Did you recently find an unfamiliar zipper? Making your own clothes is fun until you end up with zippers you don’t know how to use. The differences between separating and non-separating zippers are about more than what you use them for. Find out what makes these fasteners unique.
As the name suggests, separating zippers come apart at both ends. They separate completely and include additional features that allow the fastener to go together and come apart. Separating zippers include a retainer box and insertion pin. Depending on the item, it may have a left or right insertion pin. These fasteners are typically made from metal, plastic, or coil.
Jackets, hoodies, and coats use separating zippers. They are ideal for clothing because they allow you to get in and out of your items easily.
Most zippers have a closed bottom. Closed-bottom zippers don’t allow the zipper to come apart at the ends. They contain stops instead of retainer boxes to prevent the slide from falling off the chain. Common types of closed-bottom zippers include metal, plastic, coil, and invisible.
Pro Tip: You can turn a separating zipper into a closed-bottom one by sewing the ends together!
Most items with zippers have closed-bottom ones. They are common on purses, cushions, marine gear, and more.
To get the right size zipper you need for a project, measure correctly. The right way to measure a zipper is to begin at the retainer box and measure all the way to the slider. Learn more about measuring zipper sizes here.
Pro Tip: Shorten zippers by cutting the chain. You can sew through zippers before you cut to ensure you have the correct length.
There are multiple ways to repair a zipper. It never hurts to have a kit on hand for wardrobe malfunctions. Begin by inspecting the zipper teeth. Remove any threads or fabric that are stuck. Next, clean debris and rust from the zipper. Use a lubricant like wax to keep it clean. If teeth are bent out of place or missing, you may need to use pliers to bend them back. If your slider is broken, use a zipper pull replacement piece to extend the life of your chain.
It’s important to know the differences between separating and non-separating zippers before you order any. Converting zippers isn’t easy, so make sure you know what you’re buying. You can count on FixnZip® to have the zipper repair parts you need. Order today and be ready for your next zipper emergency! Contact us with any questions.
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
Creating your own fashion is a timeless hobby. Clothing is essential to our modern way of life, and the zipper has been part of it for more than 100 years. This simple fastener makes clothing easier to wear, but you can also use it as a fashion statement. What to know before ordering new zippers is the different sizes, materials, and functions they serve. Use this guide to figure out which one is right for your project.
Most people don’t think about the mechanics of zippers—they just use them. This expertly designed piece of engineering is crafted with custom pieces that must latch together perfectly, or the mechanism won’t work. The hook and hollow of coordinating teeth must match up to secure a strong hold. The fastener should only come undone when the slide separates the teeth.
Whether you’re inserting a new zipper or repairing one, it’s important to understand how zippers are made. Though they seem simple, this fastener that’s been in use for more than 100 years is composed of several parts, including:
Before you purchase a zipper, know your options. They come in many different sizes, materials, and colors. When choosing a zipper, consider your project. When sewing a new zipper into an item, try to match the size and material of the previous zipper. If your original zipper was weak, you might consider a stronger one.
Metal, coil, and VISLON are the most common types of zippers. VISLON are recognizable by the shape of their teeth, which are slightly triangular. Their advanced interlocking method is waterproof and ideal for marine gear. VISLON zippers may look like metal or another neutral color.
Coil zippers are flexible and made from plastic. They are the strongest type of fastener and work well on items that curve, such as backpacks, tents, and boots. With coil, a line of teeth is sewn into the tape to form the chain. They come in a myriad of colors.
On the other hand, the teeth of metal zippers are sewn separately into the tape. They are shiny and metallic. Metal zippers tend to be sturdy and tough enough for jackets, bags, and upholstery.
In addition to the material, another vital thing to understand before picking out a replacement zipper is that they come in different sizes. It’s essential to measure the width of the teeth to know the size of the fastener you’re replacing. You measure zippers in millimeters. The most common sizes are 5mm, 10mm, and 15mm.
Locking zippers contain a mechanism within the slider that holds it in place. It won’t separate unless you use the pull tab to glide the slide over the teeth. Non-locking zippers will move no matter what part of the zipper you pull on, including pulling the teeth apart.
Finished zippers are standard on jackets and include an insertion box and pin as well as top and bottom stops. These additional pieces prevent the slider from falling off the chain and allow the zipper to separate. Continuous zippers are sewn into bags and tents. They don’t come apart at the ends.
Regardless of which type of zipper you have, it may malfunction for several reasons. One of the most common causes of a broken zipper is the slider becoming stuck. If it’s stuck, don’t tug harder on the pull as you risk breaking it. The zipper may be stuck if lose threads or fabric get caught in the teeth or slide. Dirt and debris may also cause the slide to stop working.
