Sofia Martinez
Zippers are notorious for getting stuck, and plastic zippers are no exception. The good news is that there are several easy ways to get a stuck plastic zipper unstuck. This article will discuss the common causes of stuck zippers and provide step-by-step instructions on how to fix them, including using lubricants, graphite, and gentle force. We will also cover how to prevent plastic zippers from getting stuck in the first place. By following these simple tips and tricks, you'll be able to keep your plastic zippers gliding smoothly and avoid the frustration of a stubborn zipper.
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What You'll Learn
Check for fabric stuck in the zipper
If your plastic zipper is stuck, it could be because a bit of the surrounding fabric has gotten caught in the teeth. To check for this, turn the clothing or bag inside out and follow along the zipper lines to see if there's any fabric caught anywhere. If you spot fabric caught in the zipper, grasp it and gently tug it out, pulling away from the zipper. If the snag is small, tweezers may help you get a better grip. You can also try dislodging the fabric from inside the teeth with the point of a safety pin, but be careful not to pull too hard or you may tear the fabric.
Once you've removed the fabric, hold on to the snagged area and begin gently working the zipper up and down to see if the fabric releases. Small movements and a little patience should be enough to clear the zipper teeth. If the fabric doesn't release, you can try using a lubricant to help the zipper pull glide up and down without catching. Common household items like bar soap, lip balm, petroleum jelly, coconut oil, candle wax, and even talcum powder can be used as lubricants. Dip a cotton swab into the lubricant, wiping off any excess, and gently brush it along the seam and head of the zipper. Reapply the lubricant as needed and move the zipper back and forth to distribute it evenly.
If the zipper is still stuck, you may need to try realigning the teeth. First, close the zipper, then use pliers to remove the metal "stops" at the top of the zipper. Take off the slider, then manually realign the teeth and put the slider back on. Finally, reattach the top stops.
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Use a lubricant
If your plastic zipper is stuck, you can use a lubricant to loosen it up. You can buy a dedicated zipper lubricant, but there are also several common household items that can be used to lubricate a zipper.
One of the most common household items that can be used as a lubricant is window cleaner, such as Windex. Spray the cleaner onto the zipper track around the slider to help your zipper open and close easily. You can also use extra lip balm as a lubricant. However, after using your lip balm to repair your zipper, do not put it on your lips again. Only a drop or two of olive oil can also serve as an ideal lubricant. Place the oil near the stuck slider, then gently wipe it away before attempting to open the zipper.
If you want to use a dedicated zipper lubricant, Zipper Ease is a good option. It 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. GEAR AID Zipper Lubricant is another option that works for nylon, plastic, and metal zippers.
For boat canvas zippers, Zippy Cool and Starbrite Snap are good options. However, keep in mind that as a marine zipper ages, the plastic begins to degrade, and the teeth become smaller. So, when lubricating with gel-type lubricants, you can create more problems. Once the smaller teeth become slick, they won't stay locked. Therefore, for older zippers, a stick-type lubricant might be better.
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Try a pencil
If your zipper is stuck, you can try using a pencil to get it moving again. First, check for any fabric stuck in the zipper and remove it. You can use tweezers to help with this. Once the fabric is freed, slide the zipper up and down in small, forceful movements to loosen the rest of the fabric. If there's no fabric stuck in the zipper, try the following with a pencil:
Look for a traditional wooden pencil with a No. 2 graphite tip. The "lead" of the pencil is made of graphite, which is a very effective dry lubricant. Hold the zipper together with one hand and use the other hand to rub the tip of the pencil along both sides of the zipper teeth. Focus on the line where the teeth intersect, as this is a common area for zippers to get jammed. Continue rubbing until you can see the graphite being left behind on the teeth. Only apply light pressure to avoid breaking the tip of the pencil. The graphite particles will coat the edges of the teeth, making it easier for them to lock and unlock.
If the zipper is still stuck after applying the graphite, you may need to try a different method. You can try using a makeshift lubricant like soap, lip balm, or petroleum jelly to reduce the friction between the slider and teeth of the zipper.
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Apply heat or cold
Plastic zippers can be unstuck by applying heat or cold. If the zipper is stuck, it is likely due to a build-up of dirt and debris. You can try to clean out the dirt using tweezers and then apply heat or cold to the zipper.
One method is to place the item in the freezer. Plastic tends to become workable in cold conditions, so this may help to unstick the zipper. Alternatively, you can apply heat with a blow dryer. This will have the opposite effect, making the plastic workable in hot conditions.
In addition to applying heat or cold, you can also try using a lubricant. Lubricants help to clear the teeth of built-up dust and dirt. You can use a dedicated zipper lubricant, or try petroleum jelly, soap, or coconut oil.
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Realign the zipper teeth
If the teeth of a plastic zipper are misaligned, the zipper will not function properly. To realign the teeth of a plastic zipper, follow these steps:
First, close the zipper. You may need to tug a bit to get it closed. If the zipper is stuck, try lubricating it with a little oil. If the zipper is stuck due to fabric obstruction, gently pull away the fabric. Use tweezers or needle-nose pliers to get a better grip.
Next, remove the metal or plastic stops at the top of the zipper using small-tipped pliers. If the stops are plastic, be very gentle, as they may break. If the stops are metal, they can be reattached once the zipper is fixed.
Now, you can realign the teeth manually. If the teeth are bent, gently straighten them with your fingers or pliers. Be careful not to break the teeth. Once the teeth are straight and aligned, reinsert the slider onto the top of the zipper. Insert one track into the bottom of the slider, and then the other.
Finally, run the slider up and down to check your work. Be sure not to pull the slider all the way back up to the top, as it will slide off the tracks without the stops in place. If the zipper is functioning correctly, reattach the stops. If the stops are metal, squeeze them back into place with pliers. If the stops are plastic, they may need to be replaced, as they can break easily when removed.
If you are unable to fix the zipper by realigning the teeth, the zipper may be broken, and you may need to replace it.
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Frequently asked questions
First, check if there is any fabric stuck in the zipper. If there is, gently tug it away from the zipper. If there is no fabric caught in the zipper, the next step is to use a lubricant to get the zipper pull moving again. You can use a specific zipper lubricant or household items like soap, lip balm, petroleum jelly, coconut oil, candle wax, or talcum powder.
Try using a different type of lubricant. If that doesn't work, put the item of clothing in the freezer or heat it with a blow dryer as plastic tends to get workable in cold or hot conditions. If the zipper is still stuck, try threading a metal coat hanger through the zip pull and giving it a hard yank.
Always take your time when opening or closing zippers. Zipping and unzipping slowly and carefully will prevent you from pulling too hard and damaging the zipper. You can also purchase a preventive zipper lubricant and apply it to the zipper every so often, such as after a few washings.
