repair at Foxpro
Bag zip replacement
We replace the puller if the zip tape is still good, or the whole zip if teeth are broken or misaligned. Replacement zips are as good as or better than the original.
- Replacing a broken tab or puller
- Replacing the whole zip when teeth fail
- Matching zip type and tooth size
Bag hardware re-plating and polishing
We brighten dull locks, logos, clips and chains. Where the plating has peeled, we re-plate the metal hardware, including 18k and 24k gold and white gold.
- Polishing dull, tarnished locks
- Re-plating peeled plating
- 18k, 24k gold and white gold plating
Snap, catch and turn-lock repair
A weak magnetic snap, a loose turn-lock or a broken catch means the bag no longer shuts securely. Each designer bag line has its own lock mechanism, so we inspect it in person before advising whether to repair or replace.
- Weak magnetic or snap clasps
- Loose turn-locks and twist locks
- Broken pins, clips and rings
Replace the whole zip or just the puller?
Many customers bring bags in thinking the whole zip must go, when only the puller needs replacing. A quick way to tell:
- The teeth are even and unbroken but the zip still opens behind the puller: the puller has stretched, and replacing it is enough, cheaper and quicker.
- Broken or misaligned teeth, or torn zip tape: the whole zip needs replacing.
- A zip stuck because of dirt: sometimes it only needs cleaning and lubricating, nothing replaced.
Types of zips on handbags
Nylon coil zips are soft and light, common on fabric bags and inner pockets. Moulded plastic zips have larger teeth and are more durable. Metal zips in brass or nickel are common on designer leather bags, attractive and strong, but once a tooth breaks the whole zip has to be replaced. Replacement zips are chosen to match the type, tooth size and colour of the original as closely as possible. Many designer bags have logo-engraved pullers; if yours still works it is worth keeping, so mention it to our technician when you get a quote.
Re-plating and refreshing bag hardware
Locks and metal hardware dull over time as the plating oxidises, scratches or wears. While the plating is intact, polishing brings the shine back. Once it has peeled and exposed the metal underneath, it needs re-plating. Foxpro re-plates metal hardware, including 18k and 24k gold and white gold, so the lock matches the logo, clips and chain on the same bag.
A broken lock often comes with worn handles, lifting edge paint or faded leather where the bag is held most. If the whole bag has aged, our bag refresh package handles the lock together with bag colour restoration and edge work, so every part matches.
Our bag lock repair process
Inspection and quote
We check the lock, zip and hardware, photograph the condition and send a detailed quote. We only start once you agree.
Removing the old lock
We carefully unpick the stitching that holds the lock so the leather and lining are not torn.
Choosing the lock, treating the metal
We choose a zip of the same type and tooth size, or polish and re-plate the hardware.
Stitching back in place
We restitch along the original stitch lines, keeping the lock position and the shape of the bag.
Testing and handover
We open and close it many times and check the stitching before handing the bag back.
Related bag repair services
An overview of every luxury bag repair we do, with prices and how we work. See the service →
Faded, discoloured or patchy bags; re-dyeing to the original colour or changing the colour on request. See the service →
Replacing linings, bag interiors, handles, straps and damaged leather parts. See the service →
Treating scratches, peeling, cracked leather, worn corners and lifting edge paint. See the service →
A full designer bag spa: cleaning, conditioning, colour touch-ups, edges and brightening the hardware. See the service →
Cleaning leather, canvas and suede bags to suit the material, with deodorising and conditioning. See the service →
Bag lock repair FAQ
How much does bag lock repair cost?
Replacing the puller or the whole zip costs 250,000d to 750,000d depending on the zip type and length. Polishing or re-plating metal hardware costs 750,000d to 1,600,000d. Snap and catch repairs are quoted after we see the bag.
Does replacing a zip mean taking the whole bag apart?
No, only the stitching that holds the zip is unpicked. If the lining is sewn into the zip, our technician tells you which parts need to come apart when quoting.
Will the new lock look like the original?
Replacement locks are chosen to be as good as or better than the original, the same type and as close in colour as possible. A logo-engraved puller that still works is worth keeping.
Can dull metal hardware be made shiny again?
Yes. Intact plating is polished; peeled plating is re-plated, including 18k and 24k gold and white gold.
Do you repair wallet locks?
Yes. Leather wallets, purses and clutches use the same kinds of zips and snaps, so they are handled the same way and quoted after inspection.
Do you collect bags from home?
Yes. You can drop it off at our shop in Tan Phu, have us pick it up anywhere in Ho Chi Minh City, or send it by courier from another province. Choose your option in the booking form.
Send a photo of the broken lock and we will quote first
Take a photo of the whole bag and a close-up of the broken lock, and send it on Zalo 0388665129 or attach it when you book. Our shop is at 1/56 Nguyen The Truyen, Tan Son Nhi, Tan Phu, open 8am to 6pm every day.