DIY suitcase wheel repair

The indisputable advantage of suitcases is their capacity and mobility. Violation of the integrity of the wheels or legs significantly affects the usability of the product, in particular its movement. If you need urgent repair of suitcases in Minsk, and there is no way to go to the workshop, you can try to change the wheels of the suitcase yourself.

If the purchase of a new product is not planned in the near future, and there are no repair shops nearby or there is no budget for this, you should perform several, at first glance, simple steps:

• remove a broken part or a wheel with a mount;
• buy an identical product;
• attach it in place of the old one.

By the type of fastening of the wheel itself, they are distinguished as solid (the wheel is soldered into the general structure) and prefabricated (the parts are untwisted, assembled separately without special tools).

Models of suitcases are available where the wheels are held by bolts or screws. This allows you to unscrew the damaged part with a screwdriver, and replace it quite quickly.

Wheels with rivets placed under the lining of the suitcase will require more complex manipulation. On the inside, an incision is made along two perpendicular sides. It is desirable that this be at the edges, since later non-factory seams will be less noticeable. Use pliers or wire cutters to loosen the rivets. The wheel is replaced with an old design or new holders are mounted. The lining is then sewn neatly.

In the absence of visible outer parts of the rivets or their breakage, the structure should be completely replaced and it is better to use the bolted method. Although it involves the same intervention under the lining layer, it will facilitate future repairs.

Often they use radical measures - they install new wheels with fasteners in a completely different place, and the old ones are knocked down.

Presentable appearance is just as important as the functionality of the suitcase; when buying new wheels, you should be guided by the principle of pairing (even if you need to replace only one) and identity (in terms of location of fastening, sizes of fasteners and wheels).

Before changing the wheels of a suitcase, an old broken wheel is taken to the store. This will help determine both the dimensions and the style of the product, its color. Sellers will provide their recommendations, but do not forget that their goal is to sell at a higher price, and for the buyer the purchase principles are a symbiosis of strength, beauty, and affordability.

It happens that it is not the wheels of the suitcase that needs to be replaced, but the broken legs. In this case, you need iron or wooden corners, or special plastic legs, which are sold at any hardware store. The variety of such products implies not only the color scheme, but also the size, height and width of the leg.

You can also replace the legs at home with the use of improvised means: in the presence of thick wire, a tool and, of course, manual dexterity. The basis for the repair in this case is to recreate the exact geometry of the broken leg.

Throughout the year, a person is waiting for the blessed time of vacations, remembering how great everything was (in most cases) the last time. And already to prepare for a new trip, pondering the upcoming trip and collecting money "in a pile". And now the long-awaited, but at the same time unexpected luck in the form of a “burning” tour came to the house. For packing 24 hours, we pack our suitcase and go!

Here are just a suitcase removed from the mezzanine shocks with its obscene appearance, and then we remember, yes there was a case, the wheel came off, but it does not matter, the trouble is that it is not known where it is. And one more, which is smaller, has fallen into disrepair and, most likely, the purchase of a new suitcase cannot be avoided. And this is an unplanned waste of money, which on vacation will not be superfluous. Therefore, we will make repairs.

First of all, it is necessary to remove the wheel arches from the attachment point, they are held on the body of the suitcase by some kind of rivets, the spreading tips of which (from the side of the interior of the suitcase) must be well squeezed "into a bunch" with pliers and then either knock them out with a weave nail (if not punch) with a hammer, or pull it out with the same pliers, hooking it onto the cap from the outside. It will not be at all difficult to do this, because this mount is essentially decorative. So the wheel arches are removed.

Next, we take the available wheels and go shopping or to the market in search of an adequate replacement. And don't ask for the wheels for the suitcase - you won't find it. Ask for inline skate wheels. You can easily find the bigger ones. But the middle wheel, of a smaller diameter, I found in a hardware store among furniture fittings, it was called a "support wheel". Please note that roller skate wheels have two bearings each, which means that they will not wear out, and the suitcase will move faster than the rolling one.

