What to do if the zipper on the bag comes apart: insert, change the slider, lubricate

How to choose the right slider for different types of zippers: types of zippers and markings of sliders

There are several types of zippers with different properties of the sliders:

1. Metal
2. Spiral (twisted)
3. Tractor
4. Secret

Another distinctive feature of zippers is its width, depending on which certain types of sliders are selected. The width of the links in millimeters is marked on the slider with a number.

For example,

Depending on the shape of the sole, the belonging of the runner to a particular lock is determined. Having looked at several examples in the photos below, you can easily find the difference between the sliders and each other.

Tractor zipper type slider

Baryshevka type

Slider for spiral twisted zippers

For metal type 8

Types of lightning

Such fasteners, also called snakes, are divided into single-sided and double-sided. The second type is one of the most practical types of fasteners and is used on jackets, down jackets, and coats. Depending on the material of the teeth, snakes can be metal, plastic (tractor) or twisted.

These fasteners may also differ in length and tooth sizes. The teeth are small, medium and large. This is determined by the type of clothing where such a fastener is inserted.

Dogs on snakes differ in the material they are made of. They are made of metal and plastic. Plastic dogs are simple and easy to use. Metal sliders (dogs) are more reliable and durable and are used more often.

How to put a dog on a metal detachable zipper in a jacket?

Stages of work:

1. Remove the limiter from one side by carefully biting it off using a side cutter
2. When the fabric is caught by the stopper, in order not to damage the fabric, we pry it up using a screwdriver or nail scissors
3. Next, we make a small cut on the lock strap to make it easier to remove the slider.
4. Lubricate the zipper teeth with oil or dry soap for better glide.
5. Removing the broken slider
6. We pull the new pawl onto the teeth slightly at an angle, having first slightly unclenched it
7. Then we press the carriage
8. We check the operation of the slider by fully zipping it
9. Then we sew up the cut in the braid with a buttonhole stitch.
10. We put the latch in place
11. Use pliers to tighten it

If the carbine is broken and needs to be replaced

The slider jumping off is a minor problem.
And, as you can see, putting it in place is quite simple. But what to do if the lock is broken? This is already more unpleasant. In this case, the slider needs to be replaced. You can buy the same one at any fabric and accessories store. To do this, either take a photo of the slider, or, which is much better, take it with you. This way you will not make mistakes in choosing the size of the element. After all, you can buy a slider that is too narrow or too wide, which simply will not fit on your zipper. How to choose the right replacement? There are several main types of lightning:

• Twisted
  (oval runners are used here),
• Tractor
  (the teeth are usually made of plastic, and the dog itself is oval or trefoil-shaped),
• Metal
  (the slider is usually triangular in shape).

Also, the size of the slider is usually indicated on the back of the lock. These can be not only numbers, but also letters.

To remove a broken pawl, just straighten the sides of the slider and it will easily slide off the zipper. You also need to purchase two stoppers that will prevent the lock from slipping off the zipper. When you buy a replacement, you will need to put the zipper back on. How to do it?

• To get started, arm yourself with an awl, scissors and pliers/pliers.
• Remove or cut the stoppers from the zipper (metal ones can be removed, but plastic ones are easier to trim carefully).
• Put the purchased slider on the zipper and check if it works well.
• If everything is fine, put on the stoppers and tighten them carefully.
• That's it, the updated zipper is ready, you can use the bag again.

The simplest type of failure is if only the slider tongue itself breaks off. In this case, a simple paperclip or a piece of wire will help (as a temporary option). Subsequently, you can replace them with a pendant or something similar, so as not to disturb the harmonious appearance of the bag. You can also purchase the tongue in the store. Today they sell any options, including multi-colored and even reflective models. But if you wish, you can replace the entire dog. A paperclip or other materials at hand will at least help you open the bag right away, since it’s more difficult to do without a tab.

How to put a pawl on a detachable tractor zipper in a jacket?

• This is the most common type of lightning
• The repair principle is no different from the previous one
• Use a few additional tips:

1. Please note that some sliders have a locking element. To prevent it from interfering with progress, raise the pendant
2. Make smooth manipulations, do not pull the slider sharply, so as not to damage the zipper links
3. Initially, make the carriage expansion minimal. If you overdo it, it may lose its original appearance and the lock will not fasten.

When should you repair rather than replace?

The problem requires drastic measures if some of the cloves fall out or are bent .
The first failure usually haunts owners of plastic zippers, the second - iron ones. By the way, a plastic lock is generally a very unreliable design. Especially if it is placed on a child's jacket. In this case, parents will have to deal with torn pins and the appearance of a broken bend, which will not allow the dog to work normally (the row of teeth itself bends). Therefore, if possible, do not purchase things with this type of lock or immediately after purchase change it to a more practical metal version.

