It’s October, and the weather has officially transitioned to fall here in Portland, OR. We’ve been getting beautiful sunny days here in the Northwest, but the nights have been getting noticeably colder. It’s the time of year when I actually zip up my sleeping bag when I go camping, which brings me to the topic of today’s blog post: how to fix a sleeping bag zipper.
I invested good money in my sleeping bag, because it’s one of the most important pieces of equipment I take backpacking. I need it to maintain body heat, and hopefully get a good night’s sleep in the process. It’s lightweight, comfortable, breathes well, and it keeps me warm. It wasn’t cheap either. I’ve never had a problem with the zipper on my sleeping bag (knock on wood), but I consider myself lucky because a number of my friends have run into this exact problem. So, what are your options if the zipper slider on your sleeping bag wears out or breaks? Here are a few options for how to fix your sleeping bag zipper (and of course the FixnZip® is in there).
Your first option would be to take it to a seamstress. You’ll get your sleeping bag back good as new, but it will also run you anywhere from $60-$100, depending on their pricing. This is only a viable option if you're in town and not using the bag. But what if the zipper breaks when you’re out backpacking?
McNett has a field zipper repair kit that runs about $9.95. It involves unstitching the seam, putting on a new slider, and sewing the seam back up. It includes 5 sliders, but each one fits a specific size and style (i.e. a #5 tooth and a #5 coil). This option is definitely cheaper than the seamstress, but it requires you to do the sewing, and you have to carry multiple zipper sliders for each specific size and style.
The best solution? Naturally I’m partial to this option, but the FixnZip® is great for sleeping bag zipper repair, whether you’re at home or on the trail. For sleeping bags, you can take a look at our video on how to measure zipper size, but I recommend the size Medium. It fits zipper sizes 5-8 and works on both tooth and coil zippers. It does not require tools or sewing, and takes only seconds to install, which makes it a great option for repairing zippers in the field. A single runs just $10.99, and you can order it here.
Below is a video showing Ray, our President and CEO, using the FixnZip® on his daughter’s sleeping bag.
As you can see in the video, the FixnZip® is easy to use on a sleeping bag. I highly recommend keeping a few in your first aid kit when you're backpacking, just in case the zipper goes out on any of your gear. As always, if you have any questions about this post or have a topic you would like me to cover, comment below or hit me up on Twitter or Facebook. You can also contact us here.
Jonathan
A lot of people have been emailing me lately about FixnZip Double Zip Repair. Yes, I will show you how to fix a broken Double Zipper! I will show you How to Repair a Zipper which has Two Sliders. Because FixnZip Kit will work ALL types of a zippers. First off, a double zipper has two sliders on the same zipper track that can open the zipper from either end. You can find a double zipper on items like jackets, sleeping bags, and tents. Sometimes the two sliders meet in the middle. However, some are flush and zip away from each other. In short, the FixnZip works on ALL these zipper types. Two Slider zippers are just one type. FixnZip innovative tool can be used to repair ALL zipper types. I'll walk you through why this problem occurs and how to repair it simply. If you don't like reading, just scroll down to the video.
Usually, a Two Slider Zipper will stop working because the one or both of the sliders has worn down or broken off. You can tell there's a problem with the zipper sliders when the teeth won't stay connected. If one of the sliders on a double zipper is broken or has popped off, then the zipper isn't functional. What to do? Easy, you replace the broken zipper slider.
You can always have a seamstress repair the broken zipper, unless you are a sewing nerd expect to pay a premium for fixing it. Boat cover zippers are an especially complicated zipper! A seamstress guru priced out a repair in the 2K range of cost! No mention the time it would take. Want an easy fix? You can use the FixnZip as the replacement zipper slider for one or both sliders on the Zipper With Two Sliders. It doesn't require any tools or sewing, and you can fix your broken zipper in a matter of minutes.
I put together a short video to show you how. I use a jacket to demonstrate, but it's the same process on any item with a broken double zipper.
If you can't watch the video, find instructions here on our website. The insert that comes with the FixnZip also has instructions.
The only difference between a regular zipper and a double zip is that, if both zipper sliders are broken, you'll put the top FixnZip on right-side up, and the bottom one on upside down. Then you feed the other row of teeth through both sliders, just like you did before it was broken. EASY!