I note that earlier large wheels rotated on an axle with a diameter of 6 mm, and for new axles, a diameter of 8 mm is needed, but nothing needs to be drilled out, during operation, the old axles have already wiped the plastic of the holes just to the required size. The wheel is installed in the niche in the following order: the axle is passed into the hole in the wall of the niche, then a washer is put on without fail (to prevent the sidewall of the wheel from touching the walls of the niche), the wheel itself is installed, another washer, and the axle is inserted into the hole of the second wall. But the nut is screwed on after the niche is installed, but before it is fastened with screws.

The niche put in place is fixed with M6 screws with washers and a nut (it is better even with two - to counter)

He did not remove the supporting furniture taken in place of the middle wheel from the existing metal base, but sawed off the excess from it in order to fit into the niche. Due to the existing stop, the wheel did not fall into the niche due to the hole developed by the previous axis, but rose just as needed.

The assembled "undercarriage" would look no worse than the new one, if it were not for the wear of the bottom upholstery, however, "in working position" they are not visible. As for the performance indicators, they are clearly superior to the previous ones.

So I didn't have to buy a new "fellow traveler" for "from 2000 rubles and more." The suitcase is ready for further work and I dare to assure you of long-term use.

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Replacing suitcase wheels

Judging by the statistics, this is the most popular blog page, however, it is not surprising - the season of vacations and suitcases, an integral attribute of the trip.

Let me clarify that this is not an advertisement for a workshop - this is an experience of independently replacing suitcase wheels with other, more suitable for this - wheels from rollers.

Replacing the suitcase wheels with roller skate wheels
Suitcases on wheels often suffer from one defect (and, regardless of the manufacturer) - too hard and loud wheels. A suitcase rattles like a cart if not carried over a perfect surface.

In other words - too noisy suitcase wheels. How can the situation be rectified? At the same time, let's see how to remove the wheels from the POLAR suitcase.

The problem is in the wheels themselves from the suitcase - they are usually made of PVC, which does not add shock-absorbing properties to them.Further, under the cut, my solution to the problem on the new POLAR suitcase - we strike a preemptive blow on the wrong wheels of the suitcase!

Worn suitcase wheel

Either a new but too hard wheel

We disassemble. The technique depends on the characteristics of the suitcase, in our case we had to drill out the riveted bushings

The most important part is the new casters. The most suitable in all respects are roller skate wheels. They are sold in different diameters and quality. So you can choose the right ones. The wheels in the photo are polyurethane, with bearings. The rest of the fasteners are from a regular store. It is important - try to keep the new wheels not much smaller than the old ones - otherwise the suitcase will fall or cling to the road.

We install a new wheel (a regular bolt and nuts), having previously lubricated everything with Castrol CV joint grease

Photo from the reverse side - counter nut so as not to unscrew from vibration

We attach everything back to the suitcase

Inside view (by the way, POLAR suitcases are good because everything is zippered and lining too - you don't need to juggle anything)

All the assembly work took about 10 minutes (along with a photo) and voila!

Test pilot Agrafena Ofinogenovna

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The modern model of suitcases is a complex of complex and ergonomic parts that provide incredibly convenient operation of the product and have an attractive design.

The most optimal suitcase design contains: pull-out handles, high-quality coded locks, numerous internal compartments and clasps.

The mobility of the product is achieved thanks to a set of block wheels, with the help of which the suitcase easily and comfortably moves in space and overcomes obstacles on the way in the form of curbs and sills.

Of course, the appearance of the model and its manufacturer are all reflections of the wealth and style of the owner. However, even the most expensive suitcases, initially of the highest quality, can sometimes fail. And then we decide to hand them over to a repair shop.

Casters - one of the fastest breaking parts of a suitcase: of course, in addition to the handles. And this is not surprising: the significant weight of the suitcase and improper operation of the model, above all, affect the operation of this mobile part. Most often, a wheel breakdown occurs unexpectedly, leaving an unpleasant memory in the traveler's memory.

