Currently, there are three main types of zippers on the market. Let’s find out more about these zipper types in detail. Understanding the type of zipper will help us know how to effectively repair a damaged zipper.
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Plastic Zippers
This type of zipper is made of plastic and also goes by other names such as nylon zipper, coil zipper, polyester zipper, and has zipper teeth made of coil yarn. This type comes in various sizes, making it suitable for different sizes of backpacks.
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Waterproof Zippers
Waterproof zippers are also known as Vislon zippers, Derlin zippers, Resin zippers, crocodile teeth zippers. This type of zipper is made of POM plastic. This type of zipper is chosen by many products, not only backpacks but also other items such as jackets, handbags, pants…
How to repair a damaged zipper
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Metal Zippers
Metal zippers are usually made of brass, nickel, or aluminum and are widely used in backpack products today. Backpacks usually use this type of zipper.
Cases when the zipper is damaged or stuck
- The zipper is stuck and cannot be pulled up.
- The zipper can be pulled up, but the teeth do not align with each other.
- Despite being zipped, it does not close properly.
The operating principle of zipper teeth
Knowing the operating principle of the zipper teeth is the key to finding effective ways to repair a damaged zipper. Each zipper tooth consists of two strips, each strip is fixed together, and the tooth strips have hooks and recesses located in alternating positions. Slide the zipper from the root of the two strips – the two strips will merge into the groove of the slider at the appropriate angles.
To make the zipper work effectively, the connecting hooks must have the same size and shape as the recesses, and they must all be accurately positioned on the two tooth strips. And when the two tooth strips are securely attached, they form a very safe, convenient, and difficult-to-detach connection unless we pull the slider in the opposite direction to push the tooth strips apart on both sides.
8 Simple Ways to Repair a Troubled Zipper
1. Use a pencil eraser to fix a broken zipper
First, check if the threads or fabric are caught in the zipper, rub the pencil eraser on the zipper teeth as shown in the picture. Because the pencil eraser acts as a lubricant and helps the zipper glide more smoothly. Rub back and forth until the zipper moves smoothly. After rubbing, pull the zipper up and down a little and repeat until the zipper can function smoothly.
2. Use a safety pin
As a folk remedy, if the zipper is stuck, use a safety pin. Although it’s an old method, it’s still very effective. You just need to use the pointed end of the safety pin lightly into the tooth part of the zipper and you can easily use it.
3. Use soap
Mix a little soap or detergent with water, then take a wet cloth soaked in this solution. Then move the zipper up and down while rubbing the wet cloth on the zipper.
4. Use lip balm
Lip balm is an indispensable beauty item for women, but using it to lubricate zippers may sound new. But it’s true, with a small tube of lip balm, you can easily limit the area it covers. Apply lip balm to the entire zipper. Then slide the zipper up and down the zipper several times to evenly distribute the lip balm.
5. Fixing a misaligned zipper
The zipper is not straight or the zipper teeth do not match after zipping, in this case, do not move the slider, but use pliers. Pay attention to each section on the tooth strip. If any of the zipper teeth are shifted outward, use pliers to adjust them back to their original position so that they all run in a straight line.
6. Fix a broken zipper pull
When the zipper pull is broken and can no longer be used, it makes it difficult to slide the zipper up and down. At this time, use a paperclip instead of the slider or similar objects like paperclip as zipper pull. Simply slide it gently over the slider bars and you can have a new zipper.
7. Head of the zipper stuck in the fabric
The zipper head can get caught on fabric or thread, when zipping up and down. Gently shift the zipper head back to its original position, free the stuck thread or fabric. When sewing the zipper onto fabric, be careful to avoid the zipper getting stuck.
8. How to fix a zipper that keeps slipping
There are many reasons for a zipper to be damaged and keep slipping. For example:
- Low-quality zipper.
- Regular and prolonged use causing the product to wear out.
- Stuck due to dirt, fabric caught, collision with other objects.
- Or rapid pulling causing the zipper to break or the zipper slide to slip off the zipper track.
How to assemble a zipper when it keeps slipping is actually very simple, you just need to follow these steps:
- Step 1: First, you need to pull the slider to the last position of the zipper (The stopper at the bottom).
- Step 2: Then you need to remove the bottom stopper, usually made of lead. So use pliers to remove it quickly and safely.
- Step 3: Hold one end of the zipper, thread it into the remaining end of the zipper. Then hold the bottom stopper firmly and slowly pull the slider up to see if it works normally. If the zipper works properly, just put the bottom stopper back on and you’re done.
Conclusion
Through this article, I hope it has helped you understand simple and quick tips for repairing zippers on bags, jackets, backpacks, etc. At the same time, it helps you handle unexpected problems in the process of using them quickly and efficiently.