The FixnZip comes in small, medium, and large. These three sizes work for just about any zipper out there. A Zipper With Two Sliders is usually found on jackets, bags, tents, and sleeping bags. These are typically a size medium, but take a look at our sizing guide to be sure. The FixnZip also works on any type and material: tooth or coil zippers in metal, plastic, or nylon. Whatever your zipper, FixnZip can repair it.
You can buy the FixnZip on our online store. You can check out the list of retailers that carry it here. I hope that helps you fix your broken double zipper. If you have any questions, feel free to call or email us using our Contact page.
Jonathan
I have a favorite hoodie. It’s comfortable, all lined in fleece, and has an embroidered logo of my favorite NFL team. I wear that thing constantly during football season and through the winter until the weather warms up. Out of nowhere, the zipper stopped working. The teeth would separate as soon as I’d zip it up. The good news is, I fix zippers for a living, so I knew just how to fix it, and I’m going to share how you can easily Repair Zippers That Separate or Come Undone, too.
Why does the zipper keep splitting?
Most of the time, a zipper won’t stay zipped because there’s not enough tension in the zipper slider to connect the teeth correctly. It’s not easy to diagnose because you can’t tell just by looking at the zipper slider that it has lost tension. But you know something’s wrong when your zipper separates as soon as you zip it up. Have you seen how much it costs to replace a zipper on pants? Replace a zipper on a dress? full zipper replacement will start somewhere in the $65 – $75, range. You also need to purchase the correct zipper. To repair something made of leather or a designer outfit costs double that. Read on to learn how to Repair Zippers That Separate or Come Undone.
How can I fix it?
When a zipper slider loses tension, the slider needs to be replaced. There’s not an easy way to put a new slider on a zipper. So unfortunately, you usually need to take out the entire existing zipper and put in a new zipper. This is a waste of a perfectly good zipper. Full zipper replacement will cost you up to $75.00 to have it done professionally! There is another way! Fortunately, for your favorite zipper clad item, I will show you here how to Repair Zippers That Separate or Come Undone.
Enter the FixnZip. Its' a replacement zipper slider and you don't need tools or sewing to install it. It is made to Repair Zippers That Separate or Come Undone! The unique thumbscrew design allows you to fit the slider right over the existing zipper teeth! Next, adjust the tension so your zipper always stays closed. This works no matter if the zipper is metal, nylon, or plastic, tooth or coil. Check out this video to see how it’s done:
Does it work on other zippers?
In the video to Repair Zippers That Separate or Come Undone, I showed you how to fix a separating zipper on my jacket. However, the FixnZip works on other zippers that keep splitting! Zippers on a tent, backpack, or sleeping bag. The only difference is that those have closed-end zippers. It makes installing the FixnZip is just a little different. FixnZip has a video showing you how to fix a closed-end zipper here.
What size should I use?
A quick note on sizing. The FixnZip comes in small, medium, and large. This sizing covers just about every zipper out there. I used a size medium FixnZip in the video. This is what fixed the separating zipper on my hoodie. Medium is the same size you’d use on a sleeping bag or tent. See the sizing page on our website to find the right size FixnZip to fix your broken zipper. You can buy the FixnZip on our online store or at one of our retailers.
In conclusion, if you need any tips on fixing a zipper that keeps splitting, we’re here to help. Do you have questions about Repairing Zippers That Separate or Come Undone? If I didn’t answer your question in the video, just shoot us a message on our contact page.
Jonathan
One of my favorite getaways is heading out to the Oregon Coast for the weekend. I was throwing clothes into my duffel bag for one such weekend when I realized my duffel bag zipper had broken. It might sound silly, but this little duffel was the perfect size to hold everything I’d need for a few days. No spare duffel bag lying around—why would I when I already had the perfect duffel bag? You know what I did have? I had a spare FixnZip ready to use! Zipper fixed, crisis averted, beach weekend a go.
Most zippers fail because the slider has worn down and loses tension. This results in a zipper track that won’t stay closed or gets misaligned or jams. Other times, the slider just pops right off. Either way, you’re stuck with a bum zipper on a bag, therefore it doesn’t serve its purpose.
