Swiss Link’s DIY guide covers replacing a button, sticky weatherproofing, tears, broken clips, separating boot soles, belt loops, hard-water stains, and rust.
REPAIR 01Clothing0:14
Replace a button
Start with a standard sew-through button on sound fabric. Match the replacement to the buttonhole before you begin.
Mark the position.Lay the garment flat, align the buttonhole with its fastening point, and mark the spot underneath. iFixit
Prepare the thread.Thread the needle, bring the two ends together, and knot them so the thread will not pull through the fabric. iFixit
Sew through the holes.Bring the needle up from the back of the fabric and through the button, then back through the opposite hole and the fabric; repeat across both pairs of holes for a four-hole button. iFixit
Secure and test.Knot the thread through the stitches on the underside, trim the excess, and check the button for stability. iFixit
Before treating tacky fabric, identify the coating. The written method below is for a deteriorating polyurethane coating, not every waterproof material.
Identify the failure.Look for a sticky or gummy feel, peeling, flaking, or an unpleasant odor, all signs that a polyurethane coating may need replacement. GEAR AID
Remove the failed coating.Use the coating manufacturer’s removal procedure before recoating, rather than applying new sealant over loose material. GEAR AID
Clean and dry.Prepare a clean, completely dry surface before applying a compatible replacement coating. GEAR AID
Recoat and let it cure.Follow the replacement coating’s instructions and keep treated surfaces separated until fully dry before folding or storage. GEAR AID
Work out whether you have a split seam, a clean tear, or missing fabric before choosing a repair. Use the video to see the chapter’s demonstration.
Lay the damage flat.Work with the garment off your body and open the area so you can reach both sides without stitching through an unrelated layer. Patagonia / iFixit
Choose the repair.For a small tear in otherwise sound woven fabric, consider a hand-sewn whip stitch or baseball stitch; for a hole or weakened area, consider a patch instead. Patagonia / iFixit
Work into sound fabric.Keep the edges aligned and avoid pulling the stitches so tightly that the fabric bunches. Patagonia / iFixit
Check the result.Secure the thread, inspect both sides, and gently flex the repair before putting the garment back into use. Patagonia / iFixit
Treat a loose bond differently from a sole that is cracked, crumbling, or worn through. This written method covers rebonding an otherwise sound sole.
Prepare the bonding faces.Remove dirt and debris from the separated surfaces, then clean them using a method compatible with the materials and your chosen adhesive. GEAR AID
Apply the adhesive.Use a flexible footwear repair adhesive and follow its directions for coverage and assembly. GEAR AID
Hold the sole in position.Align the sole with the upper and hold the two together with tape or a suitable clamp while the bond cures. GEAR AID
Wait for a full cure.Follow the adhesive’s stated cure time before wearing the boot; a surface that feels dry is not a substitute for completing that cure. GEAR AID
Inspect both the loop and the fabric it attaches to. A detached end and a loop ripped out of the waistband need different amounts of repair.
Clean and inspect.Work on clean trousers laid flat, never while someone is wearing them. iFixit
Position the loop.Return the loose end to its original alignment and leave enough room for the belt to pass through. iFixit
Reattach to sound fabric.Stitch the end securely across its attachment area; if the waistband itself has torn, reinforce that area before reattaching the loop. iFixit
Finish and check.Secure and trim the thread, remove all pins, and thread the belt through to check the opening and alignment. iFixit
Identify the surface before choosing a cleaner. This written companion focuses on gentle cleaning of stainless steel, not unknown canteen liners or aluminum.
Start gently.Clean with mild soap and water before moving to a stronger treatment. YETI care guidance
Check cleaner compatibility.Use only a cleaner approved for the surface and, where relevant, for food-contact equipment. YETI care guidance
Treat without scratching.Use a soft, non-abrasive sponge or cloth and follow the cleaner’s contact-time instructions. YETI care guidance
Rinse and dry.Wash away the cleaner, rinse thoroughly, and dry the surface before storage. YETI care guidance
Start by identifying the metal and its finish. Keep this approach to surface corrosion on non-critical items, not weakened or deeply pitted equipment.
Inspect the finish.Check for paint, bluing, browning, or other protective finishes before choosing a treatment. WD-40 guidance
Select a compatible remover.Read its material restrictions and test a discreet area before treating the whole item. WD-40 guidance
Follow the treatment directions.Use the product’s specified application method and treatment time rather than a universal soak recipe. WD-40 guidance
Finish for the intended use.Follow the label’s cleanup and disposal instructions, then choose a protective finish appropriate to the item. WD-40 guidance
Swiss Link’s DIY guide covers replacing a button, sticky weatherproofing, tears, broken clips, separating boot soles, belt loops, hard-water stains, and rust.