Sometimes, in the wheel repair procedure, it is enough to replace a worn out bearing or holder, but sometimes it is also necessary to replace all "wheel" accessories.

Unfortunately, not for all types of suitcases it is possible to find native fittings for the suitcase, especially if the series of the purchased product has long been discontinued. However, analogs of a broken wheel can be found: for example, quite often the process of replacing plastic wheels with a more convenient and quiet rubber version is performed. In this case, it is necessary to replace the serviceable wheels, so that absolutely all the accessories are made in the same style.

Repairing wheel blocks really does not take much time and money, but preventing breakdowns will cost you less. To do this, you should take into account several nuances:

• Do not overload your suitcase with things.
• If possible, carry the bag on wheels only on equal terrain.
• It is recommended to check the condition of the wheel blocks and fasteners immediately before leaving.

By adhering to these rules, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of breakage of this part.

Retractable parts of a suitcase are the main convenient attribute of modern models. Pen breaks down as often as wheels. As a rule, the most fragile material from which this part can be made is plastic, the most reliable is metal. Most often, a defective pen completely changes, but sometimes a slight cosmetic repair is enough.

For comfortable carrying, the mobile suitcase is often equipped with several types of handles.

However, sometimes, for example, in the case of repairing a leather suitcase, it is enough just to make a general restoration of the handle.

The most costly option would be to replace or repair a telescopic retractable handle. Difficult enterprises in matters of replacement or repair of such a part is search for original fittings and making a replacement in the case of a complex attachment of the retractable handle to the suitcase body.

So, the main components of accessories for a mobile suitcase are the above models of handles and wheels. Products made of dense rubber are considered reliable wheel blocks: they are durable and quiet. It is best to purchase a suitcase with four built-in wheels: choosing a built-in rather than an overhead option, you buy a more reliable and durable product.

Buy a suitcase with a large diameter wheels, while their center should be monolithic.

As for the handles: when choosing the best suitcase model, pay attention to the ergonomics of the telescopic handle and the convenience of the side parts. Absolutely all models of handles should be comfortable and reliable, without backlash and "walking" during extension.

Also check the quality of numerous fasteners and combination locks during the purchase process, the reliability of modern rivets and eyelets, as well as the convenient location of the buttons.

As a rule, on good models, spare parts for a suitcase on wheels should come standard with this product. Check their availability without leaving the store.

As already noted, a suitcase is a visual reflection of the wealth and style preferences of its owner. A reputable mobile suitcase manufacturer usually guarantees the highest quality of its products. Mostly expensive products meet this requirement. However, expensive options for stylized leather and colorful plastic suitcases on wheels are quite easily damaged.

Often, the cost of a product is determined not only by the general design and numerous additions in the form of convenient fittings, but also by the material of manufacture.

The cheapest are considered fabric suitcases... However, even among them, you can find quite worthy options: for example, a high-quality fabric material can combine polyester and nylon - components that make the fabric waterproof and easy to use.

Models made of high quality plastic - the most durable and stable. Thanks to the reliable structure, which often uses modern polycarbonate or innovative ABS, the plastic suitcase does not deform and can withstand serious loads. At the same time, the frame itself is so strong that it successfully copes with significant mechanical damage.

Choose the best mobile suitcase option and carefully follow the simple rules of operation. Then your model will not need to be repaired! And how to do it correctly, read our article.

The best way to fix a suitcase is to take it to the workshop, where it will certainly be put back on its feet, or rather, on wheels. But what if you need to repair the retractable handle of a suitcase urgently, right during the trip? And the craftsmen sometimes ask for so much that this money would be enough to buy a simple replacement for a broken suitcase. If you are not very worried about the aesthetic appearance of the case, it will be possible to repair it, even if you are, well, very far from nuts and bolts. How exactly can this be done? It all depends on the degree of damage.

When the handle breaks on the way, the beauty and durability of the repair is out of the question. It is important to do everything quickly and relatively reliably: so much so that you do not have to drag the suitcase in your hands to the very destination. And a real professional of express repairs - scotch tape will help us to do this.