Your options are: (1) throw it away, (2) take it to a seamstress to fix (you may as well buy a new duffel bag for that price), (3) rip out and replace the entire zipper track, which requires sewing skills, or (4) use one of those other zipper repair kits that require sewing, which is basically like Option 3. The FixnZip keeps your duffel bag out of the landfill. FixnZip requires no sewing knowledge. Your new Fixnzip saves you the cost of paying someone to fix it or buy a new one.
The FixnZip kit is a replacement zipper slider that works on all types of zippers and materials (plastic, metal, nylon, coil). It comes in three sizes to fit just about any size zipper out there. A small works for zippers like you might find on couch cushions and purse pockets, the medium is for duffel bags, jackets, backpacks, tents, and sleeping bags, and the large is for heavy duty zippers like on boat covers and wet suits.
So, you have a duffel bag with a broken zipper, and now you know you can fix it with a FixnZip. But how? We made a video to show you exactly how to do that. If you can’t watch the video, then follow these steps:
First, take your size medium FixnZip (a medium will work on most duffel bags) and loosen the thumb screw.
Next, hold one side open and slip it over the zipper teeth on your bag. If it’s a closed-end zipper, you’ll need a little extra finger dexterity to slide the teeth into both sides at the same time. See the video for a good visual on this step.
Now, tighten the thumb screw down until it’s tight, but not so tight that it can’t slide. It usually helps to tighten it completely, then loosen it a quarter turn.
Finally, zip it up. If the teeth don’t connect, that means you need to tighten it a little more. If it’s hard to zip, loosen it up a little. If you’re fixing a closed-end zipper, starting the zipper can be a little tricky, so be sure to take a peek at the video for some tips.
Purchase a kit on our online store, or you can visit one of our retailers. Have any questions? Feel free to call or email us using the Contact page, or hit us up on Facebook or Twitter. Zipper repair doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Make it easy on yourself and pick up a FixnZip. You’ll save your stuff, your money, and your time. And who knows, maybe you’ll even get a weekend getaway out of it.
Jonathan
We all have a favorite jacket, hoodie, or fleece. The one that fits like a glove or provides just the right amount of warmth or has a hood that actually shields your face from the rain. The coat your hand automatically reaches for on your way out the door. You’re probably imagining it now, feeling its warm embrace wrapping you up in a comforting hug. You’ve been through so much together. Adventures, relationships, the mundane tasks of everyday life. And then one day, a broken zipper.
That’s when the denial starts. You probably never really used the zipper, right? Maybe you can just hold it closed. After the wind whips your jacket out of your hands and your shirt gets soaked with rain, you move on to anger. How could this happen? It’s your favorite jacket! Why couldn’t the zipper break on that neon ‘80s monstrosity your grandma gave you last Christmas? Then you start to bargain. You promise you’ll eat more kale if you can just get your jacket zipper to work again. And finally, acceptance. That’s it. The jacket is no good without the zipper. You just need to let it go.
You might be on that final stage now, ready to throw your old friend away. Wait! Don’t do it! We have a solution for you: the FixnZip.
How does the FixnZip work?
FixnZip is a jacket zipper replacement slider that fixes a broken zipper without any tools or sewing. All you do is slip it over the zipper teeth on your jacket, tighten down the thumbscrew, and you’ve got a working zipper in a matter of seconds. Did the zipper slider on your jacket break, jam, or pop off? That’s ok! The FixnZip replaces a broken zipper slider. What if the zipper teeth jammed or a few of the teeth broke? The FixnZip can fix a jammed zipper and can slide over some broken teeth to allow your jacket to zip again.
What size should I use?
A FixnZip size medium will work for most jacket zippers. If you have a heavy-duty work jacket, it might be a size large. Check out our sizing guide to choose the right size FixnZip to fix your broken jacket zipper.
Where can I buy a FixnZip jacket zipper replacement?
It’s easy to order a FixnZip from our online store, but if you don’t want to wait for shipping, you can find the FixnZip replacement zipper slider at some retailers.
There, now. Don’t you feel better? Your jacket’s as good as new again. The clouds have parted, the wind died down, the sun is shining, and your faithful companion will be with you for years to come.
