We learn to dress ourselves by zipping, snapping and tying.

In 1893, the zipper was patented. Today it is present on clothes of all seasons and has become an integral part of many wardrobe items. When fastening the zipper, the elements of one edge cling to the elements of the other edge using a lock (slider).

The individual parts of the “zipper” are plastic or metal staples or teeth, one end attached to a strip of fabric.

It often happens that the clasp breaks at the wrong moment. What can be done and how you can repair the zipper with your own hands, explains AiF.ru.

The first prototype of the “lightning bolt” was developed by the American Whitcomb Leo Judson. Patent dated August 29, 1893. Photo: Commons.wikimedia.org

How to tighten a zipper with pliers?

There are two ways to tighten the slider: Using a hammer. Spread the edges of the item and place it on a flat surface with the dog side down. Fasten the lock halfway (it’s okay if it comes loose), press it with pliers and hit it a couple of times with a hammer without much effort.

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Teeth do not close (or continue to open)

One of the most annoying problems is when lightning diverges. There may be several reasons for this. And sometimes the above trick of using a pencil (or a bar of soap) can help, smoothing out the teeth so they work like before.

In the worst case, the problem will be that the fastener is not working properly. First, double check that there is no piece of fabric or thread stuck in the zipper. Then look closely at the individual teeth. If any of them are sticking out in different directions, use pliers to push them back into place until they are straight again.

If the teeth are straight and clean, take a look at the fastener itself. Over time, it begins to weaken, and when this happens, it no longer holds the teeth together. Take the pliers and try to squeeze the fastener until it “grabs” the teeth again.

If you're dealing with jeans, the decision may be a little more complicated. If possible, remove the metal stopper at the bottom of the zipper and replace it with regular stitches.

The castle diverges

The only thing that needs to be replaced is the fastener on the jeans, which suddenly came apart. If this is not possible, then you can do the following:

You should insert an elastic band for money into the tongue of the carriage and hook it to the button after fastening it. The zipper on jeans can be temporarily fixed using a stapler or paper clip. When you have pliers or another similar tool at hand, you need to pinch the edges of the slider on both sides. A weak carriage is most often the reason why the zipper keeps coming undone.

If the slider gets stuck

Often the slider gets stuck due to foreign materials getting into it, such as a pad that is too wide. If this happens regularly, the fold line of the lining can be secured with a few stitches at the desired distance from the zipper.

apartment therapy

If the slider gets stuck for no apparent reason, take a simple pencil with a graphite rod and rub it on the zipper teeth in the place where the lock is stuck. Similarly, using a cotton swab, you can apply Vaseline, lip balm or soap to the teeth.

Life hack: how to store zippers

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But there are cases that are completely hopeless. Then a small cut of the fabric is made in front along the lock, the lock moves along the closing path and at the place of the cut the fabric comes out from under the lock.

It is convenient to move the slider with a fork if the clasp is broken and it is inconvenient to pick it up with your fingers. How to put a slider on a zipper, if it is not deformed, but you cannot insert it onto the slider, use the following method. Using nail scissors or a blade, carefully remove 2-3 teeth from the zipper at its very base, place the dog on a flat cloth.

It's all due to an unreliable slider that flies out of its nest at the most inopportune moment. This has nothing to do with the quality of the zipper: this can happen with both plastic and iron teeth.

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.

When your zipper slider has caught the fabric (often happens on jackets and sports sweatshirts), do not pull the slider or make sudden movements. If possible, remove the item and calm down. If the clothes cannot be removed, it is better to ask someone to help pull the fabric out of the zipper.

The zipper is found on all types of clothing. If problems arise with it, many immediately go to the studio. However, you can cope with most difficulties on your own.

If the zipper is separated in the middle, align the separated teeth with your hands, and then straighten them using pliers. If you can’t fix the zipper this way, remove the zipper tab and put it on again. If the zipper is tight, rub the zipper with a soft black pencil or soap.

The operating principle of this fastener is as follows:

• the slider slides along the tape, connecting the links together like a puzzle
• each link is fixed by two links on the opposite side

The next time you encounter a stuck zipper, simply grab a pair of pliers, a graphite pencil, or any lubricant.

If the zipper slider has popped out, slightly unclench the slider and carefully insert it so that both parts of the zipper are in the right grooves. With minimal force, squeeze the slider with pliers. If fabric gets caught in the zipper, do not try to sharply pull the fabric out. This will only tear it or damage the slider. Expert Alexey Ivanchenko and program guest Larisa Rutkova share useful tips. If the zipper comes undone Attach a ring that fits the size of the button to the pawl. This could be, for example, a ring from a keychain. With the zipper closed, place the ring over the button. Make sure that when the zipper is closed, the pawl is down. When the pawl is raised, the zipper can be easily unfastened.

