Ethan Clarke
Zippers are notorious for getting stuck or breaking, but there are several ways to reset them without replacing the entire zipper. The first step is to identify the problem. If the zipper is stuck, it could be because the fabric is trapped between the slider and the teeth, or the teeth themselves might be misaligned. In this case, you can try lubricating the zipper with soap, lip balm, petroleum jelly, or even a graphite pencil. If the teeth are misaligned, you can use pliers to gently bend them back into place. If the zipper pull is broken, you can replace it with a paper clip or key ring. If the teeth are permanently bent or broken, you may need to replace the zipper entirely. However, if you're feeling adventurous, you can try removing the old teeth and stopper and installing a new set of teeth and a stopper.
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What You'll Learn
Using pliers to straighten the zipper
Resetting a plastic zipper can be done in several ways, one of which is using pliers to straighten the zipper. This method is particularly useful when the teeth of the zipper are bent, causing the zipper to separate. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to straighten a plastic zipper with pliers:
Firstly, it is important to note that metal teeth on zippers can be straightened with pliers, but plastic teeth are more delicate and prone to breaking. Therefore, when using pliers on plastic zipper teeth, it is crucial to be gentle and careful. If the teeth are significantly bent, it may be necessary to obtain a new plastic zipper of the same size, either from another old zipper or by purchasing one online.
To begin the process, gently grip the bent zipper tooth with the pliers. Apply minimal force and slowly straighten the tooth, being careful not to break it. Repeat this process for each tooth that requires straightening. It is important to ensure that the teeth are not overly bent, as attempting to straighten them with pliers may cause further damage.
Using Pliers to Adjust the Zipper Slider
Another way to use pliers to fix a plastic zipper is by adjusting the zipper slider. The slider can become damaged or misaligned, causing the zipper to separate. To fix this, use the pliers to gently squeeze the slider on the top and bottom. This will adjust the size of the opening inside the slider, allowing the zipper to function properly again. Ensure that you do not squeeze the slider too strongly, as this can make the gap too small, hindering the movement of the zipper.
Using Pliers to Remove and Reattach Zipper Stops
Zipper stops, the small pieces at the end of the zipper teeth, can sometimes hinder the zipper's movement if they become loose or misaligned. To fix this, use small-tipped pliers to gently open and remove the zipper stops. Keep them safe, as you will need to reattach them later. Once removed, adjust the zipper slider and teeth as needed, then use the pliers to gently squeeze the stops back into place, ensuring they grip the zipper tape securely.
In summary, using pliers to straighten a plastic zipper involves carefully adjusting the teeth, slider, and stops to ensure smooth zipper function. It is important to be gentle and cautious to avoid further damaging the zipper.
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Realigning the zipper teeth
If the teeth of a plastic zipper are misaligned, it is possible to realign them manually. Firstly, close the zipper, which may require some tugging. Then, use a pair of slim needle-nose pliers to gently straighten the teeth back into the correct position. If the teeth are particularly dirty, it may be worth cleaning them with a bar of soap or a graphite pencil, which will help to lubricate the teeth and allow the zipper to move more smoothly. Before rezipping, check along the zipper to ensure that there is no fabric caught in the teeth and that there are no loose threads.
If the teeth are severely bent or broken, they may need to be replaced. In this case, use pliers to get a good grip on the bottom stop (the little band of metal or plastic at the bottom of the zipper teeth) and pry it off. If the stopper is made of metal, it may be possible to reuse it, but plastic stoppers are less likely to be reused. Once the stopper has been removed, note any broken, missing, or damaged teeth and mark the area with a pin or needle. Then, use the pliers to gently bend the teeth back into alignment. If the teeth cannot be realigned, it may be necessary to replace the entire zipper.
If the zipper pull is destroyed or severely worn, it will need to be replaced with a new one of the same size. These can often be found in old jackets or purchased online. Remove the old zipper pull and put the new one in its place. If the zipper pull is made of iron, it may be possible to reshape it with pliers before replacing it.
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Using a lubricant
Lubricating a zipper is a standard part of maintenance. It is helpful to know how to lubricate a zipper before it gets stuck, as this is often why people start looking for suggestions. There are many options for lubricating a zipper, and you can use a variety of household products.
If your zipper is stuck, do not force it. Take off the item and gently move the zipper up and down on the track. If it doesn't move, stick a sharp pin into the track where it's stuck to get it moving. Once it's back on track, use a lubricant to get it moving smoothly.
You can buy a dedicated zipper lubricant, which doesn't risk staining fabrics. Zipper Ease, for example, is a stick of clear wax that you rub along the zipper teeth to keep things moving smoothly. It can be used on both metal and plastic zippers. You can also use a silicone-free lubricant like Zippy Cool or Starbrite Snap and Zipper.
If you don't have a dedicated zipper lubricant, you can use a bar of soap, which contains fat and works as a lubricant. You can also use the graphite from a pencil, which will deposit a layer of graphite as you rub it along the teeth. Another option is to use lip balm, but you shouldn't use it on your lips afterward.
For a plastic zipper on a boat canvas, you can use a gel-type lubricant, but be aware that as the plastic ages, the teeth get smaller, and when lubricated, they may not stay locked.
After lubricating your zipper, clean the track with water and a clean toothbrush.
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Replacing the zipper slider
Before replacing the zipper slider, it is important to identify the type of zipper. The most common types are Metal, Nylon Coil, Molded Plastic, and Invisible Nylon. The zipper slider must be compatible with its counterpart—a nylon coil slider is compatible only with a nylon coil zipper, and a metal slider is compatible only with a metal zipper.
Once the type of zipper has been identified, the next step is to determine the gauge, or the thickness of the zipper teeth. The size of the replacement slider must match the size of the zipper. If the zipper doesn't have any markings, measure the width of the zipper teeth in millimetres when they are closed. This measurement will help determine the correct size for the replacement slider.
After the correct replacement slider has been sourced, the old slider can be removed. First, ensure that the zipper is fully unzipped. Then, locate the top stop, which is usually made of plastic or metal, and use end nippers or flush cutters to remove it. The top stop prevents the slider from coming off the top of the zipper, so once it is removed, the slider can be slid up and off the zipper tape.
Now, the new slider can be installed. Slide the new slider onto the zipper tape, ensuring that it is oriented correctly. Once the slider is in place, test zipping up the jacket to ensure that it is the correct type and that the issue has been resolved. Finally, a replacement top stop can be crimped into place using pliers, ensuring that the new slider is secure and functional.
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Using thread to make a new stop
If the zipper stop is plastic and cannot be reattached, or if you are unable to reattach a metal zipper stop, you can use thread to create a new stop.
Firstly, thread a sewing needle with a heavy thread, such as buttonhole thread, and tie a knot at the end. If you don't have access to heavy thread, you can double up on a standard thread and tie a knot at the end of both strands. Pull the thread through the zipper, ensuring that the knot remains on the inside of the garment, at the back of the zipper.
Next, stitch across the bottom of the zipper, where the old stop was removed. Make six or seven stitches to create a new stop. It is important to ensure that the zipper pull or slider is above the area being repaired.
You can also use a dark blue thread and do a zigzag stitch, with zero stitch length, with one side of the zig on the fabric and the other on the outside of the zipper. Alternatively, you can use embroidery floss and whipstitch between the last set of teeth 3-4 times.
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