It is difficult to imagine modern outerwear without such an element of fittings as zippers. Their popularity and widespread use are quite understandable: they are practical, comfortable, look aesthetically pleasing, and protect the jacket owner from snow, wind or rain much better than buttons.
But they have one small drawback: with active use, they can “seize” or break apart, and at the most inopportune moment. What to do if the lock comes apart? The most important thing is not to be nervous and not to tug at him even more. In this article we will tell you only proven ways to fix a zipper on a jacket if it is broken.
Problem 1 – the zipper comes apart
One of the most common problems with zippers is that they start to separate. Not everyone knows that this difficulty, especially at first, can be solved very easily. After all, the reason that the zipper diverges is the slider (popularly this part of the zipper is often called the “dog”): it has expanded from frequent use and has ceased to press the teeth of the snake tightly against each other. How to deal with this problem?
Take pliers and squeeze firmly first one side of the slider, and then the other. The main thing here is not to overdo it, otherwise the slider will stop moving altogether. Zip up. Usually such simple repairs are enough for the zipper to start working properly.
How the lock works
Lightning works on this principle:
- The latch is driven into the lightning socket;
- The pawl stretches upward to close, securely interlocking the teeth;
- If the dog goes down to open, it disengages the lock teeth.
- To prevent the zipper from spreading after closing, the eye of the dog is slightly pressed down. They simply fix it in a given position.
There are several types of lock:
- Machine. The pawl automatically fixes the position of the lock in the closed or open state. Amenable only to hand movement. Does not move up or down the zipper randomly. This dog has a special lock inside.
- Haberdashery type. It does not have a lock and can be pressed lightly in the top closed position to prevent the zipper from unfastening.
Problem 2 – replacing the zipper slider
However, sometimes even after such a procedure the slider does not cope with its duties and does not clamp the teeth. In this case, it becomes necessary to replace it. This can be done in several ways.
Method 1
At the top of the zipper there is often a stopper, thanks to which the slider does not move out of it when fastened. However, when you need to install a new slider, this latch becomes an obstacle. How to get rid of it? Take a screwdriver or any flat object and lightly pry open the stopper. You can use wire cutters. Remove it from the zipper. After installing the new slider, place the retainer in place and firmly pinch it with pliers.
Method 2
There are also limiters on the plastic zipper. However, unlike metal ones, they are disposable: once you take them out, you can’t put them back. How to replace the slider in such a situation. Take pliers or scissors and simply remove the restrictor from the clothing. After replacing the slider, you need to make sure that this place protrudes above the teeth so that it cannot slip off. This can be done using thread. Take a thread and a needle and make a few stitches in the place where the latch was. You can also install a metal stop if you have some left over from another item.
Method 3
Sometimes there is no limiter on the zipper, and the slider does not move off the fastener due to the fact that its ends are sewn into the product. How to be in this case? There is only one way out here. Take a seam ripper or small scissors and rip the edge of the garment. Remove the slider from the zipper and replace it with a new one. Then arm yourself with a needle and thread of a suitable color and sew up the ripped part.
Types of fasteners by links
In general, on clothes you can see one of three types of zippers produced by the manufacturer today:
- Spiral. Here the product is made of lightweight plastic. These are teeth made of a thin spiral, embedded in the fabric of the zipper and stitched into it. Typically, a spiral zipper is inserted into lightweight clothing or bedding items. It is not possible to repair the teeth of this type of lock.
- Tractor. It has the appearance of large teeth located opposite each other, which fit groove into groove when closing. The product received this name because it looks like a caterpillar track. Made of durable plastic.
Types of lightning
- Metal. This is a type of tractor zipper. Only the teeth are made of metal and each one is separately implanted into the fabric of the zipper. More often used in outerwear, like tractor types.
Problem 3 – the edge of the zipper is frayed
Sometimes such a nuisance as a frayed edge of a zipper happens. And the problem is not only that it looks unaesthetic. In such a situation, fastening the zipper becomes more and more difficult every day. And if measures are not taken in time, the fastener will have to be completely replaced. And the solution is quite simple. As soon as you notice that the fabric at the edge of the zipper has begun to fray, carefully coat this area with epoxy glue. When the glue is completely dry, it will toughen the fabric and prevent it from further deterioration.
Damage Prevention
To prevent lightning damage, you need to follow a few simple tips:
- When washing the jacket, all zippers should be zipped and the item should be turned inside out.
- When ironing clothes with zippers made of non-heat-resistant materials, avoid getting the iron into the zipper area.
- To extend the life of the lock, it must be periodically treated with special care products, such as hydrophobic lubricant. This substance provides the fastener with water-repellent and windproof protection.
- Before pulling the slider from below, you need to insert both parts into the lock all the way.
- It is sometimes necessary to treat the teeth and lock with a soft pencil lead or other substance to lubricate the surface.
- You need to fasten the zipper without haste or force; at this moment the tape should be in a taut position.
To prevent wear, all parts of the zipper should be cleaned periodically using a small brush. It is recommended to use a toothbrush, as its fibers are quite soft and small. With careful and careful handling, any item can last for many years without a single repair.
When washing, fasten all zippers and turn the item inside out.
When ironing, avoid getting the iron into the zipper area.
To extend the life of the lock, periodically treat with care products.
Insert both parts of the slider into the lock until it stops
Treat the teeth and lock
Fasten without haste or force
Problem 5 – replacing the zipper
And the most difficult problem that can arise when using a zipper is completely replacing the fastener. In these cases, you have to rip out your clothes, and not everyone can do this at home. It is especially difficult for those who have other elements, such as buttons, next to the zipper. We want to show you how you can replace your zipper without blowing it out.
- Cut off the zipper on the side where the buttons are closest to the edge.
- Baste, and then sew one half of the zipper on this side with two lines. Its edge should be close to the buttons, without going over them, so as not to interfere with their fastening.
- On the opposite side, simply sew the new zipper onto the old part without cutting it off. Photo 3 shows the view from the reverse side.
- This is what the finished work looks like.
What life hacks for zipper repair do you use?
Reasons for lock failure
Most often, zippers break for the following reasons:
- Natural wear of the teeth due to many years of wearing clothes or shoes;
- Sharp physical impact on the lock;
- Breaking off the dog's ear and redistributing the force on the base of the runner;
- The lower part of the zipper is frayed due to the weakness of the fabric.
Most often, the teeth break, the pawl weakens, causing the zipper to diverge, or the lower edge of the retainer comes off.
Interesting: How to make a phone case
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Katya / 11/23/2019 12:35
I often pinch the pawl if the zipper comes apart. Helps.
Igor / 11/23/2019 12:35
If a dog comes off on a boot, you won’t be able to handle it yourself unless you’re a shoemaker. I wore the shoe to the master.
Ildar / 12/15/2019 16:14
“Remove excess glue. They can be filed with a rasp.” - A very thin, jewelry tool
