Reddit reviews Speedy Stitcher Sewing Awl

if she has access to a leatherworker's sewing awl (the wax thread it comes with wouldn;t last a second in a welding environment) and some kevlar thread she could do her own alterations

Invest in a sewing awl. It works well for all sorts of repair sewing, especially on heavier materials. It takes practice to make neat, even stitches, but it's plenty strong even if it doesn't look great.

I was the brats coach and we would get skates like this donated to us. I used a drill with a 1/16th bit and a sewing al to get them back together. It usually took about 45 minutes to get them back in service.

How exactly does this thing work?

https://www.amazon.com/Speedy-Stitcher-1125-Sewing-Awl/dp/B000HGIJQ4

I would stitch, using a sewing awl, the holders on to the belt, I don't think glue will work very well.

Do you mean that your knee isn't lining up with the knee cradle is missing the knee landing pad when you go down to your butterfly?

What I would do is buy a sewing awl. They're relatively cheap (~$15-20), and even though I haven't used one before, if you watch a youtube video, it looks relatively easy to use. I've been thinking of buying one and I found one on Amazon that comes with good wax thread that will hold: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HGIJQ4/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2UDNPGKURPVSY

I would undue the threading holding the landing pad (the outside leather one) and then re-sew it an inch or two down. Usually the inner knee pads are held on by string, so you could try loosening the string to move those down an inch or two as well.

You may also consider moving the calf pad (depending on what brand/model leg pads you have) since moving the knee landing pad down may hinder the pads ability to bend at the knee due to the knee and calf pads being too close together.

Just bought my '96 about 2 weeks ago. The zipper was ripped from the driver's side to the halfway point in the middle of the roof.

I bought a sewing awl and cut the nylon straps from an old backpack and stitched it up myself. You can find videos on youtube how to use it.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HGIJQ4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The repair has been holding nicely!

Edit: Here is a pic of what it looks like from the inside:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2uAaiBQk6S9UGdTTTBMcGRzVTg/edit?usp=sharing

I've noticed that boot straps come with two different methods of attachment. One is fished through slots in the pad. The other is sewn to the edge of the pad. The first are easy to fix just by threading a new strap. (I've got a strap threading tool that makes it easy, but my google search failed to turn up a current source.) The other type (which includes my current set) requires some expertise in sewing. If the base of the strap is still in good shape, you can stitch a replacement strap to the stub. If not, you'll need to cut open the existing stitches, replace the strap and then restitch. I use a Speedy Stitcher when I do this sort of repair.

If you need to do stitching and don't feel comfortable doing it yourself, try taking your pads to your local hockey pro shop. They may have someone who can do the work for you. Failing that, take them to a shoe repair shop. The size of your pads will be unusual for them, but the work will be right up their alley.

I just did this repair on my pads, you just need to buy this leather stitcher (I got mine at Walmart): Speedy Stitcher Sewing Awl https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HGIJQ4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_tXY4BbG0KS66N

Then watch this: https://youtu.be/c6OatKzjeD0

You can repair ANYTHING now!

Get a speedy stitcher & some unscented dental floss. That shit won't ever come apart again.

I sew my own using the straps from ratchet tiedowns and this.

http://www.amazon.com/Speedy-Stitcher-1125-Sewing-Awl/dp/B000HGIJQ4

Yeah if the manufacturer won't fix it for free, just take it to a local shoe hospital or leather shop and they can fix it.

The stitch-awl tool that /u/jason22internet linked is a good one to have around the house anyway..I do leatherwork so I have something similar. You can use it on about anything to make sewing repairs on heavy gear.
EDIT: fixed typo

I'd first talk to the seller. Then I'd try to work with the manufacturer. After all else fails, I'd go to town with one of these. Alternatively, find a local shoe/boot repair store; it's basically all these guys do is to repair and resole shoes. I imagine they'd fix you up easily.

If you're concerned about them pulling away over time, one idea I had was to find a heavy cloth, canvas, or faux leather that is close to your leather's color, then use a hand sewing awl to stitch them onto the leather. Maybe go ahead and use glue too for extra reinforcement. Benefits would be that the magnets would be protected and be flexible but stay put in the crease.