There is a plethora of ways your suitcase can break.
And if you are planning to have a new bag, don’t hesitate to read this guide for how to protect your luggage from damage and scratches and make your suitcase last longer.
Generally to protect your luggage from damage, choose a sturdy suitcase, avoid overpacking, use protective covers, and handle it with care when traveling.
In this detailed guide, I will walk you through how to fix suitcase wheels, how to fix a suitcase handle, and how to fix a suitcase zipper, in addition to other parts of your suitcase.
And without further ado, here are some ways your suitcase might break, and some resources on how to fix them.
TL;DR
- Suitcases can break in many ways.
- Most issues can be fixed at home with simple tools.
- Replace or fix jammed handles.
- Clean, lubricate, or replace worn wheels.
- Fix stuck zippers or replace broken sliders.
- Wrap luggage to prevent scratches and damage.
- Travel light to avoid wear and tear.
- Inspect and care for your suitcase before trips.
How can I protect my luggage from damage?
Protecting your suitcase starts with getting a good one. However, here are some tips to protect your suitcase from damage:
Wrap it up: Covering your luggage in plastic or another cover will not only protect it from scratches but also from any attempt to break it or even take your items.
Keep in mind, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has the right to cut through any wrapping if an agent needs to inspect the contents.
Sometimes the best way to protect your luggage from loss or damage is by traveling light.
By traveling with a carry-on only, you can keep essentials close at hand, adapt to last-minute flight changes easily, and skip the baggage carousel once and for all.
1. Handles
How do you replace a telescoping luggage handle?
Open your suitcase and find the screws holding your telescoping handle in place.
Detach the screws and remove the broken handle from your luggage.
Place the new handle on your suitcase in place of the old one. Attach the new handle with the same screws you removed earlier.
How do you fix a suitcase handle that won’t go up?
Before starting to fix your suitcase handle, you will need to identify what the issue is and take a look.
Can you press the tab down in the handle which releases the mechanism?
Does the tab spring back?
Does the handle look like it is stuck in the holder?
Open the case and expose the handle sliders running down the back of the suitcase.
Are they bent or damaged in any way? Are the pins that determine the height and lock into place stuck… or are they still springy?
2. Wheels
How to fix your luggage wheels?
When your suitcase wheels stop performing, they’re definitely worn out, but your suitcase might still look clean without scratches.
You can fix them easily wheels are pretty simple to repair or replace. If your wheels are squeaky, inspect the wheel caster.
Clean off any debris and lubricate them.
If you have to replace them, here’s a quick way to do it:
- Order your new part from the manufacturer (get a few extra while you’re at it).
- Open your suitcase and unzip the liner to get to the nuts and bolts holding the wheel screws in place.
- Remove the damaged wheel.
- Pay attention to how the wheel is positioned and try to replicate it with the new wheel before screwing it in.
- Test it out to make sure it’s not wobbly or unbalanced.
How do you lubricate luggage wheels?
The bearing is the main part that needs lubrication in the suitcase wheel. After you remove the wheels with a screwdriver:
Slide out the bearing and clean it by wiping with a cloth or paper towel on each bearing to remove all the dirt and grime.
Do not use water on your bearings it will make them go bad. Just wipe the dirt off gently and make sure no debris gets inside.
After the bearings are dry and clean, add some lubricant like this one sewing machine oil also works well.
Add 3–4 drops so it’s not too dry. WD-40 is not recommended since it works only for a short time and can dry the bearings out, making them worse than before.
Then do a quick wipe if you have too much excess lubricant, since too much can cause it to collect more dirt again which you don’t want.
3. Zipper
No suitcase can be safe without a zipper it is the main part; and it may open or break when you are in a rush and trying to catch your flight.
How to fix a stuck zipper?
Before fixing your bag’s zipper, make sure that no cloth or thread is stuck in it. Then, look at the individual teeth.
If any of them are sticking out, grab a pair of pliers and move them back into place so they’re all straight.
If the slider comes off one side, or if you need to replace the slider because it’s not closing the teeth correctly, then you’ll need to replace it.
To get the slider off, use some pliers to cut it off. Once that’s done, attach the new zipper slider by sliding it back onto the teeth.
Final Thoughts
Your suitcase can get damaged in many ways than you might expect from stuck zippers and jammed handles to wobbly or broken wheels.
The good news is that you can fix most of these problems at home with just a few tools and a bit of patience.
Whether you’re repairing an old favorite suitcase or buying a new one, remember that prevention is always easier than repair.
Travel light, handle your luggage with care, and take a few extra minutes to inspect it before each trip.
A little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your suitcase rolling smoothly and ensuring that it’s ready for your next adventure.
I hope this helps
Happy travels
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