Important! You cannot do without sewing in a new zipper even if the fabric part of the lock has broken (its correct name in case you go to a store: textile tape), but broken fasteners are not the basis for immediate drastic measures. Almost all zipper elements are replaceable.

also worth considering the root cause of what is happening . If the situation arose because the lock on the jacket began to come apart, and you pressed the pawl with a tool over and over again, but after some period of time it stopped working normally again, and when you next tried to solve the problem, you squeezed the slider too tightly with pliers, which is why it cracked, then it’s not the dog’s fault. Even after installing a new one, you will soon encounter the lock coming apart again. Therefore, in order to wear outerwear normally, you will have to remove the old zipper and replace it with another one.

How to sew gloves from knitwear

How to sew a zipper into a skirt yourself

How to dress, put a dog on a zipper on jeans?

It is more problematic to carry out repairs on pants, since the pawl is inserted at both ends. It is better to replace the lock completely by handing it over to a specialist. In exceptional cases (if you have certain skills), you can try to do this yourself.

• Typically a type 4 metal zipper is sewn into jeans.
• It is problematic to buy such runners separately
• You'll have to buy a similar zipper and remove the pawl
• We begin work by releasing the slider from the new lock. It is easier to remove from an iron zipper than from a tractor zipper.
• Then we remove it

The following steps can be performed in two ways:

Method 1

1. We cut the fabric between the teeth at the bottom of the lock so that it is possible to insert the slider
2. We insert the slider first on one side, then on the other
3. Hold with one hand, clamp with pliers with the other
4. Fastening the lock
5. We sew up the incision

Method 2

1. We rip the seam line connecting the zipper to the jeans at the bottom of the codpiece
2. Remove the damaged lock from the rivets with a screwdriver or scissors
3. Unclench the broken carriage and remove it
4. Inserting a new dog
5. Clamp with pliers
6. Closing the lock
7. Turn the pants inside out, attach the stopper to the end of the tape where the teeth end
8. Sew the locking ends of the tape back to their original place using a sewing machine.

Runner: ways to replace the dog and cloves

Initially, it is easy to quickly put it on, taking into account some varieties:

1. Broken teeth. The entire zipper will definitely need to be replaced later. Seamstress skills with some practice will be required. After all, the conversation was about a very serious breakdown.
2. The fasteners are damaged. In this case, you cannot do without improvised means. In the current situation, the lightning slider definitely begins to diverge. Sometimes with the inability to save lightning.
3. The ends are separated. Such a defect is often found on the surface of a jacket. In this case, the condition of the fixative should be tightened. This is the name given to the closing link in the form of a large tooth.
4. Runner slipping. Using pliers you can actually change a surprise that is dangerous to your clothes. However, one should not hope for the longevity of such a process.
5. The puller doesn't listen. It can simply be broken off with a strong jerk. Most likely, the lock itself was initially poorly made or simply worn out.

Any of the reported breakdowns requires detailed study.

The lock often needs to be adjusted correctly and professionally.

How to dress, put the dog on the zipper on the boots?

It is problematic to perform such a manipulation without experience, but using a narrow tool it is possible.

Pre-lubricate the lock: with a drop of vegetable oil, a piece of hard soap or a candle stub. This will soften the motion of the carriage.

1 option

1. We pull up the zipper from the bottom
2. Pull the edges of the tape out
3. Cut the fabric after the last teeth
4. Carefully expand the slider and remove
5. We install a new dog, having first unclenched it
6. Secure with pliers
7. Sew up the cut with tape
8. We insert the zipper into place, fix it with an even seam

Option 2

1. We rip the tape from above or remove the limiters with a screwdriver
2. We carry out manipulations similar to the first option

Option 3

1. We unclench the slider, without undoing anything, anywhere in the lock
2. Filming
3. We put a new one, we clamp it

What is needed to replace the dog?

During the work you will need the following items and tools:

• needle;
• threads;
• new slider;
• screwdriver;
• pliers or pliers;
• nail scissors.

In some cases, the list is replenished with new limiters (metal staples are better) and glue (universal, colorless, strong, without acetone and vinegar-based additives). In other situations, it is possible to cope with the task without scissors, a screwdriver and thread with a needle, only with the help of a pawl, pliers and a clamp.

How to tighten a zipper dog?

1. The carriage must be pressed directly onto the zipper
2. Connect the lock links well
3. Using pliers, pinch the carriage directly in the center
4. Check the movement of the slider. If it is difficult to move through, loosen it with a screwdriver

As you can see, you can repair locks at home. But remember, without experience, you can completely ruin the thing. It is better to conduct experiments on old things, so that if the attempt fails, you won’t be sorry to part with them.

Slider device

The slider is an integral part of the zipper, which serves to connect parts of clothing.
It is this that allows you to close its links for fastening jackets, leather goods and shoes. It is quite easy to put a slider on a zipper if you first understand its structure and classification. The slider is made of several elements:

• a slider or housing consisting of an upper and lower part, between which there is a Y-shaped channel for connecting and disconnecting the links;
• a puller keychain to open and close the zipper;
• a latch that protects the clasp from inadvertent unfastening.

