Fix a broken zipper?
The zipper is one of the parts of a garment that gets the most wear and tear. It's also the part that often breaks first. Luckily, it can be fixed!
Here is a list of typical problems and damages that occur and how they can be solved to save an otherwise usable garment. Often the solution is easier than you think! Many times it is not necessary to replace the entire zipper, only the slider.
Especially if you don't wait too long so the zipper doesn't wear out further, you can get away with a quick trick or simple and cheap repair.
List of typical damages and solutions for broken zipper
In the table below you will find the most likely solution to various damages; replacing the slider or the entire zipper. See below for more details on how it can be solved.
| The zipper opens again after it is closed. | Typical symptom that the slider is worn and has opened too much! Check that there is no damage to the teeth where the zipper opens. Replace the slider or use this simple trick. |
| The slider is jumping off one side of the zipper. | Check the point where the slider pulls off. Is there damage to the teeth? Are they crooked, are one or more missing, is there plastic sticking out? Small damages may be able to be fixed (see next points). A new slider with better grip can handle tiny misalignments. In case of major damage, the entire zipper must be replaced. |
| There are small imperfections on the zipper teeth. | Bend carefully and see if you can straighten them out enough so that the slider doesn't pop off. Worth a try! If it doesn't work, the entire zipper will have to be replaced. |
| There are small pieces of plastic sticking out on the teeth of the zipper. | Carefully cut off the excess pieces, e.g. with a wallpaper knife and check if it is enough to prevent the slider from jumping off. Worth a try! If it doesn't work, the entire zipper will have to be replaced. |
| The zipper is hard to close. | Replace the slider or wax the zipper teeth. Rub a candle against the teeth on both sides of the zipper all the way from bottom to top to give it a thin layer of wax. |
| The slider gets stuck when the zipper is opened or closed. | Signs of the slider being worn out. Open/close carefully, and replace the slider before damage occurs to the rest of the zipper. Wax can also help (see the row above). |
| The zipper is broken at the very bottom, where one side is inserted into the other to close it. | This part cannot be replaced and the entire zipper must be replaced. Check that there is actually damage or something missing and that it is not just the slider that is causing it to slip. |
| One or more of the zipper teeth have fallen off or are broken. |
Option A) If the damage is at the top or bottom of the zipper and you do not rely on pulling the slider past the damaged area for the garment to be functional, you can place a "stopper" where the damage is and continue to use the zipper for the rest of the piece. If the damage is at the bottom, place a "bottom stopper". If it is at the top, place a "top stopper". For example: have the zipper stop a little before the top of a jacket or start a little further up on a pocket or at the neck of a sweater. Option B) Check with the manufacturer or a repairer if they have the ability to install new teeth (there are machines for that, although they are not common). Option C) Create a "new tooth" by sewing several times on top of each other into a lump with thick sewing thread to fill the void, and see if the zipper can slide past it without jumping off or getting stuck. Alternative D) Replace the entire zipper. |
| The zipper is hard to close and bulges when closed. |
Signs that the slider is too tight. Replace the sliders before it damages the zipper. |
| The handle on the slider (zipper puller) has fallen off or is broken. |
New zipper pullers are sold at fabric stores and can be easily be hooked onto the slider. |
Simple trick that can save your zipper
If you've determined that the problem is a worn slider, try this trick before moving on. It might be enough to make your zipper last a while longer!
How do you change slider?
Sliders come in many different varieties; the number on the back of the slider refers to the type and size/width. In addition, there are differences between sliders for zippers with teeth made of plastic, metal or spiral. Some varieties can be purchased at a sewing store, but often you have to ask the manufacturer of the garment to get the right spare part.
If you have the right slider, it's easy to change it yourself! First, you need to remove the "top stopper" (a small piece of metal or plastic that stops the slider from slipping off the zipper at the top). This is done with a pair of zipper cutters.
Then you can pull off the old slider and put on a new one by threading it onto the zipper at the top. Finally, you need to put on a new top stopper (available at a sewing store), which is clamped on with pliers.
This description applies to zippers that are open at the top, e.g. on a jacket. If the zipper is closed at both ends, e.g. on a pocket, you will need to pop open the seam that holds it closed at the bottom to be able to remove the old slider and put on a new one. No stopper is needed here, but the popped seam will need to be sewn back on.
How do you replace a zipper?
Replacing a zipper requires some sewing experience to do it yourself. At the same time, it is a very common job for a seamstress, so you can safely put the job away. Often the rest of the garment can still live a long time, so a new zipper is a good investment in the garment and a good choice for the environment.
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