How to Repair a Zipper Slider

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methods

1Fixing a Stuck Slider

2Installing a New Pull Tab

3Replacing a Broken or Worn-out Slider

Other Sections

Expert Q&A

Tips and Warnings

Things You'll Need

Related Articles

References

A zipper that refuses to budge can be a major source of aggravation. Unless, of course, you know how simple a fix it really is. Whether you're up against a jam, a broken pull tab, or a slider that just won’t slide anymore, you can usually get things back on track in a matter of minutes using one of several inexpensive, everyday items.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Fixing a Stuck Slider

1. 
   1
   Free any fabric that might be caught in the zipper. Before you begin experimenting with other solutions, inspect the area around the slider for wrinkles, folds, snags, or other obstructions. If you find a spot that you think might be the culprit, pinch it firmly between your thumb and forefinger and tug it gently in the direction opposite the one that the zipper runs in.

   • Some tweezers can be a big help if you need a way to get a better grip on a small section of bunched material.
   • Keep a delicate touch here and only use as much force as you absolutely need to. If you’re not careful, you could easily do damage to the zipper or the surrounding fabric.
2. 
   2
   Rub the zipper teeth with a pencil. Insert the tip of the pencil into the open space between the body of the slider and the section of teeth that it’s jammed up on. Run it lightly over both halves of the teeth for a few seconds, then stop and try the zipper again. With any luck, it will go back to tracking smoothly with no further problems.

   • It may take you several attempts to get the slider started again, so be patient.
   • The tiny particles of graphite dust left behind by the pencil will reduce the friction between the slider and the teeth, allowing the slider to move freely again.

   Tip: Sharpen your pencil to a slender point to lengthen its reach and help work it deeper into the slider.

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3. 
   3
   Smear the stuck section with a makeshift lubricant. Many common household items can double as zipper lubricants, including bar soap, lip balm, olive oil, petroleum jelly, and window cleaner. Just apply a small amount of your substance of choice directly to the locked-up teeth and work the zipper back and forth a few times.

   • Other products that may be able to liberate an immobilized zipper include baby powder, coconut oil, dish soap, WD-40, crayons, candles, or wax paper.
   • Use a cotton swab to apply liquid lubricants like Windex, olive oil, and dish soap without making a complete mess of the garment or accessory you’re fixing.
   • When you’re done, you may want to launder your item or give it a thorough wipedown with a damp cloth or wet wipe to clear away any remaining traces of the slippery lubricant.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Installing a New Pull Tab

1. 
   1
   Pull off the broken tab carefully if there’s any of it left. Before you can attach a new tab, you need to make sure you have full access to the little hole at the middle of the slider. Take caution when discarding what’s left of the tab, as the rough edges of the metal or plastic could cause scratches or cuts if you come at them the wrong way.

   • If you’re struggling to remove a fractured or mangled tab that’s still somehow hanging on, use a pair of pliers or wire cutters to snip it free.
2. 
   2
   Improvise a zipper pull out of everyday household objects if you’re in a pinch. Look around for something that you can loop through the hole in the slider and get things moving again. For instance, you could use an old key ring, a plastic zip tie, a bent paperclip, a safety pin, a wire connector, or even a knotted length of string.

   • Any number of knick-knacks might work for this purpose, as long as you have a way of closing your new pull entirely.
   • The Macgyver approach works well in those situations where a tab breaks on you unexpectedly and you don’t happen to have any replacement parts handy.
3. 
   3
   Invest in a set of heavy-duty zipper tags for items that receive a lot of use. You can buy new zipper tags online or at any store that carries sewing or crafting supplies. They’re available in a range of different materials, from metal to hard plastic to kevlar, and are built to withstand the toughest conditions.

   • There are also tags with flexible nylon pull-cords if you’re looking for something more lightweight and minimalistic.
   • Most zipper tags have a clip-on or pull-apart design for easy installation. This feature also makes them a cinch to remove or change out at will.

   Tip: If you want to lend your item a personal touch, you can even find special “zipper charms” molded into a variety of shapes, such as hearts, flowers, peace signs, animals, or your favorite cartoon characters.
4. 
   4
   Attach the new tab to the vacant slider. If you're using a commercial replacement, simply clip, snap, or thread it into the hole at the center of the slider according to the manufacturer's instructions. You may have to bend or tie scavenged items in order to get them to fit properly.

   • If your slider has come off of the zipper tape completely, pull apart the last ¹⁄₄–¹⁄₂ inch (0.64–1.27 cm) of teeth at the end of the tape by hand, guide the separated teeth into the open space on either side of the slider, then push the slider forcefully until it reconnects the teeth.
   • Once you've got your replacement tab in place, give it a few test pulls to make sure it will hold up to repeated use.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Replacing a Broken or Worn-out Slider

1. 
   1
   Pry off the C-shaped stop on the upper part of the zipper with a pair of pliers. Take hold of the small metal or plastic piece with your pliers and wrench it away from the zipper tape forcefully. Use your free hand to steady the section of fabric beside the zipper and provide some helpful counter leverage.

