A too-rough movement or a bag that’s too full… and the zipper breaks! It’s very handy indeed, but when it breaks, wears out, or jams, the zipper becomes a real headache, especially since it always happens at the worst moment. Wear and tear on belongings is normal, but discarding them constantly shouldn’t be. Why not try fixing a broken zipper yourself?
Before parting with the garment, bag, or shoes whose zipper is damaged, have you considered trying to repair it? Here are quick and simple tips for mending a broken zipper.
How to repair a broken zipper? First assess the extent of the damage
When the zipper on your favorite skirt breaks, there’s no need to panic before trying something! To start, assess the extent of the damage: has the bottom stop fallen off? Has the slider detached from the top of the zipper? Is it bent? Are teeth missing at the top, bottom, or middle of the zipper?
If the bottom stop has fallen off or teeth are missing in the middle or bottom of the zipper, there will be no other solution than to replace it.
How to repair a zipper whose slider is damaged?
Damaged slider? Repair or replace it!
- Carefully observe the slider side. If you notice that the teeth do not close properly and an uneven gap has formed between the bottom and the top of the zipper, gently bend the slider with a pair of pliers and then try to get the zipper moving again.
- Repeat the operation if needed, until it closes as usual.
If it is absolutely necessary to replace it, measure or check its size (listed on the back) before installing a new one. It’s often unnecessary to buy a new slider: consider salvaging one from a worn garment.
To replace a defective slider, carefully pry open a new slider with a flat-head screwdriver, for example. Guide the top teeth into the slider. Finally, pull the slider to the bottom, then pull the zipper up again, trying to close the garment.
Can you replace a damaged zipper stop?
To remove an upper stop from a zipper, pull firmly with a pair of pliers and slide it upward. If there are two, remove them all before reinstalling.
To replace it simply, place the upper zipper stop on the top teeth, then, with the pliers, clamp by pressing several times to secure it. Repeat the same on the other side of the zipper, making sure the slider is properly in place before continuing.
Zipper slider has popped out
You need to put the chain of teeth back in order!
- Place the slider (zip) perpendicular to the tooth line.
- With a bit of pressure, slide the outer part of the slider between two teeth. Once a tooth is caught, move it back in the direction of travel to hook the tooth chain.
- With a delicate, but repetitive motion, move the slider up and down to restore the zipper.
Easy, practical and economical, right?
So, let’s cut down on waste by giving our clothes a second life! Eco-friendly, inexpensive, and practical, these everyday habits help raise public awareness about key topics and the benefits of sustainable development.
