Maya Ellison
Zippers can get stuck for several reasons, including fabric snags, misaligned teeth, or broken/worn teeth. While it is possible to replace a zipper, it can be a fiddly process and may not look perfect. To replace a zipper, you need to find one of the same size, remove the old zipper with a seam ripper, and then sew the new zipper in place. If you are experiencing issues with your zipper, it may be best to take your garment to a tailor for repair. However, if you are determined to fix it yourself, you can try a few methods, such as using pliers to reshape the zipper pull or creating a new stop with thread if the old one was plastic.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Zipper teeth misalignment | Use a set of pliers to slowly bend the rogue teeth back into position |
| Worn-down zipper teeth | Paint the teeth with clear nail polish to thicken them |
| Zipper teeth break | Replace the zipper |
| Zipper gets stuck | Use a fork to get the teeth to mesh together |
| Zipper won't stay up | Use pliers to gently squeeze the top and bottom plates of the zipper closer together |
| Zipper pull is destroyed | Find a new one of the same size from another old jacket or buy one online |
| Zipper pull is distorted | Use pliers to reshape it |
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What You'll Learn
How to fix a stuck zipper
Fixing a stuck zipper is easier than you might think. The first step is to identify what is causing the zipper to get stuck. The most common reason for a jammed zipper is that the interior lining of the garment becomes trapped between the slider and the teeth.
If there is fabric stuck in the zipper, grasp any fabric with tweezers or pliers and gently pull it out, tugging away from the zipper. You can also use a safety pin to pick out the fabric. If there is no caught fabric, take a closer look at the teeth and clear out any other obstructions like threads, lint, or dirt. Built-up dust and dirt are common causes of stuck zippers, especially on older items.
If the teeth are misaligned, use needle-nose pliers to straighten them out. If the teeth are not the issue, check the slider openings. If they have been stretched, use pliers to squeeze the openings closed. If the slider is stuck in a "locked" position, use something small like a paper clip to stick under the pull tab loop and pop the lock open to remove the slider.
If the zipper is still stuck, try using a lubricant. Lubricants such as bar soap, lip balm, petroleum jelly, or WD-40 can be applied to the zipper teeth to make it easier to work the zipper out of its stuck position. You can also try using a graphite pencil by rubbing the tip of the pencil along the closed zipper teeth.
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Replacing a broken zipper
If you have a broken zipper and you've tried everything to fix it, your best option is to replace it. Firstly, measure your old zipper so that you can buy a new one that is the same size. Once you have your new zipper, use a seam ripper to carefully remove the old one, getting rid of any loose threads. Position the new zipper in the same way as the old one, lining up the raw edges. Sew the new zipper into place.
If the teeth of your zipper are permanently bent or broken, you will need to replace the zipper. Use pliers to get a good grip on the bottom stop and pry it off. If it is made of metal, save it if you can as it may be reattached. If it is plastic, you will likely need to use thread to create a new stop. Use a needle and heavy thread, making six or seven stitches across the bottom of the zipper.
If the zipper pull is made of plastic and is distorted, you will need to replace it with a new one of the same size. You can find one in an old jacket or buy one online. Remove the old zipper pull and reshape it with pliers if you can. Put back the zipper pull.
If the teeth of the zipper are misaligned, use pliers to gently bend them back into place. You can also try the graphite pencil trick: rub the teeth with the lead of a pencil to lubricate them and allow the slider to move more smoothly.
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Using pliers to fix a zipper
Using pliers is a great way to fix a plastic zipper without replacing it. However, it is important to note that plastic zippers are more difficult to work with than metal zippers, and some fixes may not be possible without breaking the zipper further. It is also good to be aware that pliers can break off plastic teeth, so caution and gentleness are necessary.
The first step is to inspect the zipper to determine the problem. If the issue is misaligned or bent teeth, the pliers can be used to gently bend the teeth back into alignment. This process should be gradual, with the user compressing the plates on either side of the puller repeatedly until the gap between them is small enough to grip the zipper. If the teeth are severely bent, it may be necessary to replace them.