   • Zipper stops can usually be removed without too much difficulty. If yours is putting up a fight, however, you may have no choice but to cut it off using a pair of wire cutters or nippers.
   • The stops on a zipper serve to keep the free-moving slider from escaping either end of the zipper tape.
2. 
   2
   Remove the old slider. Simply drag it along the zipper tape until it clears the teeth at the top. Then, throw it in the trash—you won’t be needing it anymore.
3. 
   3
   Work the new slider onto the open end of the zipper. Take a moment to double-check that the side with the pull tab is facing outwards. Feed the teeth into the open slot on the outer edge of the slider, then guide the slider down to the bottom of the zipper to keep it from coming off accidentally before you finish your repairs.

   • You can pick up a replacement zipper slider at any craft store or sewing shop, as well as the craft aisle at most supermarkets and convenience stores. They typically only cost a few dollars apiece.
   • If you experience zipper-related issues frequently, consider purchasing a complete zipper replacement kit. These often include multiple sliders, stops, and pull tabs, and sometimes even pliers and other tools.

   Tip: Make sure your replacement slider is the correct size for your item. Most zippers have a numerical number size stamped somewhere on the back of the slider.
4. 
   4
   Install a new stop just above the exposed zipper teeth. Slip the stop onto the zipper tape no more than ¹⁄₄ in (0.64 cm) beyond the last set of teeth. Keep in mind that zipper stops are quite small. If you’re having trouble maneuvering the stop into position, clamp it between the jaws of your pliers to improve your grip.

   • To ensure a smooth pull with no catches or snags, try to keep a consistent spacing with the teeth as best you can.
   • Ordinarily when you buy a new zipper slider, it will come packaged with at least one top and bottom stop.
5. 
   5
   Crimp down the stop with your pliers. Once you have the piece where you want it, squeeze the handles of the pliers together as hard as you can to bend the ends toward one another and secure it to the zipper tape. You should now be able to use your zipper like normal without worrying about it coming off!

   • After pinching the top stop for several seconds, give it a few additional squeezes to confirm that it’s nice and secure.
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Expert Q&A

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Add New Question

• Question

  How do I fix a broken zipper on a pair of jeans?

  

  Margo West
  Professional Tailor

  Margo West is a Professional Tailor and the Owner of Margo West Bridal Alterations in Dallas, Texas. She is renowned for her expertise in bridal alterations, custom wedding gowns, wedding-related design, and pattern making. Her 44 years of bridal experience has earned her the prestigious WeddingWire Brides Choice Award, Couples Choice Award 2013-2019, and The Knot Best of Weddings 2018-2020. Margo was also featured in House of Diffa 2018 Jacket Collection and Modern Luxury Brides Magazine 2020. She will launch her new bridal gown collection for fall 2021.

  

  Margo West

  Professional Tailor

  Expert Answer

  You can fix a broken zipper in your jeans by putting it back on track. If there are teeth missing, this repair will shorten your zipper a bit. You will need a needle, thread, and scissors for the repair. Move the slider to its lowest position, and use scissors to snip the opposite side of the zipper welt, just over the edge of the broken side, between the teeth and directly across from where the zipper pull begins to feed onto the teeth. Feed the snipped side into the top of the zipper pull and zip the zipper. The zipper should be on track and functioning properly. Use the needle and a generous amount of thread to repair the snipped area by sewing across the zipper from side to side with a tight stitch directly above the snipped area. This will hold the teeth together and keep the zipper on track.

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• Question

  How do you get an old zipper to stop unzipping itself?

  

  Margo West
  Professional Tailor

  Margo West is a Professional Tailor and the Owner of Margo West Bridal Alterations in Dallas, Texas. She is renowned for her expertise in bridal alterations, custom wedding gowns, wedding-related design, and pattern making. Her 44 years of bridal experience has earned her the prestigious WeddingWire Brides Choice Award, Couples Choice Award 2013-2019, and The Knot Best of Weddings 2018-2020. Margo was also featured in House of Diffa 2018 Jacket Collection and Modern Luxury Brides Magazine 2020. She will launch her new bridal gown collection for fall 2021.

  

  Margo West

  Professional Tailor

  Expert Answer

  Some old zippers can be stopped from unzipping by simply locking them at the top. First make sure the garment is zipped all the way to the top, then press the zipper pull down as if you are snapping it to lock. Sometimes if a zipper does not lock it may need replacing.

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  Thank you for your feedback.
  If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn

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Tips

• If you’re being plagued by an especially stubborn zipper and aren’t sure what to do to fix it, take your item to an alterations specialist to have it examined more closely or return it to the original manufacturer and ask for a replacement.
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Things You’ll Need

Fixing a Stuck Slider

• Graphite pencil
• Makeshift lubricant (bar soap, lip balm, petroleum jelly, olive oil, etc.)
• Tweezers (optional)

Attaching a New Pull Tab

• Improvised pull tab (key ring, zip tie, paperclip, safety pin, wire connector, etc.)
• Pliers or wire cutters (optional)
• Heavy-duty zipper tags (optional)
• Zipper charms (optional)

Replacing a Broken or Worn-out Slider

• Pliers
• Replacement zipper slider and top stop
• Wire cutters or nippers (optional)