DIY Lockable Zippers for a Travel Backpack - Secure Your Bag!

Описание: Visit us at: https://ScrewTheAverage.com

We want to secure our backpack while traveling, but our backpack did not come with lockable zippers. We decided to do a DIY (Do It Yourself) version and create cable zipper pulls that allow us to use a lock on the zippers. While this will not make our bags theft or tamper proof (if there is a will, there is a way - popping the zipper, slashing the bag with a knife, etc.), this is a deterrent. Hopefully a thief will move on to an easier target.

Watch the video to see how we created these zipper pulls for our Osprey AG 36 backpack. We purchased our tools at our local hardware store, but here is a list of the tools and things you will need along with a link to purchase them online:

1/16 Vinyl Coated Wire Rope (cut to desired length, we used 11cm): http://amzn.to/2dqTOyv
1/16 Ferrule (one per zipper): http://amzn.to/2dqrxZF
Swaging Tool (to crimp ferrule): http://amzn.to/2dqrCwH
Wire Stripper (strip each wire to the length of the ferrule, approx. 1cm): http://amzn.to/2dpmtrc
Needle Nose Pliers (optional, makes things a bit easier): http://amzn.to/2dqs661
Permanent Marker: http://amzn.to/2dQ7NwT
Tarris TSA combination locks (we didn’t want to carry and possibly loose keys!): http://amzn.to/2dGJQa3

TIPS:
Keep the ends of the wire tight and straight. The wrapped wire can get unruly if you are not careful and then you can’t fit it in the ferrule.
Slow and steady! Our first pull took about 15 minutes to figure out. By the time we were done it was about 3 minutes apiece.
This is really a 2-person job. If you have help, use it!
If you can borrow the tools or have a hardware shop that will allow you to use theirs for a few minutes, go for it!
Don’t be afraid to take your backpack into the hardware shop to see what size wire will work. 1/16th was the smallest our shop had with vinyl coating and it was a tight fit.

We found this method to be light weight and inexpensive (about $7.00 total). However, there are other quick and easy options if you would like to pass on the DIY project:

Pacsafe Backpack and Bag Protector: http://amzn.to/2dqtHZn
Pacsafe Venturesafe 25L GII Anti-Theft Backpack: http://amzn.to/2dppjfG
Take it to a local seamstress/zipper shop and replace zippers with a lockable zipper set. Caution: This may void your warranty on the backpack.

***Like us? Please support us! ScrewTheAverage is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Thank you for your support!