How to Replace Purse Chapes

A chape is generally a metal point or tip. You can use a chape to secure the ends of a threaded or braided strap. Some purse makers use chapes to secure the end of material or buckle. If you have a purse that needs the chapes replaced or repaired, here are a few things you can do.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Metal sheet
• Scissors
• Pliers
• Glue
• Small nail
• Hammer
• Drill or scratch awl
• Rivets

1. Send your purse to a company that does repair work. You might also try a leather supplier. People who work with leather are generally knowledgeable in replacing chapes and making minor repairs regardless of your purse's material.

2. Remove the old or damaged chape. Be careful not to damage it more when you remove it because you can use the old chape as a pattern for the chape you make to replace it. You need to pay attention to how the old chape was attached to your purse.

3. Make your own replacement chapes if you feel ambitious. You need to buy a sheet of metal, sometimes called scrimming. Cut the metal to your desired shape. Some places sell metal tubing if you need a tube rather than a cut out shape.

4. Secure the chape to the purse. You need to align the material for your purse with the chape. You can use fabric glue to keep the material and chape aligned. Use a small nail and hammer to make an indention into the chape and fabric.

5. Use rivets to attach the chape to your purse. You can also drill through the chape and material and use rivets to secure the chape to the purse. Insert a rivet through the hole and hammer it down or clip it to close. You need to peen it up.