Plastic Buckle Replacement

ID: 181275

Description: Plastic buckles are common on many Patagonia...

Steps:

1. Identify which piece of the buckle is damaged or missing.
2. Take note of how both sides of the buckle are attached and how the webbing is oriented.
3. It may be helpful to take a photo if the mechanism is complex.
4. If the buckle is missing entirely, see Step 5 for tips.

5. Ensure the replacement piece fits the original piece by clipping the pieces together.
6. If a you can't find a piece that fits, or if the entire buckle is missing, replace both sides of the buckle with a new set.

7. Slide the damaged buckle piece to the end of the webbing.
8. Maneuver one edge of the folded webbing into the buckle piece slot.
9. Use needle nose pliers to grip this edge and pull the rest of the folded end through the buckle piece slot.
10. Discard the damaged buckle piece responsibly.
11. If the buckle won't come off the webbing end, it's likely not designed to be removed and requires a sewn repair.

12. Check the notes or reference photo from Step 1 to make sure the orientation is correct.
13. Repeat the technique used in Step 3 in reverse by feeding one corner of the folded webbing end into the buckle piece slot first, then using pliers to pull it all the way through.
14. Pull the webbing on each side of the buckle to ensure that it holds tension on the new piece. If the webbing slides, it may be threaded incorrectly.

15. MISSING BUCKLE: If the entire buckle is missing and it's not clear how it was originally oriented on the webbing, follow these guidelines:
16. A replacement buckle is sized by the width of the webbing it will be attached to.
17. As a general rule, when fastening a buckle while wearing an item, the release piece (insert) is held in the right hand while the lock piece (receiver) is held in the left hand.
18. VARIATIONS: Sometimes only one side of the buckle will be replaceable, like when one side is sewn onto a backpack.