So, the most common problem is a fracture of one of the retractable handle tubes. In terms of doing it yourself, the situation is very similar to applying a splint in case of a fracture in a person.

1. Find a rigid frame that acts as a tire. It might be a small metal pipe, but in the field you usually have to rely on a pencil, ruler or comb - the stronger the better.
2. An improvised splint is applied to the fracture site along the pipe.
3. Now the fracture site is wrapped with tape or tape along the entire length of the tire, or at least 5-7 cm in each direction from the fracture.

Of course, folding the handle with the tire back will be unrealistic, so if you still have to check in your suitcase, limit yourself to simply wrapping the break with tape in several layers.

Not everyone takes scotch or duct tape with them on trips (but in vain!), So the short-sighted will have to try to replace this irreplaceable product with improvised means: a handkerchief, cling film from sandwiches, stationery clips, if they fit.

By the way, this method can be used even if the handle is broken in several places, practically crumbling. You just have to find a tire a little longer or increase their number, and you will need to wrap it up with tape more reliably.

So you brought a broken suitcase home, and now you have enough time to slowly deal with the problem and try to repair the telescopic system with your own hands. Let's say right away: without experience in welding and polishing metal, it will not work to make the handle look like new, so all aesthetes will have to go to the workshops. But if you only need functionality from a suitcase, you can improve the way to strengthen the rift by replacing the tire with a pin.

• Loosen the telescopic bolts and remove the broken part.
• Insert a reinforcement of the structure in the form of a metal rod of a slightly smaller width than the cavity itself.
• Secure the break with the same tape or tape.
• Fasten the reinforced structure with the bolts back.

If a break allows, you do not even need to twist the pipe out of the telescopic holders, but it is important that the length of the pin is equal to the length of the handle itself, otherwise your reinforcement will dangle inside.

Another possible problem that you can solve with your own hands is the unscrewing of the bolts that hold the structure and, as a result, the handle dangling from one or both sides. To repair it, it is enough to tighten these or put new bolts and nuts in place of the old ones, for which you need to get close to the frame from the inside through the upholstery.

If it was not the telescopic handle, but the stationary handle that was unscrewed, you can also secure it with a bolt and nut, if it was not mechanically damaged (not cracked, not broken into parts)

Choose suitcases with telescopic, stationary and side handles so that if one or even two of them break, you have a backup transport option.

The second most common problem with telescopic systems after they break is jamming inside the suitcase. This is especially unpleasant if the suitcase is heavy: you won't be able to carry it on wheels!

• First, feel inside the frame through the upholstery for the frame of the handle. Your task is to find holes with springs that fix it.
• Now these springs must be pressed simultaneously: the handle will be released and "shoot" out of the groove.

The reverse situation is also not uncommon: the handle refuses to assemble back into the groove, and the suitcase must be checked in. Unfortunately, without disassembling the structure, it is almost impossible to solve this problem.In order not to completely break the structure during transportation, you can try to dismantle it with your own hands, twisting the bolts under the upholstery from the inside, or ask someone more experienced to do it for you. Then pack the handle in the suitcase, and wrap the suitcase itself with packing film so that things do not fall out and get dirty through the hole.

The telescopic handle and its quality are almost the main criterion when choosing a suitcase. Give preference to wide handles made of strong and thick metal, and then the likelihood of their breakage will be lower.

In order not to have to repair the telescopic handle, just roll the suitcase for it, and do not carry, do not sit on the suitcase and do not hammer it with heavy things under the maximum permissible weight. Well, if a breakdown did occur, now you know how you can cope with it in emergency and at home without the need to resort to the help of a master.

The best way to fix a suitcase is to take it to the workshop, where it will certainly be put back on its feet, or rather, on wheels. But what if you need to repair the retractable handle of a suitcase urgently, right during the trip? And the craftsmen sometimes ask for so much that this money would be enough to buy a simple replacement for a broken suitcase. If you are not very worried about the aesthetic appearance of the case, it will be possible to repair it, even if you are, well, very far from nuts and bolts. How exactly can this be done? It all depends on the degree of damage.

