With many devices, manufacturers go the extra mile to waterproof their zippers. Objects like raincoats, tents, luggage, and other items that benefit from keeping dry often utilize waterproof zippers. But how are these zippers different, and what do you need to know about repairing waterproof zippers? FixnZip has the answers for you.
Waterproof zippers have a few differences from most standard fasteners. These zippers typically utilize materials other than metal, such as PVC or other similar polymers. Many metal waterproof zippers have a protective coating made of wax, resin, or other materials to create a barrier.
The construction of the zipper may also differ. With waterproof zippers, the teeth and slider are often invisible when closed. This covering allows the exterior fabric to provide additional protection to the zipper and reduces exposure to water. However, this may make things slightly harder to access when making repairs, so be aware.
Aside from having additional protection over the top, many waterproof or water-resistant zippers have tape qualities that are crucial to be aware of. One thing to know about repairing waterproof zippers is that the construction might differ slightly from zippers on other devices. To create a tighter bond that keeps water out, the slider is on the opposite side of the tape from the teeth or chain. This adds an extra layer of protection but means you need to be careful about where you put a replacement slider.
Repairing a waterproof zipper involves removing the stoppers and replacing the slider correctly before using pliers or similar tools to install a new one. When dealing with garments or other items utilizing waterproof zippers, we do have a few suggestions for keeping them in good condition. Avoiding intense heat from washing in hot water or ironing prevents damage to the polymer material or any protective coating.
If you have a tent or jacket with a waterproof zipper, it’s only natural you want to keep it in good working condition so you’re not stuck in the rain. For any information on replacement zipper pulls and how to install them, the experts at FixnZip have everything you need to get things started. Stay dry and contact us today for more details.
The zippers that we have on things we use in the great outdoors are the ones that need to stay in prime condition. However, these are also the ones that are most likely to suffer from wear and tear, salt buildup, rust, and other normal hazards due to regular storage in more potentially harmful environments. Some of the most common outdoor zippers are those found on tents, boots, wet suits, and other similar products. If you’re wondering how to protect outdoor zippers from damage, FixnZip has some helpful tips for keeping things in good condition, making repairs, and preventing any future damage.
One of the best things that you can do to help take care of your zippers is to keep them clean. One of the most frequent issues you may come across is a buildup of salt. Salt crystals may clog your zipper, causing them to get stuck and lodge themselves in the teeth. If you want to protect your zippers from these crystals, there are many ways to clean your outdoor zippers and remove these salt crystals without causing too much damage to the zipper.
An excellent place to start is by using fresh water on the zipper. Try opening the zipper as much as possible throughout the cleaning process. The salt buildup may get it stuck in places, but gently applying fresh water can help rinse away and dissolve the salt and should allow you to unzip more. You want the zipper to be open so that you have as much access as possible to the different parts. But be careful not to tug so hard that you risk damaging or breaking the zipper by splitting the track or ripping off the slider.
Gently applying fresh, warm water may help loosen things up, but we recommend taking a small brush, like a toothbrush or similar device, and scrubbing the zipper gently to try to loosen it up. Once again, it’s a good idea not to scrub so hard that you damage the material or affect the fabric surrounding the track.
If you still have jamming issues with your zipper even after cleaning it with fresh water, you may want to consider trying some other solutions. Gently scrubbing the track of your zipper with vinegar or lemon juice may help loosen it more and allow you to open the zipper fully. If one of these methods works to unstick your zipper, we suggest washing it with warm water afterward so that the lingering citrus or vinegar doesn’t cause any future problems.
You may need to try a special lubricant for particularly stubborn zippers or ones with more significant amounts of salt crystals. There are wide varieties of sprayable lubricants that can help you clean your outdoor zipper. WD-40 is a common example many people already have in their homes or garages, but we advise caution when using this spray on outdoor zippers. The standard lubricant may be perfectly fine for many metal zippers, but the chemicals may do more harm than good on zippers made from brass, nickel, rubber, or certain types of plastic. If you’re not positive about the material of your zipper, consider investing in a specialized zipper lubricant that you can find in most hardware or hobby shops.
