Want to buy or sell something? Check the classifieds
  • The Fedora Lounge is supported in part by commission earning affiliate links sitewide. Please support us by using them. You may learn more here.

Hookless Zipper help please!

Bennarion

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,169
Yes, thanks for all the replies, it's a bump in the road but I really do love this jacket!
I'm going to call up JL tomorrow and ask about their replacement options, I think that would suit the need very well!
Just ask them they will be able to get into the same holes.
 

Superfluous

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,995
Location
Missing in action
I HATE Hookless zippers. The day-to-day alignment hassle is the tip of the iceberg. If you accidentally zip it out of alignment, you can transform your leather jacket into a straight-jacket. This is what happened to me. I had to have the top stopper removed so that the slider could be removed from the top . . . all while the jacket was on me. I would NEVER spec a jacket with a Hookless zipper.
 

58panheadfan

One Too Many
Messages
1,650
Location
Switzerland
I adore the Hookless Zipper, it gives me daily strength and inspiration when I use it, attended by a mantra and finished with a throaty “om” if it works, provided the zipper was threaded correctly...
 
Last edited:

AeroFan_07

I'll Lock Up
Messages
5,705
Location
Iowa
I HATE Hookless zippers. The day-to-day alignment hassle is the tip of the iceberg. If you accidentally zip it out of alignment, you can transform your leather jacket into a straight-jacket. This is what happened to me. I had to have the top stopper removed so that the slider could be removed from the top . . . all while the jacket was on me. I would NEVER spec a jacket with a Hookless zipper.

This is what happened to me in Lowe's Saturday afternoon. It was indeed entertaining :)
 

tmitchell59

I'll Lock Up
Messages
7,732
Location
Illinois
I hope all the de-railed Hookless zippers are fixed. I've had similar issues with reproduction Talons on a couple of jackets. You need to take your time, all I can say.

I got this jacket today. The grommet Talon zipper was the reason. The originals are amazing zippers. I'm Hooked!

DSC06745.jpg
DSC06746.jpg
DSC06747.jpg
 

AeroFan_07

I'll Lock Up
Messages
5,705
Location
Iowa
^^Looks very nice there Terry!! :) I like that...you are hooked. Nicely put.

So my Premier Fit HWM is all packed up and shipped out to Johnson's in SF. Had a very good talk with Alan today, they will get it fixed up just right. It'll be a change of pace for it, but I think it will work out just fine.

I may have to try a Hookless in a lighter (such as Cotton) jacket. Might make a neat piece that way. Anyway, this one will be taken care of now.
 

AlexB

A-List Customer
Messages
306
Location
Berlin
I really like the rivets that come standard with the hookless zippers to hold the bottom plates in place. Gives a nice edge to the jackets!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Messages
17,496
Location
Chicago
I hope all the de-railed Hookless zippers are fixed. I've had similar issues with reproduction Talons on a couple of jackets. You need to take your time, all I can say.


I got this jacket today. The grommet Talon zipper was the reason. The originals are amazing zippers. I'm Hooked!

View attachment 192361 View attachment 192362 View attachment 192363
Wow! What would you date that at Terry?! I haven’t seen one like that. That has to be early 40’s!?? Maybe late 30’s!!??
I agree they require a bit of patience. It’s a deliberate action to zip one. Being mindful. I do like them though. It is not a grab and go affair by any means.
 

tmitchell59

I'll Lock Up
Messages
7,732
Location
Illinois
Wow! What would you date that at Terry?! I haven’t seen one like that. That has to be early 40’s!?? Maybe late 30’s!!??
I agree they require a bit of patience. It’s a deliberate action to zip one. Being mindful. I do like them though. It is not a grab and go affair by any means.

I will do more on this whole jacket. The zipper is mid to late 30s, don't see this going into the 40s. The reference by dinnerman confirms that age range. Lot of work manufacturing a zipper like that.

I think I had an earlier hookless on a jacket I sold.

I have a finicky Hookless reproduction on my Good Wear Poncho Barnes.

Patience, good light, nimble hands..sometimes sucking in gut
 

AeroFan_07

I'll Lock Up
Messages
5,705
Location
Iowa
^^ This sort of description that you give here, Tony, is very similar to what my father taught me about his favorite type of car, which is pictured below. Built to be cheap & cheerful, but could drain your wallet in just weeks if not maintained to a tee.

58 MGA.JPG
 

Thuggee

Practically Family
Messages
906
Location
Australia
So what’s the consensus on these zippers avoid at all costs or just be aware they are problematic if your not careful using/zipping them up.

I’ve been thinking about a Aero Original Hercules and thats appears to be the recommended zipper for that jacket to keep it all period correct, they do look nice in photos.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Mich486

One Too Many
Messages
1,690
I’ve got three jackets with hookless that work like a charm: I’ve never have to think about them being any different from a modern zip.

However, these are all in midweight leather. Imho CXL and hookless don’t mix well.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Sloan1874

I'll Lock Up
Messages
8,425
Location
Glasgow
I think they look very cool, there's something pleasingly stripped-down and utilitarian about them but I think they could be very fiddly on heavy leather.
 

Mr Knight

Familiar Face
Messages
79
The basic premise is all down to your own personal preference.

If you’re always mindful of aligning the zip every time you use it then no problem, however if you’re more like me and have ‘deadhead’ moments where you’re not 100% paying attention and/or easily distracted then probably advisable to avoid a hookless.
 
Messages
17,496
Location
Chicago
I'd agree that they are more likely to be problematic on heavy leather. I also think that if you are mindful with what you are doing they are no more prone to failure than any other #5 zipper. The waist band (PHWM type) further complicates the issue with heavy leather but the few times I closed the hookless were completely without issue.
 

Rosecitymike

One of the Regulars
Messages
185
So what’s the consensus on these zippers avoid at all costs or just be aware they are problematic if your not careful using/zipping them up.

I’ve been thinking about a Aero Original Hercules and thats appears to be the recommended zipper for that jacket to keep it all period correct, they do look nice in photos.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have an Original Hercules in cordovan CXL with a hookless zip. So far, no issues at all and I wear it many mornings while walking the dog and lately, cold mornings require a full zip! I say go for it and just be aware if alignment
 

Forum statistics

Threads
109,152
Messages
3,075,174
Members
54,124
Latest member
usedxPielt
Top