Jonathan
P.S. The above picture is real. FixnZip been featured on the Today Show three times. You can check out the most recent highlights with Kathie Lee and Hoda or one of the previous segments with Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie , and Al Roker.
If you’re an avid boater, then you know that boats have zippers everywhere. You’ll find zippers on the bridge enclosure, the boat cover, seat cushions, life jackets, and even non-boat-specific items like duffel and gear bags or your fishing vest. It’s a pain to have a zipper break on a gear bag or vest, but it’s a shot in your wallet to have your zipper fail on something big like a boat cover. You’re talking feet and feet of zipper length to replace, for roughly the cost of an arm and a leg. Luckily, we’ve got you covered, both your boat and your wallet, with the FixnZip®.
FixnZip® is a replacement zipper slider that fixes a broken zipper without tools or sewing. That means if a zipper breaks when you’re out on the water, you can just pull out your spare FixnZip® and have an easy marine zipper repair in a few seconds. Not too long ago, a guy brought his sail cover into our office trying to find an alternative to paying a seamstress hundreds of dollars to replace the 30-foot-long zipper. Within a few seconds, and for under $10, he had the FixnZip® installed on the sail cover and the zipper working again like new.
How does it work?
The FixnZip® is a replacement zipper slider (the little box you pull up and down on the zipper teeth to open or close a zipper). Whether the teeth on your zipper are separating and won’t stay closed, the zipper is jammed, or the slider breaks or falls off, the FixnZip® can fix it. Check out this video to see how it works on a bridge enclosure:
Will the FixnZip® rust in salt water?
No! It’s made of zinc and stainless steel and is completely non-corrosive. The FixnZip® is popular in the diving industry because of how well it works on wetsuit zippers, and there’s no risk of it ever rusting. The boating industry is catching wind of the FixnZip®, too. Check out the write-up we got in Great Lakes Boating Magazine (page 51).
Where can I get a marine zipper?
We have a full selection in our online store, or you can visit one of our retailers.
If you have any questions, feel free to call or email us using the Contact page, or hit us up on Facebook or Twitter. Now get out there and enjoy the rest of the summer on the water without worrying about your boat’s zippers, or about your wallet.
Jonathan
There are plenty of camping survival guides out there already, but there's not much when it comes to glamping. Don't worry, Glampers, I've got you covered.
Let me begin by saying that I hate to shop for pants. It seems like a miracle when I can actually find a pair that fit right AND are on sale. So you can imagine my frustration when the zipper on my semi-new golf shorts broke (kind of like that time I had a broken golf bag zipper).
I was hanging out with the relatives after a nice family dinner, and I realized my shorts zipper had jammed. Sure it was big meal, but I didn’t eat THAT much. Anyway, the zipper was zipped up about half, but the teeth had separated. It was one of those small zippers with the brass teeth. I tried several times to pull the zipper slider (the thing that connects the teeth) back down to the beginning to get it started again, but even after applying pressure with pliers (a tip I picked up from youtube) I couldn’t get the teeth to connect.
The teeth were fine, but the zipper slider needed to be replaced. Normally to do that, you have to un-stitch the old zipper and sew a new one in. Although my wife is an excellent seamstress, she wasn’t too keen to take on the hassle. After having success with the FixnZip® on my golf bag, I decided to try the new size “small” for my zipper repair for pants. For those of you have haven’t read my other post, FixnZip® is a replacement zipper slider that can be installed with no tools and no sewing. So, here’s how to fix a broken zipper on pants.
Since the old brass slider was shot, I removed it with a pair of pliers (technically I could have left it on if I wanted to test the FixnZip® first). I just loosened the thumbscrew on the FixnZip® replacement slider, slipped it over the teeth at the beginning of the zipper track, and tightened the thumbscrew back down. Just like that, the zipper was back up and running.
In addition to shorts, the small is great for items such as jeans, skirts, garments etc. It’s available for purchase at the FixnZip® Online Store for $9.99. And starting at the end of March, you’ll be able to buy the FixnZip® at JoAnn Fabric Stores nationwide.
Still skeptical? Here’s an adorable blog review of the FixnZip® size “small” being used to repair a broken zipper on a pair of children’s pajamas (Click here for Blog Review). If you have any questions on how to fix a broken zipper on pants with FixnZip®, please feel free to email me using the “Contact Us” page or hit us up on Facebook and Twitter.