If the zipper pull is distorted, the pliers can be used to reshape it. For iron zippers, the two sides of the zipper pull can be closed with pliers to reshape it. If the zipper pull is plastic, it may be necessary to find a replacement of the same size.
The stops at the top of the zipper are small pieces of metal or plastic that hold the zipper in place. If the stops are metal, they can be removed and replaced using pliers. If the stops are plastic, they are likely to break if removed, so this method cannot be used.
If the zipper is missing teeth, it may be necessary to take the garment to a tailor, as this can be particularly fiddly to fix. However, a temporary fix can be achieved by using pliers to remove the u-shaped stops at the end of the zipper, pulling off the slider, and then pressing the teeth of the zipper together so they are alternating and popped into place. A new zipper top stop can then be crimped on using needle-nose pliers.
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Lubricating a zipper
The best product to use for lubricating a zipper is a purpose-designed lubricant like Zipper Ease, which comes in the form of a stick of clear wax that can be rubbed along the zipper teeth to keep things moving smoothly. Zipper Ease can be used on both metal and plastic zippers, which is not the case for many household products.
Other wax-based products can also be used to lubricate zippers, including crayons and candles. While there is a risk of residue with coloured candles or soaps, this should be able to be wiped away. Wax and soap will work better on metal zippers than plastic, but both types should be fine.
Another option is to use a silicone lubricant, which can be used on metal and plastic zippers, but it can stain or soil fabrics if you spray too much on. A well-known brand of silicone lubricant is WD-40. However, traditional WD-40 is petroleum-based and can damage plastics.
Other household products that can be used to lubricate a zipper include lip balm, olive oil, and window cleaner. One or two drops of olive oil placed near where the slider is stuck can help the zipper slide like normal again. After lubricating the zipper with olive oil, it is recommended to clean off the track with water and a clean toothbrush.
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Shortening a zipper
Zippers can be shortened from either the top or the bottom, depending on the type of zipper and your preference for preserving the top or bottom stoppers.
Shortening from the top
Top stoppers can be preserved by shortening from the bottom, but this method is more challenging and requires more tools. Shortening from the top is generally easier and allows you to leave the zipper teeth below the new stopper.
To shorten a zipper from the top, first, zip it closed. Then, measure from the top zipper stop to determine the final zipper length. Mark your desired length on the zipper tape and cut the extra length off at least half an inch below this mark. If your zipper has small plastic teeth, you can cut right through them. For larger teeth or metal teeth, cut in between them.
If your zipper tape is made of polyester, you can use a flame to seal the end of the tape and prevent fraying. For cotton or other fibres, use fray check instead. Finally, sew a new bottom zipper stop by hand, stitching around the teeth, or using a short stitch length zig-zag stitch.
Shortening from the bottom
Bottom stoppers can be preserved by shortening from the top. This method is generally recommended for a neat finish.
To shorten a zipper from the bottom, first, unzip it. Then, measure from the bottom of the zipper and mark your desired finished length. Cut the zipper tape at least half an inch above your mark. Sew a new bottom stopper by sewing a few stitches around the teeth.
Plastic separating zippers
Plastic separating zippers are a common type of zipper used in casual wear. To shorten this type of zipper, simply measure the length you need, mark it on both sides of the zipper, and cut the desired length. You can then follow instructions to create a "zipper stop" to finish.
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Frequently asked questions
If the teeth of a plastic zipper are out of alignment, slowly bend the rogue teeth back into position using a pair of pliers.
If the teeth of a plastic zipper are worn down, try painting them with clear nail polish. This will thicken the teeth and may restore the zip. If this does not work, you may need to replace the zipper.
If your plastic zipper is stuck, it may be due to fabric snagging on the teeth or the teeth being out of line. Try using a lubricant such as soap or pencil graphite to fix this. If this does not work, you may need to use a fork or paper clip to temporarily hold the zipper in place.