Another common problem with zippers occurs when they separate. Sometimes zippers come undone in the center when the slider isn’t tight enough. It can also happen if something is stuck in the teeth or if the teeth are misaligned.
Keep in mind that there’s an easy way to fix your zipper when it breaks instead of buying a new one. A no-sew zipper pull tab replacement allows you to fix jackets, backpacks, and tents quickly. Stop throwing things away just because the zipper breaks when you use a no-sew device.
Whether it’s the zipper on your marine gear or your Halloween costume, you should keep it clean to ensure you can use it again year after year. To prevent having to replace your fasteners, inspect them for debris. Use a brush with fine bristles to excavate dirt. Then grease the zipper with a lubricant such as:
You should buy a new zipper if your current one is beyond repair. If your zipper is missing multiple teeth, adding a new slide might not help your situation. It’s time to purchase new zippers if your old ones are too small to clean or repair.
Get new zippers at craft stores and from online retailers. Before you make your purchase, check descriptions to ensure you’re ordering the best fastener for your project. For instance, many clothing items need long zippers, so ensure you measure accordingly. If you’re replacing one, make sure you use a sturdier material, so your jacket or backpack doesn’t break again.
Some factors to know before ordering new zippers is how to measure your zipper and what your options are. Zippers come in all sorts of different materials and sizes. If you’re repairing a broken fastener, try the FixNZip replacement zipper. This no-sew slider is a quick fix to any zipper malfunction you may come across. It just might be the last zipper you ever order.
While packing your bags for an extended vacation, you struggle to close your suitcase and the zipper breaks. It’s bad timing because you leave tomorrow and don’t have time to buy a new bag. Luckily, you can fix the zipper just in time. Find out how to replace the zipper on a luggage bag and discover ways to make zipper repair easier in the future.
Before you decide to replace the zipper on your luggage, inspect the slide and teeth. Zippers can become stuck for a myriad of reasons. Remove any threads or fabric from the zipper and clean away any dirt. To work correctly, your zipper shouldn’t be missing any teeth or have any broken pieces.
If you must replace the slide on your zipper, you’ll likely need pliers. To replace a traditional slide, use pliers to loosen its grip on the teeth until you can slide it off. Next, you can place a new zipper slide on the teeth and use the pliers to tighten it. Keep in mind, you'll have to find the exact zipper size, and zipper type (coil, plastic tooth, or metal tooth) as the original slider, otherwise it won't work. Also, taking a pair of pliers to the original zipper and slider runs the risk of damaging the zipper teeth beyond repair.
Another zipper head replacement option is to use a FixNZip. This universal device fits on any zipper and is easy to use. You don’t need pliers or a sewing kit to replace a zipper when you have a FixnZip, and it's cheaper than having a new zipper professionally installed. Simply loosen the thumbscrew and slide it over the zipper teeth. Next, tighten the device so that it glides over the teeth like a proper slide. You can also check out the video below to see how the FixnZip works and how to install it.
A FixNZip allows you to make zipper repairs on the go. If your luggage breaks while at the airport or anywhere else along your travels, you can fix it right away with this unique tool. Don’t throw out perfectly good luggage just because the zipper is busted! Knowing how to replace the zipper on a luggage bag is key to extending the lifespan of your most essential items.
You probably don’t think much about the significance of the zipper. Often taken for granted, this masterfully engineered fastener is essential to most people’s daily lives. While you could live without it, modern life is made much more convenient by this seemingly simple device that is found on most jackets, backpacks, and pants. Learn about the history of this fastener and how it became so popular.
You may have never considered that zippers have a history. Zippers were invented more than 170 years ago, and now they’re the most popular fastener used today. The mechanism went through several rounds of engineering before it became the device that we all know.
The first zipper was invented by the same person who invented the sewing machine. Too busy promoting their more popular invention, Elias Howe’s zipper wasn’t much of a success. Whitcomb Judson improved upon Howe’s design in time for the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. He called it a “clasp locker,” and again the invention was not successful.
It was not until the early 1900s when Gideon Sunback was working for the Universal Fastener Company that he invented the modern zipper. Sunback was a head designer at the plant in Hoboken, NJ, where he received a patent for his design in 1917. Further, Sunback also invented a machine to create the zipper. The first one could produce at least a few hundred feet of zipper chain per day.
The first zippers were advertised as shoe fasteners. The G.B. Goodrich company used them for their rubber boots and started calling the fasteners zippers. The common use of the term “zipper” is attributed to G.B. Goodrich. Additional original uses for zippers were for military equipment and uniforms during World War I.
