Alexei Volkov
Zippers are everywhere, from bags to shoes to dresses, and they can be incredibly frustrating when they break. One common issue is misaligned teeth, which can cause the zipper to separate. If you're dealing with a plastic zipper, you may be able to gently realign the teeth with your fingers, but be careful not to apply too much force as plastic teeth can easily break. In some cases, you may need to use a pair of pliers to straighten or realign the teeth, but again, be cautious as too much pressure can damage the zipper further. If you're unable to fix the issue, it may be time to replace the zipper or seek the help of a professional tailor.
Characteristics and Values Table for Realigning a Plastic Zipper
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools Required | Small-tipped pliers, sewing needle, heavy thread, lubricant (soap, petroleum jelly, or pencil graphite) |
| Steps | 1. Remove the metal "stops" at the top of the zipper using pliers. 2. Take off the slide. 3. Realign the teeth manually. 4. Put the slide back on. 5. Reattach the top stops. |
| Notes | If the teeth are plastic, gently straighten them with your fingers, as pliers could easily break them off. If the zipper pull is made of plastic, you will need a new one of the same size. |
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What You'll Learn
Remove the slider
To remove the slider, you will first need to remove the top stop of the zipper. The top stop is a small piece of plastic or metal that prevents the slider from coming off the top of the zipper. If it is made of plastic, you will need to cut it off with end nippers, flush cutters, or a similar tool. Be careful not to cut the zipper tape—only cut off the very edge of the stop. If the top stop is made of metal, use needle-nose pliers to remove it.
Once the top stop is removed, slide the slider up to the top of the zipper and remove it. If your zipper has pullers, toggles, or fasteners, remove these and set them aside to be reattached later.
If your zipper has teeth, you will need to remove a few of them to make way for the new slider. Use pliers to pull off the teeth at the top of the zipper, on the side where the slider was attached. Remove enough teeth to expose 2-3 inches (5-7.6 cm) of fabric.
Now that the slider is removed, you can proceed to realign the zipper.
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Realign the teeth
If the teeth of a plastic zipper are misaligned, it can cause the zipper to malfunction. To realign the teeth, start by removing the metal "stops" at the top of the zipper using small-tipped pliers. Pull the slider off the zipper. Then, press the teeth of the zipper together so they're alternating and popped into place. If the teeth are bent, gently straighten them with your fingers, as pliers could break them. You can also try the graphite pencil trick: rub a bar of soap or the lead of a No. 2 pencil on the teeth to lubricate them and allow the slider to move more smoothly. Once the teeth are realigned, put the slider back on the zipper and reattach the stops by squeezing them into place. Finally, run the slider up and down to check your work. Be sure not to pull the slider all the way back up, or it will slide off the tracks. If you can't get the teeth to mesh, the zipper may be damaged and need to be replaced.
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Lubricate the teeth
Lubricating the teeth of a plastic zipper is an essential part of zipper maintenance. It is important to know how to do this before the zipper gets stuck. There are many options for lubricating a zipper, but silicone-based lubricants should be avoided as they can be too slippery for some applications, such as drysuits, and may cause the zipper to come undone.
One option for lubricating a plastic zipper is to use a purpose-designed lubricant like Zipper Ease, a stick of clear wax that can be rubbed along the zipper teeth. This can be used on both metal and plastic zippers and does not risk staining fabrics. Another option is to use a silicone-free soft-wax semi-solid base lubricant like the one made by GearAid, which also helps protect the zipper against corrosion, UV damage, water, and extreme temperatures.
There are also household products that can be used to lubricate a zipper, although these may leave a residue and may not work as well as dedicated zipper lubricants. These include soap, beeswax, and ChapStick. It is important to note that petroleum-based products like Vaseline can stain fabric and should be avoided.
For lubricating plastic zippers on boats, some specific products are recommended, including Zippy Cool, Starbrite Snap and Zipper, and Zip Tech. It is also suggested that a stick-type lubricant may be better for older zippers, as gel-type lubricants can make it harder for older, smaller teeth to stay locked.
Finally, it is worth noting that plastic zippers have a built-in lubricant that can be activated by simply zipping the zipper back and forth or up and down a few times a month. This brings the plasticizer in the plastic to the surface, helping to keep the zipper moving smoothly.
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Squeeze the slider
To fix a misaligned plastic zipper, the slider needs to be squeezed and gently pushed back into place. This is a delicate process, and care must be taken to avoid causing any further damage.
First, locate the slider. This is the small piece of plastic or metal that sits at the top of the zipper, allowing you to open and close it. It has a Y-shaped channel through which the zipper teeth pass. Once you have located the slider, you need to gently but firmly squeeze it from both sides. The idea is to apply just enough pressure to release the internal locking mechanism that holds the slider in place.
A firm but gentle grip is essential. You should aim to hold the slider securely without applying too much pressure, as this could cause the slider to break or become damaged. Using your thumbs and index fingers, gently squeeze the slider from both sides, applying even pressure.
While continuing to squeeze, gently nudge and wiggle the slider back and forth. This movement will help release the locking mechanism. You should feel the slider becoming looser and easier to move. Once the slider is free, carefully slide it back along the zipper teeth to the starting position. Ensure that the zipper teeth are aligned within the Y-shaped channel of the slider.
Realigning the zipper requires patience and precision. Take your time during this process, as rushing may lead to further misalignment or damage to the zipper. Once you have successfully returned the slider to its original position, gently release your grip, and the slider should now be securely locked in place. Test the zipper by gently pulling the slider up and down to ensure it is functioning correctly and securely holding the zipper teeth in place.
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Reattach the stops
Reattaching the stops is the final step in realigning a plastic zipper. It is important to note that plastic zipper stops are less likely to be reused and fixed. If the zipper stop is plastic, you can use thread to create a new stop.
To do this, thread a sewing needle with heavy thread and tie a knot at the end. If you don't have access to heavy thread, you can double the thread and tie a knot at the end of both strands. Pull the thread up through the zipper, leaving the knot on the backside of the zipper (on the inside of the garment). Make six or seven stitches across the bottom of the zipper where you removed the old stop to create a new stop made out of the thread.
If the zipper pull is broken but still on the zipper, cut off the bottom zipper stop with scissors or nippers. Pull the zipper pull off. The zipper stops are either "U"-shaped or a rectangle with four prongs. Put the new zipper pull on. Get a bottom zipper stop with a flat piece and four prongs. Push it through the zipper tape at the bottom of the zipper teeth. Push the four prongs down with pliers to secure the zipper.
If you are dealing with damaged lower teeth, move the pull slider above the damaged area and sew a new stop just above the damaged teeth. This will shorten the length of the zipper but will keep it closed.
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