Frequently Asked Questions
# 1 - Zipper Anatomy - Begin here
We mainly encounter 3 styles of zipper and 3 types of teeth
Non-Separating Style
Example with diagram has Plastic Teeth
This style is used on:
- Tents
- Backpacks
- Hand bags
- Pants
- Pull over coats (see photo)
*Important Note – Type of teeth is not specific to the style of zipper. Any style of zipper can have the following 3 types of teeth.
Plastic Tooth
Metal Tooth Zipper
Coil Zipper
1-Way Separating Style
Example with diagram has Coil Teeth
Used with
- Coats
- Boat covers
- Detachable clothing (ex. zip off hoods and pant legs)
2-Way Separating
Example with diagram has Metal Teeth
This style is used on
- Coats
- Sleeping bags
# 2 - What am I able to fix using your products?
Problems you CAN fix using one of our Zipper Rescue Kits
FIND OUT IF YOUR ZIPPER IS FIXABLE
In many cases, the reason a zipper fails is because the slider wears out, falls off or breaks. Explore the section below to see examples of this and learn about other creative repairs that are good to know.
Worn out or broken sliders
Simply replacing the slider using one of our zipper rescue kits will get you back up and zipping in no time!
Non-separating zippers with damaged teeth / coils
If teeth or coils are only damaged in one place there is still hope in some cases. Click “See More Examples” for simple repair steps. This applies to a tent, backpack, luggage or any other item with 2 sliders that meet (see photo example)
*Note – this repair will usually not work on jackets or other separating zippers that do not have both ends sewn shut permanently.
Separating zippers with damaged teeth / coils
If there missing teeth or damage is up near the top on a jacket zipper as shown in the photo. Have a look through the photo examples to see how a top stop can save the day.
*Note – this repair will also work for jeans, jackets zip only part way down and other non-separating zippers with one slider and missing/damaged teeth near the top or bottom.
# 3 - Are the kits easy to use?
Zipper Repair 101
This 45 sec video shows a basic slider replacement for coats, sleeping bags etc.
For any zipper that comes apart completely at the bottom.
- In most cases you can do both of these repairs in minutes
- Tools: needle nosed or regular pliers and basic wire cutters (shown in videos)
- If you have never used pliers in your life this may require a little patience at first or asking a friend for some help. Once you get the hang of it, this skill will serve you for the rest of your life.
Zipper Repair 102
This 45 sec video shows a basic slider replacement for handbags, tents, pants, luggage etc.
For any zipper that does not come apart completely at the bottom when fully unzipped.
# 4 - How/why do zippers break?
This section will show all of the ways zippers can break.
*Please note that the vast majority of broken zippers are simply due to a worn out/broken slider which can be replaced easily. Not all broken zippers can be fixed easily, this will help you understand all of the reasons zippers can break.
Worn out or broken slider
The sign of a worn-out slider, is when the teeth do not close or mesh together, a zipper that doesn’t zip! Or maybe the slider or pull tab has broken off completely.
This is the most common type of broken zipper by far. Replacing the slider is simple using one of our Zipper Rescue Kits and will get you back up and zipping in no time as long as the zipper teeth (or coils) are still in good shape!
Missing or damaged teeth/coils
In most cases, if the teeth or coils are missing or visibly damaged the zipper must be replaced.
See FAQ #2 to see what can be fixed with this type of damage
Click Here to purchase a replacement jacket zipper.
Missing box / pin on separating zippers
If the box / pin at the bottom of a separating zipper (see FAQ #1 – Zipper Anatomy) is missing, these parts cannot be replaced successfully.
Click Here to purchase your replacement zipper
*Note – For separating zippers only, mainly used on coats and sleeping bags – see photo example
# 5 - What am I NOT able to fix using your products?
Separating zippers with a missing Box/Pin
If the box / pin (see FAQ #1 – Zipper Anatomy) are missing, they cannot be replaced and require a full replacement zipper.
Click Here to purchase your replacement zipper
*Note – For separating zippers only, mainly used on coats and sleeping bags – see photo examples
Missing or damaged teeth
In most cases, if the teeth or coils are missing or visibly damaged the zipper must be replaced.
See FAQ #2 to see what can be fixed with this type of damage
Click Here to purchase a replacement jacket zipper.
Damaged teeth/coils in multiple places
If an item is damaged in more than one place, it’s time to replace the whole zipper unfortunately.
Non-obvious damage to Coil Zippers
*Note – This applies to Coil zippers ONLY
See the photo examples of subtle damage to the thread that holds the coils in place. If the thread is worn off, the coils will move around freely and become mangled as the problem spreads, eventually leading to failure.
This is common on boots right at the ankle.
It is possible to stitch each coil back in place by hand if you catch it early, instructional video on this coming soon.
# 6 - My slider fell off the bottom of my jacket. Will your kit repair this?
Unfortunately this cannot be fixed easily as of yet
If the box / pin (see FAQ #1 – Zipper Anatomy) are missing, they cannot be replaced and require a full replacement zipper.
Click Here to purchase a replacement jacket zipper.
*Note – For separating zippers only, mainly used on coats and sleeping bags – see photo example
# 7 - What if my slider is stuck and will not move?
If your pull tab is missing but slider won't move
You likely have a locking zipper if the pull tab broke and now the slider suddenly will not move.
- What is a locking zipper?
- Common on coats, pants, boots, dresses etc.
- Locks automatically so the zipper stays closed.
- Grab a safety pin, paper clip, piece of wire or any thin tool.
- Feed the tool through the hole or loop where the pull tab was attached, pull outward and the slider should move freely.
- You can tie a piece of paracord or leather string to fix this yourself if the metal loop is still intact
Slider is really stuck or corroded - must pry off slider.
If the slider is truly stuck, whether from corrosion or you cannot get it back through the zipper the wrong way, you will have to pry the slider open to remove it.
Tools and instructions:
- Needle nose pliers and a flat head screwdriver.
- See the photo examples for step-by-step instructions