When the handle breaks on the way, the beauty and durability of the repair is out of the question. It is important to do everything quickly and relatively reliably: so much so that you do not have to drag the suitcase in your hands to the very destination. And a real professional of express repairs - scotch tape will help us to do this.

So, the most common problem is a fracture of one of the retractable handle tubes. In terms of doing it yourself, the situation is very similar to applying a splint in case of a fracture in a person.

1. Find a rigid frame that acts as a tire. It might be a small metal pipe, but in the field you usually have to rely on a pencil, ruler or comb - the stronger the better.
2. An improvised splint is applied to the fracture site along the pipe.
3. Now the fracture site is wrapped with tape or tape along the entire length of the tire, or at least 5-7 cm in each direction from the fracture.

Of course, folding the handle with the tire back will be unrealistic, so if you still have to check in your suitcase, limit yourself to simply wrapping the break with tape in several layers.

Not everyone takes scotch or duct tape with them on trips (but in vain!), So the short-sighted will have to try to replace this irreplaceable product with improvised means: a handkerchief, cling film from sandwiches, stationery clips, if they fit.

By the way, this method can be used even if the handle is broken in several places, practically crumbling. You just have to find a tire a little longer or increase their number, and you will need to wrap it up with tape more reliably.

So you brought a broken suitcase home, and now you have enough time to slowly deal with the problem and try to repair the telescopic system with your own hands. Let's say right away: without experience in welding and polishing metal, it will not work to make the handle look like new, so all aesthetes will have to go to the workshops. But if you only need functionality from a suitcase, you can improve the way to strengthen the rift by replacing the tire with a pin.

• Loosen the telescopic bolts and remove the broken part.
• Insert a reinforcement of the structure in the form of a metal rod of a slightly smaller width than the cavity itself.
• Secure the break with the same tape or tape.
• Fasten the reinforced structure with the bolts back.

If a break allows, you do not even need to twist the pipe out of the telescopic holders, but it is important that the length of the pin is equal to the length of the handle itself, otherwise your reinforcement will dangle inside.

Another possible problem that you can solve with your own hands is the unscrewing of the bolts that hold the structure and, as a result, the handle dangling from one or both sides. To repair it, it is enough to tighten these or put new bolts and nuts in place of the old ones, for which you need to get close to the frame from the inside through the upholstery.

If it was not the telescopic handle, but the stationary handle that was unscrewed, you can also secure it with a bolt and nut, if it was not mechanically damaged (not cracked, not broken into parts)

Choose suitcases with telescopic, stationary and side handles so that if one or even two of them break, you have a backup transport option.

The second most common problem with telescopic systems after they break is jamming inside the suitcase. This is especially unpleasant if the suitcase is heavy: you won't be able to carry it on wheels!

• First, feel inside the frame through the upholstery for the frame of the handle. Your task is to find holes with springs that fix it.
• Now these springs must be pressed simultaneously: the handle will be released and "shoot" out of the groove.

The reverse situation is also not uncommon: the handle refuses to assemble back into the groove, and the suitcase must be checked in. Unfortunately, without disassembling the structure, it is almost impossible to solve this problem. In order not to completely break the structure during transportation, you can try to dismantle it with your own hands, twisting the bolts under the upholstery from the inside, or ask someone more experienced to do it for you. Then pack the handle in the suitcase, and wrap the suitcase itself with packing film so that things do not fall out and get dirty through the hole.

The telescopic handle and its quality are almost the main criterion when choosing a suitcase. Give preference to wide handles made of strong and thick metal, and then the likelihood of their breakage will be lower.

In order not to have to repair the telescopic handle, just roll the suitcase for it, and do not carry, do not sit on the suitcase and do not hammer it with heavy things under the maximum permissible weight. Well, if a breakdown did occur, now you know how you can cope with it in emergency and at home without the need to resort to the help of a master.