This happens due to the weakening of the spring of the runner locking element. In a good way, the part needs to be changed (see instructions above).

The zipper on my jeans keeps coming undone

The zipper on your jeans comes undone - what to do if this problem constantly causes you inconvenience? Everything is as simple as that here:

1. Take a round metal ring and attach it to the end of the slider. A ring from a keychain or a piece of wire from which you can make a loop is perfect. The main thing is that the diameter of the product allows you to put it on the button that is on the waistband of your trousers.
2. With the zipper closed, place the ring on the button. This will provide you with confidence that the lock will not come undone and will not let you down in any situation.

Important! You can also use a thick thread as a “holder”, which must be secured to the slider in the form of a loop. If you decided on wire, consider the option of a colored coating that matches your trousers.

The clasp does not lock

When the zipper slider doesn't lock onto your jeans, you can end up in a very awkward situation. If you need to go out urgently and have nothing else to wear, you can do this: thread a key ring into the slider, put it on a button, and then fasten the loop. You can use an elastic band for the same thing.

If the zipper periodically comes apart and pressing the slider does not help, you need to replace it. First, use wire cutters to remove the old zipper and metal zipper stops. Then put a new slider on the zipper and use pliers to secure the stoppers.

The most common zipper failures

1. Zipper divergence from below. The problem is that the slider may be too weak and therefore does not connect the teeth together. Accordingly, this problem is solvable;
2. The slider moves too hard, and the zipper still diverges downwards. In this case, the planes of the slider are too compressed, which does not allow the zipper teeth to be connected correctly;
3. After fastening, the zipper begins to diverge spontaneously. The problem here is also a weakened runner, since there is no normal connection with the teeth.

All of the above problems can be solved. The main thing is to do all the work carefully and correctly, then you will actually be able to restore the functionality of your zipper and will be able to use it for a very significant amount of time.

What will be required for repairs?

If the zipper fastens normally and then comes apart, then in this case the best option would be to work with a slider. We will need:

1. Pliers;
2. Paraffin candle (or a simple pencil);
3. If the base of the zipper is torn, you will need colorless varnish or glue.

If the zipper does not fasten, that is, the elements do not connect at all, then you will need:

1. Pliers;
2. New slider.

Important! The slider can be purchased in specialized stores with fabrics, threads and other accessories for sewing purposes in the form of a short zipper on which it will be located. You can remove the slider from an old item that you are going to choose or are not using for its intended purpose (check the size matches).

If the zipper diverges from the bottom, in addition, it is slightly torn, then you will need:

1. Glue;
2. Paraffin;
3. Pliers;
4. Thread and needle.

That is, the range of tools required is minimal, and everything you need, in principle, can be found in any home.

Repairing a zipper with a weak slider

1. Level the surface of the lock, fasten it and see how smoothly the slider moves;
2. Using pliers, press the slider down in the center, but not too hard;
3. Try moving it.

If such manipulations helped, then you should stop there. Remember that if you press the slider too hard, then in the future it will not move tightly, which can also lead to negative consequences.

If these steps do not help, then do the following:

1. The slider should be gently pressed on the sides, top and bottom, in this case, avoid pressing from above;
2. Close the zipper and coat it with a paraffin candle or paraffin, you can draw it with a simple pencil;
3. Make several movements to open and close the lock.

What should I do if the base of the zipper is broken (the bottom part that goes into the lock is torn)?

If the entrance to the lock is torn, and because of this it is impossible to fasten the lock normally, or this is precisely the reason for its discrepancy, you need to do the following:

1. We take regular nail polish and smooth the surface that has become disheveled. We apply the varnish as many times as possible until the material is completely saturated. At the same time, apply the varnish carefully. After numerous applications of varnish, a rigid base is formed that will allow you to use the zipper. But keep in mind that this option for restoring part of the zipper is extremely short-lived;
2. You can use super glue in this case. It is applied in the same way as varnish - in several layers. But, the material must be applied extremely quickly, since the glue has rapid hardening properties. The glue method ensures a more durable use of the zipper in the future.

Why do you need paraffin?

