Zippers have been used for a really long time to securely close items like jeans, jackets, bags, dresses and even tents. But in as much as they help secure everything, they’re not exempted from wearing out or having issues once in a while. It is quite annoying when a zipper runs and you don’t know how to fix it. Today, I will show you quick ways on how to fix a zipper and how to replace it when completely worn out.
Let’s begin with how to fix a zipper.
Hard-to-Pull Zipper
Some zippers work but need a little bit of strain to move up and down. In this case, you’re required to lubricate the teeth of the zipper. A lead pencil would do just fine in this case. Take a sharpened part of the pencil and rub it against the teeth of the zipper. The graphite acts as a dry lubricant and it helps the zip slide easily.
Make sure that the teeth are in perfect alignment. If not, you can straighten them out using a needle nose pliers.
Stuck Zipper
A stuck zipper is one of the commonest zipper problems. It happens mostly when a piece of fabric gets stuck in the slider. The quickest way to undo this is by using a needle-nose pliers to pull the fabric. The pliers should be placed extremely close to the slider. Pull the fabric from the slider with minimum effort to avoid breaking it off.
Sometimes the fabric is held too tight by the zipper. You might have to cut it off with a manicure razor and pull it off from the slider.
Zipper that Runs Open
It’s not unusual to run up your zipper only for it to open up in a couple of seconds. This is an indication that the zipper has worn out. However, there is a short-term solution for this before you think of replacing the zipper. You will only need to crimp the slider. This will make it tighter and able to hold the zipper teeth.
If the zipper is completely done, it might be tempting to throw away the garment. But here is how you can replace the slider.
- First off, you need to buy a zipper stopper as well as a zipper slider.
- If you don’t already have one, buy a pair of end nippers and a needle-nose pliers.
- Sewing needle and thread.
- Gently cut off or remove the stopper and slider from the garment.
- Accurately place the slider and sew it in. Repeat the same process on the stopper.
How to Remove the Zipper Slider
- Run down the zip to the bottom of the garment.
- Use end nippers to grab the stopper on the zipper side.
- Precisely pull the stopper from the fabric.
- Pull the zip off, creating room for a new one.
How to Install a New Zipper Slider.
- Place the new slider onto the zipper. Make sure it’s the same type and on the same side as the old one.
- Place the zipper stopper at the top of the zipper.
- Gently pinch the stopper using the needle-nose pliers to avoid any damage.
- The zipper should be okay now. Zip up and down a couple of times to ensure you’ve done it correctly.
There are zipper problems that are better off taking to a tailor or a sewing technician for repairs. This can prevent embarrassments in future. Such zipper problems include; double-side detached zippers, zippers that can’t go all the way down, and zippers that run open.