After lubricating and cleaning your outdoor zipper, take a towel and gently dry it with gentle dabs. Once everything is clean and dry, we suggest opening and closing your zipper a few times to ensure it’s working smoothly and that there are no remaining snags or blockades.
When you want to protect your outdoor zippers from damage, cleaning is a great place to begin. But there are many more helpful tips we recommend following if you want to prevent future damage and clean less often in the future.
One practical step is one you learned about in cleaning, but you want to avoid storing any outdoor zippers while they’re still damp. Tents, boots, and especially wet suits often get wet in the line of duty, so it’s a smart idea to take a soft towel and ensure that the zipper is fully dry before putting anything away. Having a dry zipper prevents salt crystals from building up and reduces the chances of mildew, mold, rust, and other common hazards.
For additional protection, many outdoor zippers benefit from some form of protective coating such as rubber, wax, or beeswax. These coatings not only help keep zippers dry but help keep dirt, grime, and other debris out of the inner workings. Many zipper repair kits come with some form of protective coating you can apply, but one of the most vital steps is applying these coatings after performing a thorough cleaning and allowing it to dry. Applying a protective coating to a zipper with dirt or salt on the track may lead to further damage.
When storing anything with an outdoor zipper on it, we recommend keeping the zipper zipped up to keep everything held tightly together and prevent any outside forces or hazards from disrupting the track or messing up the teeth. However, while you want to keep the zipper closed, we suggest regular lubrication every one to two months. Open and close the zipper and perform the necessary cleaning steps to keep it in good condition.
Due to their frequent exposure to the elements of nature and because people often store them in harsher conditions than our day-to-day wardrobe, outdoor zippers frequently suffer from issues. They require regular maintenance, cleaning, and repair. Performing a small handful of extra steps on a regular basis will save your equipment from needing replacements and additional work, keeping it in working condition for longer.
If you’re looking for additional information on how to fix a zipper, the experts at FixnZip have the help you need. FixnZip offers a variety of zipper replacement kits and articles on zipper maintenance and repair and has trained staff ready to address your questions, comments, and concerns. Visit our website for more information, or contact us today to get the answers you need.
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.
There’s nothing more frustrating than having a day on the water ruined by a broken zipper on your wetsuit. But before you throw away your old wetsuit, or spend a lot of money getting a wetsuit zipper repair check out our guide for replacing the broken zipper slider on a wetsuit for under $10.
Teeth Separate After Zipping: If the teeth separate after zipping up, then the slider is worn out or no longer has enough pressure on the teeth to connect them. The teeth are probably fine, but the slider needs to be replaced.
Zipper Slider is Jammed or Won’t Connect the Teeth: If the slider won’t connect the teeth, the slider is either worn out and not connecting the teeth, or it is no longer aligned properly to connect the teeth. In both cases the slider should be replaced.
Zipper Slider Comes Off Completely: This probably goes without saying, but if the zipper slider comes off either one or both rows of zipper teeth, the zipper slider needs to be replaced.
Normally you have to unstitch the zipper track from the wetsuit neoprene and sew a whole new zipper track in. This is difficult to do, and can cost anywhere from $40 to $80 to have professionally done (not including the cost of shipping if the wetsuit has to be sent to a manufacturer).
FixnZip replaces the zipper slider in just second without tools or sewing. FixnZip® is a replacement zipper slider that allows you to repair a broken zipper without tools or sewing. The thumbscrew on the FixnZip® allows you to slide it right over the existing zipper teeth, and then lock it into place. Check out the video below for a demo.
Have fun on the water this summer, and remember it's never a bad idea to carry a spare FixnZip® in your gear bag, just in case. If you have any questions, feel free to call or email us using the Contact page, or hit us up on Facebook or Twitter.
Jonathan