How did zippers become part of mainstream fashion? Once designers learned how simple they were to sew into clothing, as well as how versatile they could be, zippers were found in advertisements across the globe. French fashion designers praised them for revolutionizing both men’s and children’s clothing. As the trend picked up in the United States, zippers became a preferred fastener to buttons or ties. Let’s next take a look at why the zipper is important in fashion.
When it comes to men’s fashion, zippers are less about aesthetic and more about function. Once designers realized how easy zippers made getting in and out of trousers, they knew men would love them. Zippers are easily concealed in men’s clothing but are also easily accessible so you can open your pants to use the restroom. Early advertisements for men’s pants with zippers were enticing because they played on the idea that those who wore them would have an easier time in the bathroom.
Zippers on women’s clothing are usually about ease. The zippers are typically hidden and may be found on jeans, a blouse, or a dress. Many modern women’s clothing and accessories also feature fashion zippers. Exposed zippers are common on handbags, boots, belts, and hats. Some zippers on women’s clothing don’t serve any function other than appearance. This shows how far our fashion industry has come with this unique fastener.
The zipper gained popularity due to the way it was advertised for children’s clothing. Ads explaining that pants with zippers gave children more independence had mothers buying them in bulk. Children who have more independence do better in school. Kids like being able to take care of themselves, too. Nothing is more significant than a piece of metal or plastic that can give your child more confidence.
In addition to daily fashion, zippers are essential to many other facets of life. They are the most common fastener used to keep bags and cases of all sorts closed. One of the most common uses for zippers is on jackets and coats. You wouldn’t buy a jacket that didn’t have a zipper, and you might stop using your jacket if the zipper broke.
Outdoor gear is another mainstream use for zippers. If you have a tent, boat, or other camping or marine equipment, it likely has a zipper to keep it secure. Zippers for outdoor gear are typically heavy- duty. For instance, marine zippers are water-resistant. Further, manufacturers use coil zippers for tents to ensure flexibility. You always want to buy top-quality gear to ensure it comes with a good zipper.
Prior to zippers, people used buttons and ties to fasten items like shoes and jackets. Since the invention of the zipper, it has inspired other fasteners, but none offer as strong of a hold. For instance, mechanisms for resealable bags and Velcro were designed based on zippers. While strong forms of Velcro exist, they aren’t as practical as zippers. Velcro wears down over time and is challenging to maintain.
Taking care of a zipper is easy if you know how to clean and properly maintain it. First, you should understand the most important parts of a zipper—the chain, teeth, slide, and pull tab. Your zipper shouldn’t be missing any teeth, and the slide shouldn’t wobble on the chain. The most common reason a zipper gets stuck is that something is caught in the teeth. You should remove threads, grime, and other gunk before trying to loosen the slide. Pull gently on the tab so you don’t break it.
To protect your zipper and ensure the slide glides over the chain properly, use a lubricant. You’ll know your zipper needs lubricant if the slide catches on the chain as you try to use it. The best things to use to grease your zipper are:
Sometimes, a zipper repair is necessary. You can sew in a brand-new zipper if you have the skills and time. Most people don’t have a sewing machine. If you suffer a zipper malfunction while on the go, you need a quick fix. A no-sew universal zipper repair kit is the perfect item to keep with you in case the zipper on your luggage, tent, or jacket suddenly stops working.
The zipper doesn’t stop evolving. We’ll always need to fasten our clothes, bags, and shelters. It’s not difficult to understand the significance of the zipper when you start looking for it in the world around you. You may use a zipper every day. If zippers are important to your lifestyle, get ahold of a FixNZip to help repair your items in an instant.
Zipper care isn’t always on the top of our minds. You likely don’t think about your zippers until they break. If you own expensive camping gear or marine equipment, though, you know how important it is to make sure your zippers work, so you don’t have to replace your gear. Here are easy ways to extend the life of your zipper so you can keep using your favorite items.
Cleaning your zipper will help it continue working. Especially if you use any outdoor equipment, you’ll want to clean the zippers after each use. Avoid dirt and grime from clogging the teeth of your zipper by cleaning it right away. Clogged zipper teeth may prevent the slide from gliding over the chain smoothly.
To protect your zipper and keep it in good shape, you should lubricate the teeth. Many common household items make good lubricants, such as granite pencils, Windex, and lip balm. Use a lubricant on your zipper before using your outdoor gear or to improve a rigid zipper.
