Chaps without snaps?
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 987
Likes: 31
Chaps without snaps?
May be I've just bought cheap chaps (but at about $150 I didn't think the last pair was THAT cheap), but the snaps on my chaps just aren't working out.
When the snaps break or rip out of the leather, they flap and the zipper starts to creep up my leg. No bueno. I repaired my last pair multiple times, and my "new" pair lasted less than 25,000 miles before they started having the same problem.
I've seen (but don't know where) chaps that zip all the way down, with maybe a single snap on a strap at the very bottom. I know I'll have to get custom made to length, since "trim to fit" models all have the snaps.
So ... who has, or knows where I can find, good thick (preferably lined/zip-out lining) chaps that zip all the way down?
When the snaps break or rip out of the leather, they flap and the zipper starts to creep up my leg. No bueno. I repaired my last pair multiple times, and my "new" pair lasted less than 25,000 miles before they started having the same problem.
I've seen (but don't know where) chaps that zip all the way down, with maybe a single snap on a strap at the very bottom. I know I'll have to get custom made to length, since "trim to fit" models all have the snaps.
So ... who has, or knows where I can find, good thick (preferably lined/zip-out lining) chaps that zip all the way down?
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 322,622
Likes: 3,077
From: .....
Mine zip down to about 6"-9" and then they snap. I cut some of the length off because they were a little too long. I've never had any issues with the snaps and I've had the chaps for almost 5 years, even though I don't wear them all that much.
Banned
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 17,008
Likes: 14,675
From: in a cave at the foothills
I agree with Queen, sort of. Consider buying a good YKK zipper very close to the length you need and eliminating the snaps completely. If not a full length zipper you might just get one to replace the length of where the snaps are. A decent shoe repair shop or even a seamstress should be able to handle this.
I have had a few pairs of chaps over the years and probably averaged your paid price. Never really had a problem but a few years ago I picked up a pair of Fox Creek chaps. That is one pair I will never have to worry about no matter what. Have a problem and they will take care of it.
I have had a few pairs of chaps over the years and probably averaged your paid price. Never really had a problem but a few years ago I picked up a pair of Fox Creek chaps. That is one pair I will never have to worry about no matter what. Have a problem and they will take care of it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 263
From: Catalina AZ
Mine have two big snaps and one small one (for the zipper).
Snaps are still working great on this pair(three-four years old).
As for snaps, notta issue for me, I have a professional snap gun.
After owning allot of soft tops (with super cheep snaps) I got tired of paying to have them replaced (last ones were $5 a snap).
So I bought my own gun with a large supply of snaps (male & female ends) and grommets.
It's usage has slowed down since I quit off roading but still gets used enough.
Ow ya and if you get good quality snaps they will last, the cheap ones not so much...
Snaps are still working great on this pair(three-four years old).
As for snaps, notta issue for me, I have a professional snap gun.
After owning allot of soft tops (with super cheep snaps) I got tired of paying to have them replaced (last ones were $5 a snap).
So I bought my own gun with a large supply of snaps (male & female ends) and grommets.
It's usage has slowed down since I quit off roading but still gets used enough.
Ow ya and if you get good quality snaps they will last, the cheap ones not so much...
Last edited by GRWHD; Oct 30, 2017 at 02:17 PM.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,377
Likes: 647
From: Santa Clarita
OP, if it's the zipper creep that annoys you, I feel your pain. What I've done with mine is use some excellent adhesive...I like dryer drum adhesive, but Yellow Death (3M yellow weatherstrip adhesive) will work good go...and attach a small strip of Velcro to the zipper tab, and the other part of Velcro to the chaps, such that when you zip them all the way down, the zipper tab attaches and doesn't creep up in the wind.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,117
Likes: 1,193
From: Maryland
https://www.firstmfg.com/collections/chaps-pants
Full length zipper down the sides except at the very bottom. How many snaps you end up having depends on where you cut them to fit.
I've got the Commander overpants. Haven't had any problems with them yet. Certain I don't put the mileage you put on them though.
Full length zipper down the sides except at the very bottom. How many snaps you end up having depends on where you cut them to fit.
I've got the Commander overpants. Haven't had any problems with them yet. Certain I don't put the mileage you put on them though.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 99
Likes: 18
From: Iowa
Mine had snaps from the mid calf down. The snaps wear out, simple fix for me was to go to a tailor with the chaps and had a zipper sewn in. It resolved the issue and zippers were not that expensive...I think it was $20 total.