A missing tooth from the zipper could be all it takes to make you discard that piece of clothing. Not only that, but many times, we’ve been forced to part ways with our favorite clothes because of a broken zipper.
But not anymore! With these tips, solving zip problems will become a piece of cake. You will also save a good amount of money. All you need is a little bit of patience, and you’ll have become a zip expert.
First, you need to understand how a zip works. Getting conversant with a zip’s structure is a big boost in learning how to fix them.
A zip, just like humans, has teeth that are lined up against each other in two rows. A slider stands in the middle of the rows and moves across the middle to close or open the rows of teeth. But that’s if all the teeth are intact. A missing tooth will spoil the party and hinder the slider’s movement. To solve this challenge, you can either replace the tooth or install a new zipper.
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What Are the Three Parts of a Zipper?
The zipper has three main parts: the slider, the teeth, and the tape. The slider joins the teeth or elements when the zipper is closed or separates them when the zipper is open. The teeth, also called the elements, are the components of each row of the zipper that interlock into one another when the slider runs over them.
When the slider closes them up, they engage with one another to form a chain. The tape is the material on which the teeth are attached.
How to Fix a Zipper With a Missing Tooth
Has your zipper lost a tooth? Don’t fret! Just get a plier, needles, thread, and a new tooth. You might also need to buy a zipper repair kit. You can find all of these in a fabric store closest to you. The first step is to clean up the area of any bumps or hindrances. Then, fix the new tooth on the zipper tape. Ensure that it lines up with the other teeth.
After that, use a needle and a thread to keep the new tooth secure and firm on the tape. Test the zip by running the slider through the rows of teeth. If it gets stuck, simply adjust its position, and you will be good to go.
If several teeth have come off and you need a quick solution, use fabric glue. Simply dab the glue on the empty portion of the zipper tape. Then, press the zipper together until the glue dries. Mind you, this fix is temporary.
How To Fix a Zipper That Has Lost Its Pull?
To solve this challenge for a separated zipper, move the slider to the bottom of the zipper where you have the stop. Then, pull the zipper apart. Remove the stop, followed by the slider. Place the new slider just the same way the old one came off. Then, fix the stops, and your zip is back in shape.
For a non-separated zipper, pry it open with a pair of nippers, then remove the stops with needle nose pliers. Afterward, using the nippers, make a small cut between the teeth where the stops had been. This will make it easier to pull off the slider. Pull off the slider and install the new one.
To install the new slider, arrange the teeth and introduce them into the larger side of the slider. When you’ve moved the teeth to the middle of the slider, hold each side of the zipp with one set of fingers as you push the slider through with the other set.
What Makes a Zipper Not Zip?
If your zipper is causing problems, there are several likely reasons. A tooth or several teeth could have broken off, or the rows of zippers could have separated. In this situation, the slider moves to and fro almost effortlessly, but the zippers do not interlock. This happens because of a loose slider.
The solution to this problem is simple. Use the pliers and pinch each half of your slider shut just a little bit. The goal is to squeeze the top and the bottom of the slider closer together. Then, try the slider on the zip again. If the problem persists, squeeze the slider a little bit more until it connects with the zipper and resumes its job.
Zippers develop problems for two major reasons. It’s either they’ve been overused or underused. Overuse can cause the tension in the slider to loosen. Also, it could lead to a bent zipper track, especially if you’ve applied lots of pressure in zipping. A zipper could become stiff from underuse. However, a lubricating oil can solve the problem.
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How Do You Fix a Zipper That Broke Off the Track?
Here’s a DIY process for placing a zip back on track. First, remove the stops. If the stops are metallic, they are likely reusable. Plastic stops aren’t likely to be useful after you’ve removed them. Afterward, move the slider bottom of the zipper just below the last set of teeth.
Then, realign the zipper teeth so they mesh together. Move the slider to the top of the zipper. This will close as many aligned teeth as possible. Then, fix back the metallic zipper stops with pliers. If the stop was plastic, you can make a new stop with thread.
Just sew the thread back and forth through both ends of the tape just below the last teeth. Then, make several knots using both ends of the thread. This skill will prove useful for zips on both women’s and men’s fashion items.
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