Skip to main content

Repairing Zipper Slider

What you need

  1. Repairing Zipper Slider, Identifying a Bad Zipper Slider: step 1, image 1 of 2 Repairing Zipper Slider, Identifying a Bad Zipper Slider: step 1, image 2 of 2
    • A zipper that separates behind the zipper slider like the one shown on this tent is a very common zipper failure mode on backpacks and luggage too. It's an easy fix with a locking pliers: the goal is to carefully squeeze the top and bottom plates of the zipper slider just ever so slightly closer.

  2. Repairing Zipper Slider, Positioning Locking Pliers to Repair a Zipper: step 2, image 1 of 2 Repairing Zipper Slider, Positioning Locking Pliers to Repair a Zipper: step 2, image 2 of 2
    • With the locking pliers in the locked position: use the screw adjustment at the back to close on the zipper slider. (Make sure you're clamping just the zipper slider and NOT the zipper pulls or fabric.)

    • Remove the locking pliers and tighten the screw adjustment ever so slightly: a 1/16th or 1/8th of a turn should be enough: you're trying to apply the slightest pressure to both sides of the zipper slider when you re-apply it.

    • Return the locking pliers to the proper position on the zipper slider and clamp the locking mechanism down: this time, the locking pliers should lock just a little as you clamp down. Clamp the zipper slider on BOTH sides with the same setting before changing anything.

    • It might take a few tries with successively tighter settings on the locking pliers but eventually the zipper will start zipping properly again.

  3. Repairing Zipper Slider, Miscellaneous Zipper Slider Tips: step 3, image 1 of 1
    • This technique even works with pitched tents, which is typically when you figure out that the zipper needs fixing. It works on luggage, backpacks, any zipper that has a metal slider.

    • If you overdo it with the locking pliers the zipper might get hard to zip. You can open the gaps on both sides in the zipper slider a little with a thin flat blade screwdriver, but it's best to work slowly and avoid that scenario.

    • Don't have locking pliers or vise grip? You can use a regular pliers in a pinch, as this person did with their backpack.

    • Someone took a video of me using this technique to repair a backpack: https://youtu.be/BhehrLek2XM

Conclusion

Congratulate yourself on having saved yourself from replacing an expensive fabric item (or at least a zipper.)

13 other people completed this guide.

Fixit Clinic

Member since: 01/13/15

670 Reputation

2 Guides authored

Team

Global Fixers Member of Global Fixers

Community

31 Members

520 Guides authored

2 Comments

Sometimes the metal in the zip will have become weakened and this method will not work. If this happens try using Zlideon zips. https://zlideon.com/ They are quite expensive but worth the money if the item is expensive or much loved. (Note I am not in any way connected to Zlideon but I have used their zipper replacements several times).

SussexDab - Reply

Literally took two seconds to fix a zipper. THANK YOU

Emma Hochstetler - Reply

Add Comment

View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 6

Past 7 Days: 28

Past 30 Days: 166

All Time: 22,952