Zipper no longer closes properly? Find out how to fix the zip with a simple trick
There are many garments, but also accessories and objects that we use every day that work with a zip. From coats, to jeans to bags of various kinds - we really use zips every day, and the ones we open and close more often are also those that risk getting damaged the most. Have you ever wanted to close a jacket or bag and notice that the zipper itself slides, but the zipper tracks remain open?
In these cases it is also difficult to make the zip go back down to completely separate the two flaps of fabric that the zipper failed to close properly - and repeating the operation over and over does not usually solve the problem. So, instead of uselessly raging or throwing in the towel, we can instead try to do a simple repair for which we will need a pair of tweezers or pliers.
Video tutorial via UCAN Zippers USA/YouTube
It is better if you use a small, long-nose / needle-nose pair of pliers (pointed or flat, choose the ones you have at home or with which you are most comfortable), but if you do not have any, you can also try with a pair of good quality cosmetic tweezers, better those with a flat tip.
- When the slider sticks in the middle of the zip, instead of forcing it to slide back to its original position, take the pliers and close the two halves together without using too much pressure, but be forceful enough so that they nearly touch again. Generally, in fact, this is a problem largely due to wear of the slider and not to the teeth of the slider.
- Continue to slide the zipper in the direction you started in earlier.
- In the meantime, if the flaps below the slider are still open, go over them too, going back to the beginning of the zipper and sliding it over the entire closure.
In this way, the issue should be fixed. If, on the other hand, it seems to you that the method is not working, you may need to extract the cursor and tighten it by hand more carefully. To do this, use the pliers (pointed, however, not flat) to remove the lower stop of the hinge, which looks like a larger tooth. You have to remove the one from the side where the cursor slides. Remove the tab if it doesn't make you work comfortably, and close the slider. Then put it back on the hinge, perhaps even helping with a fork.
If that doesn't work either, it means that the zipper slider needs to be changed: these are easily found in any haberdashery shop, or even online. And to understand which one to take, turn the zipper and you will notice that on the back (the flat side), its measurements are indicated.
Good job!