Zippers are made of different materials, such as plastic and metal. Some are more durable than others. If your zipper isn’t working properly, don’t tug on it harshly because you might break it. You should always inspect the zipper for damage and try to repair it. If you tug too hard, you risk causing further damage like removing the pull tab or slide.
You can extend the life of your zipper and the item it’s attached to when you learn simple repair techniques. A common cause of a stuck zipper is threads wound in the teeth. Unwind or cut away these threads to improve the use of your zipper.
For more easy ways to extend the life of your zipper, you can keep a zipper replacement kit on hand. The FixNZip fits on any size zipper to replace the tab. Find one today!
No matter the cause of zipper failure, finding out that the zipper on your favorite item is broken doesn’t have to mean throwing it away. You may be able to repair a broken zipper with the right tools. Depending on the condition of the zipper, you can perform simple tricks to get it working again. Know how to tell whether a broken zipper can be repaired to avoid replacing or throwing out items altogether.
To find out if you can repair your zipper, you must inspect the slider. Check for damage that may cause it to fall off, such as corrosion or missing sections. If your slider is irreparable, you can use a zipper pull tab replacement. Using a FixNZip is the easiest way to replace any broken zipper. You may be able to repair your broken zipper yourself, though.
If your slider is stuck, you can lubricate the teeth to help it slide better. Use a granite pencil, wax, Windex, or another common option to lubricate the zipper on the teeth and slide.
The slide on your zipper can become loose over time. You may notice this if your zipper teeth separate after you pull up the tab or if the slide jiggles on the chain. Use pilers to pinch your slider back onto the chain.
Other pieces that may be broken or missing from your zipper are the insertion box or stops. These pieces prevent the slider from falling off the chain. For instance, if you are using your jacket, and the slider comes off, you may need to replace a top or bottom stop. If you are having trouble starting your zipper, you may have a damaged pin or box that needs to be replaced.
Knowing how to tell whether a broken zipper can be repaired will save you money and stress. A zipper can break at anytime if you don’t take good care of it. Keep a FixNZip on hand for all your wardrobe malfunctions and other zipper repair needs. Shop online to find one today.
When you’re heading out for the day, the last thing you need is a jammed zipper. Whether it’s on your jacket or a handbag, an unruly zipper can ruin your plans. Knowing how to unstick a zipper that’s jammed can save you in a pinch. It doesn’t take long to fix a stuck zipper. Check out these pointers.
The first step to fixing a jammed zipper is to inspect it closely. Don’t continue to tug, hoping that the slider will come free; you might break it! If you break the slider on your zipper, you’ll need a FixnZip™ easy replacement zipper to continue using your tent, backpack, or garment. You can simply attach the FixnZip™ and continue using your zipper as usual.
While you inspect your zipper, you may notice that the fabric of your item has become stuck in the slider. In this case, it’s important to know how to unstick a zipper from fabric. Gently remove any fabric that is stuck to unjam your zipper. Sometimes, threads may wind themselves through your slider or zipper teeth. You may need scissors to help you remove these threads so that you can unjam your slider.
Your zipper might become jammed if the pieces are sticking together. Luckily, you can use various household items to lubricate your zipper. Lubricating your zipper will reduce friction and help the slider glide across the teeth. Common items you can use to lubricate zippers include:
With the right tools, you can figure out how to unstick a zipper that’s jammed in time for any occasion. You no longer need to throw out items that don’t work just because of the zipper. If your zipper becomes completely busted and you lose the pull or slider, you can use a FixnZip™ to solve your problem in a pinch. Get one today to keep around so that you’re ready for any zipper malfunction. Contact us with any questions and for more information!
You want your investment in your boat to pay off, but when the zippers on your boat cover begin to stick, you might second guess your decision. Living or working near the water requires as much maintenance out of the water as you get to spend time in it. If you love fishing or diving, it is worth keeping your equipment clean so that you can use it for many years to come.
Proper maintenance means inspecting your zippers. If the zippers on your boat cover or any other marine gear stop working, you won’t be able to use it anymore. Keep reading to discover common issues with marine zippers and how to fix them so you can stay dry no matter where you sail.
Marine equipment includes all sorts of zippers. The main types of marine zippers are boat and wetsuit zippers. You might have one on your boat if it has an enclosure. Fasteners for boat covers must be strong and durable. Your boat zipper should be able to withstand natural elements like weather as well as whatever type of water you’ll have it in most.
Marine equipment often gets dragged through the sand or mud. Natural water isn’t always enough to wash it all away. If you don’t regularly clean your zippers, they can become caked with dirt, which can clog the teeth and prevent the slide from moving across them. Further, water can corrode metal and plastic, causing your zipper to get stuck.