The slider, like the zipper, can fail or break, rendering the garment unusable. Very common causes of zipper failure are deformation of the links or wear of the edges of the slider, when it stops closing it. These are extreme cases that require complete replacement of damaged parts.

How to insert a slider - step by step

If the pawl accidentally comes off the clasp when fastening the bag, but the zipper is closed, then proceed as follows:

1. inspect the place where the lock came off: most likely, the edge of the snake has come off a little and the end of the zipper is not fixed with fabric;
2. carefully insert the slider onto the edge of the clasp and pull the teeth into the lock;
3. if it works, separate the ends of the zipper, moving them to the sides;
4. if you can’t insert the teeth, then pry one of them with a needle and pull it up, then do the same on the other side with the other tooth. Continue to move the pawl down slowly;
5. if this does not work, then lightly support the edge of the fabric near the zipper and put on the pawl. You may have to trim both edges.

Causes of breakdowns and features of hidden zippers

The peculiarity of a hidden zipper is that the teeth are located on the inside, and what is on the front side is covered with fabric. Therefore, on the finished product with a secret clasp, only the line of connection of the 2 parts of the fabric and the dog keychain are visible.

IMPORTANT ! On regular zippers, the teeth are sometimes also covered with fabric. The secret one is distinguished by the fact that the main part of the dog is also hidden under the fabric, only the keychain and the protruding part on which it is attached are visible.

Causes and types of failures of a hidden zipper when a slider change is necessary:

• the clasp comes apart. The reason is a weak dog, it does not press the teeth tightly, and they are not fixed to each other;
• difficult movement of the slider and divergence of the fastener towards the bottom. The reason is that the pawl is too compressed, such strong pressure connects the teeth incorrectly, which is why they become disconnected;
• the puller broke off. Reasons: poor quality material of the lock, improper operation, old age of the lock.

REFERENCE ! Puller – keychain, pendant, dog tongue. Zipper – lightning, snake, clasp. Dog - runner, castle.

Instructions for a permanent lock

The mechanism with joined edges is inserted into bags, wallets, dresses, skirts and jeans. It is difficult to lose the slider of such a zipper, but it is also more difficult to replace it. If the fastener is made of plastic, try the simplest method:

• Carefully tuck the parts of the braid that are strictly opposite each other into both slits;
• Pull the slider up to the chain and tuck the outer links.

In other situations, do this:

1. Remove the lower stop. The procedure is similar to working with a split lock. Only it will be harder and more firmly attached.
2. Take the dog with the flat side down. Insert both sides of the scalloped tape at the top synchronously.
3. Slowly pull the slider up. The links must be connected to form a complete chain.
4. Replace the limiter. If this part of the permanent lock is in a hidden place, you can tighten the fabric with stitches of strong thread instead.

A regular fork will help you put the slider on both parts of the zipper at the same time. Attach the slider to it and operate the lock with your free hand.

The zipper can be repaired at home. It can also be replaced in parts or entirely. Correctly identify the problem and use one of the proven tips.

How to insert a slider - step by step

If the pawl accidentally comes off the clasp when fastening the bag, but the zipper is closed, then proceed as follows:

1. inspect the place where the lock came off: most likely, the edge of the snake has come off a little and the end of the zipper is not fixed with fabric;
2. carefully insert the slider onto the edge of the clasp and pull the teeth into the lock;
3. if it works, separate the ends of the zipper, moving them to the sides;
4. if you can’t insert the teeth, then pry one of them with a needle and pull it up, then do the same on the other side with the other tooth. Continue to move the pawl down slowly;
5. if this does not work, then lightly support the edge of the fabric near the zipper and put on the pawl. You may have to trim both edges.

Important! Pulling the pawl down the fastener is not always convenient. Use a safety pin that can be inserted into the lock and the work will go faster.

If the slider has been removed from the open zipper, then it must first be connected . This is done with calm movements from side to side. The connection of the teeth must be carried out without gaps, otherwise the whole work will have to be redone. After completing the connection, take the pawl and put it on the clasp. Proceed according to the steps above.

Important! In this way, you can restore the integrity of the spiral or tractor zipper. The metal snake cannot be connected by hand, so the fastener will need to be replaced.

Sometimes the slider comes out of the fastener not at the end, but in the middle when the tooth comes out. In this case, putting the lock in place can only be done temporarily; in the very near future, the clasp will need to be completely replaced .

If for some reason it was not possible to put the dog in place or you simply don’t want to do it yourself, professionals at any bag or shoe repair shop will easily carry out this procedure for you in a matter of minutes.

DIY repair materials

Repairing a hidden fastener does not require a lot of materials, the main thing is to choose a suitable lock. You will need:

• slider of the required size;
• candle or lighter;
• scissors;
• needle with thread.

IMPORTANT ! If the zipper is broken on the finished product, take a lighter. It is not safe to scorch the edges with a candle, because you will have to lift the entire product and hold it over the fire.