It is very important that after pressing the slider there is no serious friction, which in the future can cause serious breakage of the teeth. Therefore, the pressure should be insignificant, and the zipper should also be completely treated with paraffin. You can do it like this:

• Take a small piece of paraffin candle or paraffin;
• Rub the zipper while closed, but do not apply strong pressing movements so as not to damage the teeth;
• The entire zipper needs to be processed;
• After processing, close and open the zipper several times;
• Remove any remaining paraffin with a dry and soft cloth.

Replacing the slider

If all of the above steps did not help you restore the lock's functionality, you need to try replacing the slider (pawl). You can purchase a short zipper with a slider of the appropriate size, it is inexpensive, and the repair process will be much less tedious and complicated than completely replacing the lock.

1. Carefully, using wire cutters, you need to remove the old dog. In this case, you should unclench it on one side and the other, carefully so as not to damage the links that are under the slider - remove it;
2. Using this slider, you can select a new option that will fit certain sizes;
3. Using ordinary scissors or an awl, slightly open the slider on the sides, and then insert it onto your zipper. Installation manipulations are carried out at the bottom of the zipper;
4. Carry out the fastening process carefully. Use pliers to press down the slider petals on both sides, as well as at the top and bottom. The pressing should not be too significant so as not to damage the zipper elements during closing;
5. After attaching the new slider, close the zipper, make sure that all zipper links are aligned correctly, and treat them with paraffin;
6. Try closing and opening the zipper several times.

Important

! If the zipper not only diverged downwards, but also moved away (delayed), then using a needle and thread you need to first secure it to the jacket, and then begin the process of working with the slider.

How to use the lock after repair?

Naturally, if you have already carried out the process of replacing the slider or simply pressed it, then you need to remember the need to follow certain rules that will help the lock work for a significant amount of time after repair:

• Under no circumstances should you aggressively pull the lock upward when closing. Such movements may cause the zipper links to be damaged or the slider to be greatly weakened, and pressing it again may not produce the desired results;
• During the fastening process, you should ensure that no threads or elements of the jacket fabric get caught in the zipper. In this situation, you will have to expand the slider, and since force has already been exerted on it, it may not withstand it and burst, which will lead to the need to replace it;
• Make sure that the lock is straightened before fastening, that is, there are no stretched areas or places where there is a possibility of fabric getting caught. Check visually that there are no obstacles to fastening;
• After recovery, you should not fasten the zipper with one sharp movement, do it carefully and progressively;
• In metal locks, if fastening becomes tight, it is recommended to treat them with soap, which will ensure smooth movement and keep the zipper in perfect condition for a significant amount of time.

How to fix an insertion pin

The most effective way to fix a zipper on a jacket is to take the garment to a repair shop. Professional craftsmen will replace the mechanism and the product will not lose its original appearance. This will require time and money to pay for the work.

If you need the jacket urgently, you can fix the zipper yourself. To do this you will need a cocktail tube and glue.

Step-by-step instructions for fixing the lock:

1. Inspect the place where the pin is attached at the base. If the sealing tape has come off and the fabric is frayed, then treat the area with glue or nail polish. The frayed edges are carefully trimmed with scissors.
2. A piece 1 cm long is cut from a cocktail tube. The ring is cut lengthwise and unfolded and bent in half.
3. The end of the zipper, where the insertion pin used to be, is coated with glue on both sides. A piece of plastic tube is glued to the fabric and pressed with a weight until the glue dries.
4. After drying, cut off the remains.
5. The place where the plastic pin is glued is stitched. This will provide additional reliability and extend the service life.

The result is a dense pin that easily fits into the slot of the slider and the detachable stop. If the color of the plastic is very different from the background of the jacket, it is painted with nail polish.

Important! Self-repair is a temporary measure. Plastic quickly becomes unusable and stands out strongly

After the end of the season, the jacket should be taken to the studio and undergo a full repair.

You can see the repair process in detail in the video:

How to insert the pawl into the lock using a fork?

The principle is this:

1. We take a regular fork and fix it with something;
2. We insert the slider between the 1st and 4th cloves (place it on the 2nd and 3rd cloves of the fork);
3. We thread both parts of the zipper into the slider;
4. Ready! All that remains is to carefully remove the cutlery.

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The zipper teeth are damaged

How to repair a zipper on jeans if the teeth remain in place, but are damaged or deformed, as a result of which the carriage does not fit in this place?

You're lucky if the damage occurs in the lower part of the lock: it can be fixed, although not for long. Usually the lock deteriorates in this place. You can correct the situation with the help of threads.

To do this, you should make a tack from them above the damaged area. Thus, the slider will only reach the thread patch, but the lock will still remain capable of performing its functions.