Your marine zipper can fail for a myriad of reasons. The entire zipper could be dirty or corroded and need a good cleaning. Before tugging on the slide, inspect the zipper to see if anything is caught in it. Loose threads can easily get caught in your zipper slider and prevent it from working. Another cause of zipper failure is broken or missing zipper teeth. Further, the teeth might not line up and may separate even after you use the slider.
To fix a zipper, it can help to know how they work, and that requires understanding the different parts of a zipper. Though seemingly simple, zippers are engineered from several parts. If one piece isn’t working correctly, the whole thing stops working. The six common parts of a zipper include:
The two most common zipper materials are metal and plastic. For marine equipment, plastic is better because water corrodes metal. If you have a metal slider on metal teeth, they are likely to fuse together once water hits them—especially salt water. You may also enjoy nylon coil zippers because they are flexible. Since marine equipment is costly, invest in products designed to last a long time no matter how well you maintain them.
The zipper for your boat cover or wetsuit is essential. Without it, you can’t use your important item. The last thing you want is to find out that the zipper isn’t working at the exact moment you want to use your marine gear. To avoid a catastrophe, you should clean your marine zippers after each use. Since dirt and debris will likely get inside each time you use your boat or other gear, be sure to clean your items after taking them in the water. You can avoid mildew, corrosion, and pests if you stay on top of maintenance.
To keep your zipper working smoothly, you should lubricate it. A graphite pencil is the most common item to use, but you may also find success with Windex, candle or Crayon wax, or even lip balm. In general, it is best to lubricate high-quality zippers that you want to last a long time. Since marine zippers are attached to high-ticket items, consider taking this extra step.
Pro Tip: Avoid lubricants that contain silicone. Silicone lubricants may attract particles like sand and dirt to your zipper, which can stick in the teeth and clog them.
If your zipper sticks due to corrosion, you may need to clean it with vinegar. With a vinegar mixture, you can dissolve the corrosion and unstick the slider from the chain. Especially if you take your marine gear into the ocean, salt water can cause corrosion around your zippers. You might see a white film build up around the slide or parts of the teeth.
Sometimes, all the cleaning in the world isn’t enough to keep your zipper working. If you neglect zipper care for too long, you may need to replace your zipper. For instance, if the pull comes off or the slider breaks in any other way, you may need to replace your zipper. You may also need a replacement if the teeth break.
When it comes to marine zipper replacement, you have many options. How you do it may depend on your level of expertise. Skilled sewers can cut out the existing zipper and sew in a new one with a sewing machine or by hand. An easier method is to use no-sew zipper repair parts that allow you to simply attach a FixNZip as soon as you notice your zipper isn’t working.
If you own a boat, it is important to know about common issues with marine zippers and how to fix them. You never know when damage could cause your equipment to stop working. Having a plan in place for when disaster strikes is the best way to stay prepared. No matter what happens to your zippers, the FixNZip can solve it. Simply attach it to your current zipper and use it like a regular slider. Shop our online store to get yours today.
Zippers are necessary on backpacks for security. If your backpack zipper isn’t working, your backpack becomes useless. Rather than throw it out, you might want to consider learning how to replace a broken backpack zipper. Zippers bust and jam for all sorts of different reasons, meaning they require different solutions. Keep reading to uncover a solution to all your broken zipper issues.
One of the most common broken zipper problems is the chain coming loose from the slider. If your zipper teeth fall out of the slider, try slipping the chain back inside. Sometimes, zipper slides can become loose, causing the chain to fall out. When this happens, your backpack won’t zip up.
You may need to tighten the slider on your backpack zipper for several reasons. If the chain falls out of the slider, you should tighten it once you put the zipper back together. Additionally, you may need to tighten the slider if your backpack zipper is separating. If this doesn’t work, replacing your backpack zipper might be the best solution.
The reason you need a replacement backpack zipper could be the result of more serious damages. Your zipper could break so badly that you need to replace part of it. If your backpack zipper is busted, and you can’t use the pull or the slide, you may need a zipper head replacement. For instance, if threads or corrosion cause the slide to stick, you may need a new zipper slide and pull tab. You could use a needle and thread to replace your zipper or try an easier no-sew solution.
Replace your broken zipper with a FixNZip replacement piece. You can take a FixNZip with you anywhere just in case the zipper suddenly breaks on your backpack, tent, or jacket. Simply loosen the thumbscrew and attach it to your zipper chain. Tighten the thumbscrew, and then you can start using it like a normal zipper slider. You’ll never worry about how to replace a broken backpack zipper again. Visit our online store to get a FixNZip zipper head replacement today.