REPAIR 01Clothing0:14
Replace a button
Start with a standard sew-through button on sound fabric. Match the replacement to the buttonhole before you begin.
Mark the position.Lay the garment flat, align the buttonhole with its fastening point, and mark the spot underneath. iFixit
Prepare the thread.Thread the needle, bring the two ends together, and knot them so the thread will not pull through the fabric. iFixit
Sew through the holes.Bring the needle up from the back of the fabric and through the button, then back through the opposite hole and the fabric; repeat across both pairs of holes for a four-hole button. iFixit
Secure and test.Knot the thread through the stitches on the underside, trim the excess, and check the button for stability. iFixit
Before treating tacky fabric, identify the coating. The written method below is for a deteriorating polyurethane coating, not every waterproof material.
Identify the failure.Look for a sticky or gummy feel, peeling, flaking, or an unpleasant odor, all signs that a polyurethane coating may need replacement. GEAR AID
Remove the failed coating.Use the coating manufacturer’s removal procedure before recoating, rather than applying new sealant over loose material. GEAR AID
Clean and dry.Prepare a clean, completely dry surface before applying a compatible replacement coating. GEAR AID
Recoat and let it cure.Follow the replacement coating’s instructions and keep treated surfaces separated until fully dry before folding or storage. GEAR AID
Work out whether you have a split seam, a clean tear, or missing fabric before choosing a repair. Use the video to see the chapter’s demonstration.
Lay the damage flat.Work with the garment off your body and open the area so you can reach both sides without stitching through an unrelated layer. Patagonia / iFixit
Choose the repair.For a small tear in otherwise sound woven fabric, consider a hand-sewn whip stitch or baseball stitch; for a hole or weakened area, consider a patch instead. Patagonia / iFixit
Work into sound fabric.Keep the edges aligned and avoid pulling the stitches so tightly that the fabric bunches. Patagonia / iFixit
Check the result.Secure the thread, inspect both sides, and gently flex the repair before putting the garment back into use. Patagonia / iFixit
Treat a loose bond differently from a sole that is cracked, crumbling, or worn through. This written method covers rebonding an otherwise sound sole.
Prepare the bonding faces.Remove dirt and debris from the separated surfaces, then clean them using a method compatible with the materials and your chosen adhesive. GEAR AID
Apply the adhesive.Use a flexible footwear repair adhesive and follow its directions for coverage and assembly. GEAR AID
Hold the sole in position.Align the sole with the upper and hold the two together with tape or a suitable clamp while the bond cures. GEAR AID
Wait for a full cure.Follow the adhesive’s stated cure time before wearing the boot; a surface that feels dry is not a substitute for completing that cure. GEAR AID
Inspect both the loop and the fabric it attaches to. A detached end and a loop ripped out of the waistband need different amounts of repair.
Clean and inspect.Work on clean trousers laid flat, never while someone is wearing them. iFixit
Position the loop.Return the loose end to its original alignment and leave enough room for the belt to pass through. iFixit
Reattach to sound fabric.Stitch the end securely across its attachment area; if the waistband itself has torn, reinforce that area before reattaching the loop. iFixit
Finish and check.Secure and trim the thread, remove all pins, and thread the belt through to check the opening and alignment. iFixit
Identify the surface before choosing a cleaner. This written companion focuses on gentle cleaning of stainless steel, not unknown canteen liners or aluminum.
Start gently.Clean with mild soap and water before moving to a stronger treatment. YETI care guidance
Check cleaner compatibility.Use only a cleaner approved for the surface and, where relevant, for food-contact equipment. YETI care guidance
Treat without scratching.Use a soft, non-abrasive sponge or cloth and follow the cleaner’s contact-time instructions. YETI care guidance
Rinse and dry.Wash away the cleaner, rinse thoroughly, and dry the surface before storage. YETI care guidance
Start by identifying the metal and its finish. Keep this approach to surface corrosion on non-critical items, not weakened or deeply pitted equipment.
Inspect the finish.Check for paint, bluing, browning, or other protective finishes before choosing a treatment. WD-40 guidance
Select a compatible remover.Read its material restrictions and test a discreet area before treating the whole item. WD-40 guidance
Follow the treatment directions.Use the product’s specified application method and treatment time rather than a universal soak recipe. WD-40 guidance
Finish for the intended use.Follow the label’s cleanup and disposal instructions, then choose a protective finish appropriate to the item. WD-40 guidance
