Ethan Clarke
Plastic moulded zippers are the most common type of zipper used in heavy outerwear, such as jackets, backpacks and bags. They are made from plastic and have large interlocking teeth. When measuring a zipper, there are two measurements to consider: the gauge (or size) and the length. The gauge of a zipper refers to the width of its teeth in millimetres when it is zipped shut. The length of a zipper is measured from the zipper top stop to the zipper bottom stop.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Plastic molded zippers |
| Common use | Heavy outerwear, jackets, backpacks, bags |
| Zipper teeth | Large interlocking teeth; the larger the teeth, the stronger the zipper |
| Zipper length | Measured from the zipper top stop to the zipper bottom stop |
| Zipper gauge/size | Measured by the width of the zipped teeth in mm; the larger the number, the heavier the gauge |
| Zipper slider | Metal or plastic; plastic resists corrosion |
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What You'll Learn
Measuring length: from the top to the bottom stop
Measuring the length of a plastic moulded zipper is a straightforward process. Firstly, it's important to note that the length of a zipper refers to the distance from the top stop to the bottom stop. This measurement does not include any extra tape that may extend beyond these stops. The bottom stop is usually a metal bar that runs across the two sides of the zipper tape, and it is found on closed-ended zippers.
To measure the length of a plastic moulded zipper, you will need a measuring tool such as a measuring tape, a ruler, or a digital caliper. You can also use a printable zipper size chart, which provides a to-scale reference for measuring zipper lengths. Once you have your measuring tool, simply place one end at the zipper's top stop and extend the other end down to the bottom stop. This will give you the length of the zipper.
It is important to note that zipper length is different from zipper gauge or size, which refers to the width of the zipper teeth when the zipper is closed. The gauge is typically measured in millimetres, and a larger number indicates a heavier and larger zipper. The size or gauge of a zipper is usually indicated by a number (#) followed by the width in millimetres. For example, a #5 zipper has teeth that measure approximately 5 millimetres across.
By following these simple steps and understanding the difference between zipper length and gauge, you can accurately measure the length of a plastic moulded zipper from the top to the bottom stop.
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Measuring gauge: width of teeth in mm
Measuring the gauge of a zipper refers to measuring the width of its teeth in millimetres when the zipper is closed. This is also known as the zipper's size. The larger the number, the heavier the zipper.
The gauge of a zipper can be measured by measuring the width of the zipped teeth horizontally in mm. It is important to ensure that no tape is included in the measurement. A measuring tape, ruler, or digital caliper can be used for this purpose. If the measuring tool only includes centimetres and inches, they can be converted to millimetres to determine the gauge (1 cm = 10 mm; 0.25" = 6.35 mm).
It is worth noting that some zippers may have a numeric label, such as #3, #5, or #8, which represents the zipper's size. These numbers correspond to the approximate width of the closed zipper teeth in millimetres. For example, a #5 zipper has teeth that measure approximately 5 mm across, while a #10 zipper's teeth measure approximately 10 mm across.
If the zipper is broken and no longer closes, the gauge can be estimated by measuring one side and doubling that measurement. However, slight adjustments may be needed to account for any overlap when the teeth are closed.
By following these steps, one can accurately determine the gauge of a zipper by measuring the width of its teeth in millimetres.
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Closed-ended zippers: used on skirts and cushions
Closed-ended zippers are commonly used on skirts and cushions. They are sewn into a back or side seam and feature a bottom stop, typically a metal bar that runs across the two sides of the zipper tape. When measuring for a replacement zipper, there are two key measurements to consider: length and gauge.
The length of a zipper is measured in inches or centimetres. To measure the length of a closed-ended zipper, you would typically measure from the bottom stop to the top of the zipper tape.
The gauge of a zipper refers to the width of the zipper teeth when the zipper is closed. The teeth width is measured in millimetres, and the larger the number, the wider the teeth and the sturdier the zipper. For example, a #5 zipper has teeth that measure approximately 5mm across, while a #10 zipper's teeth measure approximately 10mm.
Zippers for skirts and cushions typically range in size from #1 to #5. A #1 zipper is suitable for fine garments, while a #5 zipper is suitable for medium-sized projects, including cushions and upholstery.
When measuring a closed-ended zipper for replacement, it is important to ensure that the new zipper is the same length and gauge as the original to ensure a proper fit.
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Open-ended zippers: used on jackets and sweatshirts
Open-ended zippers are used on jackets and sweatshirts. When measuring a zipper, there are two measurements to consider: the length and the gauge. The length is noted in inches or centimetres. The gauge refers to the width of the zipper teeth in millimetres when the zipper is closed. The larger the number, the heavier the gauge and the heavier the zipper.
To measure the gauge, you need to measure the zipper teeth horizontally when the zipper is closed. Make sure not to include any tape in your measurement. You can use a measuring tape, ruler, or digital caliper. If your measuring tool only includes centimetres and inches, convert them to millimetres to figure out the gauge (1cm = 10mm; 0.25” = 6.35mm).
For jackets and sweatshirts, a medium-weight zipper is a common choice. Size #5 zippers are used for medium-sized projects such as cushions, upholstery, duffle/tote bags, backpacks, and jackets. Size #7 and #10 zippers are typically chosen for larger projects, outdoor gear, and heavy clothing.
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Zipper size: the number embossed on the slider back
When it comes to zippers, there are two important measurements to consider: length and gauge (also known as zipper size). The length is noted in inches or centimetres, while the gauge refers to the width of the zipper teeth in millimetres when the zipper is closed. The larger the number, the larger the teeth and the heavier the zipper.
The most reliable way to determine a zipper's gauge is to measure the width of the teeth with a measuring tape, ruler, or digital caliper. However, as an alternative, some sources suggest checking the number embossed on the back of the slider. This number can indicate the zipper size, with larger numbers corresponding to wider teeth. For example, a #5 zipper has teeth that measure approximately 5mm across, while a #10 zipper has teeth that measure approximately 10mm across.
It's important to note that the numbers on the slider back may not always indicate the zipper size. In some cases, they may represent the moulds the zippers are cast from, so it's best to measure the zipper teeth directly if possible. Additionally, different manufacturers may use different numbering systems, and double-pull sliders typically do not have numbers on them. Therefore, it is recommended to refer to the manufacturer's specifications or use a sizing chart to determine the correct zipper size based on the slider number.
When measuring the zipper teeth to determine the gauge, it is important to exclude any tape from the measurement and focus solely on the teeth themselves. Additionally, if your measuring tool only includes centimetres and inches, you can convert them to millimetres (1cm = 10mm, 0.25" = 6.35mm). By following these steps and considering the number on the slider back as a reference, you can accurately determine the size of a plastic moulded zipper.
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Frequently asked questions
The two most important measurements to consider when measuring a plastic moulded zipper are the length and the gauge. The length is measured from the zipper top stop to the zipper bottom stop, excluding any extra tape beyond these stops. The gauge, or size, refers to the width of the zipper teeth in millimetres when the zipper is closed.
To measure the gauge, use a measuring tape, ruler, or digital caliper to measure the width of the zipper teeth horizontally in millimetres when the zipper is closed. Ensure that you do not include any tape in your measurement and only measure the teeth. If your measuring tool uses centimetres or inches, convert the value to millimetres.
Common sizes for plastic moulded zippers include #3, #5, #8, and #10, with the number corresponding to the width of the zipper teeth in millimetres. A #3 zipper is the most common size, used in dresses, skirts, and pants. A #5 zipper is used in medium-sized projects such as cushions, upholstery, bags, and jackets. A #10 zipper is used for large projects such as boat covers and tents.
