HOW TO REPAIR YOUR SUITCASE & SAVE MONEY?
Are you going on a holiday & looking for suitcases? If yes, stop! No, we are not offering suitcases at a discounted rate. We will help you reuse your old suitcases by guiding you on how to repair them. Suitcases are expensive items & if there is a way to salvage your old suitcases, don’t think about getting a new one. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or your suitcases were damaged due to carelessness during your last trip, you can try to repair them & save money! We will be addressing the following three problems & ways to fix them:
- Fix the dents in the suitcase
- Repair the wheels
- Mend the telescopic handle
Things you will need
A hairdryer
Woodblock and hammer (optional)
WD-40 Specialist® Silicone Lubricant
Screwdriver
WD-40® Multi-use Product
Cleaning cloth
Step 1
Repair the dents!
The first problem to tackle is the dents. In hard suitcases (often plastic), often due to mistreatment in transport (plane, train, car, etc.), they end up getting dented. To solve this problem, we have a simple and actionable tip that will surprise you!
Use a hairdryer and heat the inside of the bumpy area. Do this by going back and forth over the surface to avoid hot spots. Allow the suitcase to cool down. If the bump resists, you may need to use a piece of wood and a hammer. Tap the wooden block gently with the hammer inside the suitcase. Be careful while using the wooden block & hammer. With a little extra pressure and the damage will be irreversible. Be meticulous and patient.
Step 2
Repair the wheels of your suitcase
Before you begin to repair your wheels, you need to clean them thoroughly.
- Use a vacuum to remove the dirt and dust on your suitcase wheels.
- Then clean your casters with soapy water and a sponge. Use an old toothbrush to reach the hidden crevices & clean thoroughly.
- Dry the caster.
- After you finish cleaning the wheels, remove them from the caster using a screwdriver.
- Now check if the wheel is damaged or not. In case of damage, replace it with a new one.
- If your wheel is intact; but is seizing, identify the source of the problem. Use WD-40 Specialist Silicone Lubricant to lubricate the wheel and the mechanism. It is ideal for plastic & rubber parts. WD-40 Specialist Silicone Lubricant will not only provide lubrication; but will also offer protection against wear & tear.
Step 3
Repair the telescopic handle!
The 3rd problem we commonly see is that handles tend to tear or fall off while sometimes they jam or become difficult to operate. The way to tackle this problem is by cleaning & lubricating the handle system. We recommend unscrewing the handles & removing the handle system. Clean it using a cloth. If you find any stubborn debris deposit, spray WD-40 Multi-use Product & then wipe it down. Now use a lubricant such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product or WD-40 Specialist Silicone Lubricant and join the handle system. Extend & retract the handles a few times to evenly lubricate the handle system.
Conclusion
Your suitcase is as good as new, and you do not need to invest in a new one. We do need to handle our suitcases with a little extra care. Avoid rolling it downstairs or over gravel. The force of impact can offset or even deform the wheels. Similarly, remember to lift your suitcase by the handle made for this purpose rather than using the telescopic handle. As the purpose of the telescopic handles is to aid in rolling the bags.
Disclaimer
The uses shown and described for WD-40 Multi-Use Product were provided to WD-40 Company by the users themselves. These uses haven’t been tested by WD-40 Company and do not constitute a recommendation of suggestion for use by WD-40 Company. Common sense should be exercised whenever using WD-40 Company products. Always follow the instructions and take heed of any warnings printed on the packaging.
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June 9, 2021
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