Omar Khalid
Zippers are an essential fastening for many items, from clothing to bags and tents, so it's frustrating when they break. Luckily, there are several ways to fix a broken plastic zip yourself, ranging from quick temporary solutions to more involved repairs. If you're in a hurry, you can use a paper clip or safety pin to keep the zip closed, or tape to hold the sides together. For a more long-lasting fix, you'll need to get your hands on some pliers and possibly a new zip slider. You can then attempt to realign the teeth, or replace the zip entirely.
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What You'll Learn
Using pliers to straighten bent teeth
If the teeth of a plastic zip are bent, it is best to try to straighten them with your fingers, as pliers could easily break them off. However, if the teeth are made of metal, you can use a pair of pliers to straighten them out.
- Inspect the rest of the zipper and identify any apparent problems.
- Note where any broken, missing, or damaged teeth are located, and mark the area with a pin or needle.
- Use slim needle-nose pliers to gently straighten the tooth back into the correct position.
- Realign the zipper teeth so that they all mesh smoothly. If you can't get them to mesh, mark the spot where the problem occurs, as the teeth may be damaged and will never align properly.
- Move the slider up to the top of the zipper, closing as many teeth as possible.
- If the teeth are still difficult to move smoothly, try lubricating them with WD-40 or petroleum jelly.
If the zip is made of plastic, it may be harder to fix, and you may be better off replacing it. In the meantime, you can use a paper clip or safety pin to close the gap temporarily.
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Realigning the zipper teeth
Identify the Issue:
Firstly, identify if the issue is with the zipper teeth. Check if the teeth are misaligned, bent, or missing. This can cause the zipper to get stuck or become challenging to close.
Prepare the Zipper:
If the teeth are visibly out of place, use your finger to gently smooth them back together. Ensure that the fabric is moved away from the zipper, and any loose threads are removed before attempting to rezip.
Realign the Teeth:
Using small-tipped needle-nose pliers, carefully remove any U-shaped stoppers or metal "stops" at the end of the zipper. Gently pry open the groove on the side of the zipper where the separation has occurred. Straighten any bent teeth with the pliers, and remove any debris or threads between the teeth, as these can cause misalignment.
Reinsert the Slider:
Once the teeth are realigned, reinsert the slider onto the top of the zipper. Ensure the tape is smooth and unkinked between the groove in the slider. Push the slider towards the end of the zipper, away from any missing teeth, to keep it secure.
Test the Zipper:
After realigning the teeth and reinserting the slider, carefully test the zipper. Move the slider up and down slowly to check if it opens and closes correctly. Do not force the zipper if it gets stuck, as this can make the issue worse.
If the zipper still doesn't function properly, you may need to replace the entire zipper or seek professional help.
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Fixing a broken zipper pull
If the zipper pull has broken off, you can try a quick fix by using a paper clip or a key ring as a temporary zipper pull. Slide it through the tab on the slider, and you have a temporary solution. If the zipper pull is destroyed, you will need a new one of the same size. You can find one in an old jacket or buy one online.
If your zipper is stuck, you can use a lubricant like petroleum jelly, candle wax, or liquid laundry detergent to help it move more smoothly. Dip a cotton ball into the lubricant and work it into the teeth near the stoppage. You can also use a graphite pencil, rubbing the tip onto the teeth.
If the zipper pull is distorted, you can try to reshape it with pliers. Make sure to use needle-nose pliers or tweezers to get a good grip. If the zipper pull is plastic, be careful not to use too much force, as it may break.
If the zipper teeth are bent, you can try to straighten them out with your fingers or pliers. If they are plastic, be gentle, as they can easily break. Realign the teeth so that they mesh smoothly. If you can't get them to align, it may be that the teeth are damaged and will never align properly.
If the zipper teeth are completely broken or missing, you may need to replace the zipper.
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Lubricating the zipper teeth
One of the most common household items used to lubricate a zipper is window cleaner, such as Windex. Spray the cleaner onto the zipper track around the slider to help your zipper open and close easily. If you have some extra lip balm, you can also use it as lubrication. However, it is not recommended to put the lip balm back on your lips after using it to repair your zipper. Only one or two drops of olive oil can also serve as the ideal solution for lubricating your zipper. Place the oil near where the slider is stuck, then gently wipe it away before attempting to open it.
You can also use soap as a lubricant. Liquid hand soap or soapy water can help get that slider moving again. An added bonus is that using soap helps clean your zipper. If you have a pencil on hand, you can use the graphite to help unstick your zipper. Carefully take the sharpened tip of your pencil and start colouring in the zipper track a few inches above and below the slider.
There are also purpose-designed lubricants available on the market, such as Zipper Ease, which is a stick of clear wax that can be rubbed along the zipper teeth to keep things moving smoothly. It can be used on both metal and plastic zippers, unlike many household products. WD-40 is another well-known brand of lubricant. If you use WD-40, it is best to use a silicone lubricant as traditional WD-40 is petroleum-based and can damage plastics. While silicone lubricant can be used on metal and plastic zippers, it can stain or soil fabrics if you spray too much on.
It is important to note that leaving any form of lubricant on the zipper may lead to more problems down the road. After lubricating your zipper, it is recommended to clean off your track with water and a clean toothbrush.
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Replacing the zipper
If the plastic zipper is beyond repair, replacing it is a good option. This is especially true if the garment is expensive or in good condition. The cost of replacement is usually inexpensive, and it is a good way to save your favourite items.
Firstly, you will need to purchase a new zipper. This should be the same size as the old zipper and can be bought online or taken from another old garment. You will also need a few basic tools, such as a pair of pliers, a needle and thread, and a pair of scissors.
Once you have the new zipper, you will need to remove the old one. Use the pliers to gently grip the bottom stop of the zipper (the small band of metal or plastic at the bottom of the teeth) and pry it off. Then, use the pliers to remove the slider by pulling it off the zipper. Next, you will need to remove the top stops of the zipper. These are small pieces of metal or plastic that are shaped like a "U" and are located at the very end of each side of the teeth. Again, use the pliers to gently open up the stop and unhook it from the tape.
Now that the old zipper has been removed, you can attach the new one. Start by attaching the new slider to the zipper tape, making sure that the teeth are alternating and popped into place. Then, use the pliers to squeeze the top stops back into place. Finally, use a needle and thread to secure the zipper in place.
With these steps, you can replace a broken plastic zipper and give new life to your favourite garments.
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