Jonathan
There must be a broken tent zipper epidemic going on, because the majority of the phone calls I’ve received this week are from people who need a tent zipper repair. Actually, it probably has more to do with the fact that spring is here, and people are digging their camping gear out of the garage and finding broken zippers. If you’re having the same problem, just take a deep breath. You’re not alone and there is help.
When it comes to broken tent zippers, it’s usually one of two things: The zipper slider came off or the teeth aren’t connecting anymore. Either way, you can’t close your tent and that’s a problem. In both of the scenarios, the zipper slider (the thing that goes up and down the track, connecting the teeth) is worn out and needs to be replaced. This might come as a surprise, if you recently bought the tent or spent a lot of money on it. Put simply: most zippers are cheap pieces of junk (yes, even the ones on your expensive camping gear). What’s worse is that a lot of manufactures do not warranty zippers. You can try calling the retailer or manufacturer, but most people are told to go buy a new tent. You could always take your tent to an alterations shop or a seamstress. The process usually involves un-stitching the broken zipper and sewing in a new one. This can easily cost over $100, which search the internet for a cheaper solution and end up finding us.
We manufacture a tent zipper replacement called the FixnZip®. It’s easy to use and requires no tools or sewing to install. It’s made of zinc and is nickel plated, so it is strong and built to last. It’s also entirely manufactured/produced/ assembled in the USA. It’s perfect for tent zipper repair, and can also be used on other outdoor gear. We sell it for $9.99 on our online store, and we also have a “Buy 3 get 1 Free + Free Domestic S&H” promo going.
Of course, we think it’s a great solution… we sell it. But don’t just take our word for it. See what other industry pros have said about it:
Watch the Video below to see how to repair a broken tent zipper using FixnZip® (Note: It’s easier to put the FixnZip® on before you set up the tent.)
What Size do I need?
Most likely a Medium. The majority of camping tents use zippers that fall within our Medium size range. The Medium alone fits zipper sizes 5, 6, 7, 8 and will work on nylon, plastic, and metal teeth or coils. Unless it’s a large canvas tent used for outdoor events, there’s a good chance the Medium will work for your tent.
Can I measure my zipper, just to be sure I get the right one?
Absolutely. Click here to use the measuring guide on our website.
Do I need Nickel or Graphite?
It’s a matter of color preference. The Nickel is brighter and the Graphite is darker. Other than that, they are exactly the same.
What if it doesn’t work?
Send it back and we’ll issue you a full refund.
Miscellaneous tips for installing on a tent:
The great thing is that FixnZip® can be used on a tent, sleeping bag, or backpack etc. So don’t wait until you’re out camping and the zipper breaks before you buy one. Keep a spare in your first aid kit just to be prepared. If you have any questions, feel free to call/email, or hit us up on Facebook or Twitter. Now get out there and hit the trail!
Jonathan
We're very excited about all the positive feedback we've been getting since the launch of the FixnZip™, and we wanted to take a moment to share it with you. From blog reviews to awards at tradeshows, and even a feature in a recently published book, people seem to be happy with the product. But why brag about ourselves when other people can do it for us? Here are some links to the various FixnZip awards and reviews we have received from experts in a range of fields. Don't forget to check back as we update the list.
Do you have a review of your own? We love hearing what people think of the product and how they are using it. So head over to our Facebook page and tell us about your experience with FixnZip™.
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| FixnZip™ was selected as a "Hot 20" product at the 2013 Craft and Hobby Show. | Thirty thousand new products were Introduced at the 2013 International Housewares Show. FixnZip™ was awarded in the Top 5 of its category. | Backpacker Magazine included FixnZip™ in it's book the "the Complete Guide to Outdoor Maintenance and repair" |
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| FixnZip™ was included in Exploring Elements "Top 10 Survival Products" In a review of the Craft and Hobby 2012 Summer Show, FixnZip™ was | In a review of the Craft and Hobby 2012 Summer Show, FixnZip™ was considered to be the most innovative product. | Product Pioneer featured FixnZip™ on its blog, giving you a look at the background of our company. |
