Can you fix a zipper

The bottom of the zip is, typically, the end closest to the floor when you're wearing the garment. If you can't tell which is the right side, look for the end with a square tab of fabric after the zip finishes. Then, feed the teeth from that end into the slider. If you need extra leverage to push the teeth into place, use a flathead screwdriver.

Once the teeth are inside both sides of the slider, use the puller to move it up and down the track to lock it in place. First, check to see if there's anything caught in the zip, like another garment or even rogue fibres. If possible, remove these obstructions by hand before retrying the zip. If, however, the stuck object still won't move, try going in with a pair of tweezers to slowly pull the blockage out of the teeth.

Sometimes softly wiggling the puller up and down as you tug on the slider can also help dislodge tougher items. If the zip still won't move, don't lose faith. You might need to give it a little extra help. Start by using a pencil to coat the teeth surrounding the lodge with a light coating of graphite - this will act as a lubricant to help facilitate a smooth run.

If that fails, try a small amount of washing up liquid, to further aid the slider move up and down the teeth. If the pencil and washing up liquid don't work, or if you're worried they might stain your clothing, try Vaseline instead. Start by reaching for a cotton bud, coating the outside of the bud with a light layer of Vaseline. Then, use the cotton bud to work the jelly into the teeth surrounding the stoppage. The idea is that the Vaseline will help remove any smaller items that may be stuck in the zip.

Zippers that are missing teeth can be particularly fiddly to fix so we recommend taking your garment to a tailor to repair this specific issue. In the meantime, scroll down to see our quick fixes until you have time to get to the alterations shop. This is especially handy to fix a zipper stuck in the fabric itself.

The problem can result from a few different scenarios. Relax and be free from anxiety Take back good sleep and help alleviate pain. Next, look at the individual teeth. If the teeth are straight and clean, take a look at the slider itself. Over time, the slider starts to come apart, and when that happens it stops clinching the zipper teeth together. Grab some pliers and try closing the slider together until it catches the teeth again.

If your zipper is on a pair of jeans, the solution is a little more complicated. A lot of times you can repair the zipper with a few simple replacement parts. Here are some of the most common instances where you can fix a zipper. This usually happens at the bottom of a short zipper in low-rise jeans. But if the teeth come off the very bottom or very top of the zipper, they can be repaired.

If teeth are missing in the middle of the zipper, they will need to be replaced. It should also be said though this is a temporary fix. The zipper broke because of improper fit or a cheap zipper. You can use a narrow screwdriver to push the edge in. Zip up the zipper further and push the tab down. This will lock the zipper and keep it from coming undone while closing the bottom. On the inside of the garment, use a seam ripper or razor to cut the tack the holds together the placket layers.

If you get the zipper repair kit listed at the beginning, you should have a few of these in there. Did you make this project? Share it with us! I Made It! A Literal Handbag by Tatterhood in Halloween. Chameleon Mask by hugheswho in Halloween. Genaille's Rods by Wingletang in Education. ClaudiaD56 Tip 4 months ago on Step 7. Reply Upvote. Kiran Gokal 1 year ago on Step 1. PsychoticHatter yimlas Reply 5 years ago.

GrandmaSue10 PsychoticHatter Reply 1 year ago. Lydia yimlas Reply 4 years ago. PlantFoodV 3 years ago. And thanks for the word "stopper", I'll change it. GrandmaSue10 marcellahella Reply 1 year ago. Quilterjean 1 year ago. DennisLaw Question 2 years ago on Step 7.