Introduction

A zipper pull is a piece of cording or ribbon that attaches to a zipper slider to make it easier to grab on to - especially while wearing mittens or gloves!

This guide will demonstrate how to attach a new pull when it has gone missing or become damaged.

Read through the entire guide before starting the repair, and gather the necessary tools and materials. While Patagonia-specific materials are ideal, they are not required. Patagonia replacement parts can be obtained by calling or messaging Patagonia Customer Service.

Alternatively, Patagonia products can be taken to a local retail store for repair evaluation or sent in to Patagonia through their mail-in repair service.

Let's get fixing!

WARNING! Small Parts. Patagonia does not recommend conducting these repairs on garments intended for children age 3 or under. Instead, we recommend return of the product for professional repair services.

Return to the Patagonia Care & Repair homepage.

What you need

Video Overview

Zipper pull replacement overview.

Step 1 Locate the zipper tab

Zipper Pull Replacement, Locate the zipper tab: step 1, image 1 of 3

Zipper Pull Replacement, Locate the zipper tab: step 1, image 2 of 3

Zipper Pull Replacement, Locate the zipper tab: step 1, image 3 of 3

This tutorial demonstrates how to insert a paracord pull with a rubber end, a common type of zipper pull on Patagonia products. These pulls come in a large size for main zippers and a small size for pockets (reference image #2).
If you need to remove a damaged zipper pull, skip to Step 6.
Locate the zipper slider that is missing a pull. The slider has a tab with two holes, one where the tab is attached to the slider body and one at the end of the tab.

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Step 2 Insert the paracord end

Zipper Pull Replacement, Insert the paracord end: step 2, image 1 of 2

Zipper Pull Replacement, Insert the paracord end: step 2, image 2 of 2

Pinch the paracord end of the pull and slide it into the tab hole that's closer to the slider.
It doesn't matter whether it's inserted from the top or bottom.
Pull the paracord through the tab hole.
Use pliers to help pinch the paracord and aid in this step, especially if the tab hole is small.

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Step 3 Thread the pull through the second hole

Zipper Pull Replacement, Thread the pull through the second hole: step 3, image 1 of 2

Zipper Pull Replacement, Thread the pull through the second hole: step 3, image 2 of 2

Pinch the paracord end of the pull and thread it through the other hole on the slider tab, the one furthest from the slider body.
Now there will be a paracord loop emerging from this tab hole (reference red arrow, image #2).

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Step 4 Loop the rubber end

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Zipper Pull Replacement, Loop the rubber end: step 4, image 2 of 2

Thread the rubber end of the paracord pull through the loop emerging from the slider tab.

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Step 5 Tighten the pull

Zipper Pull Replacement, Tighten the pull: step 5, image 1 of 2

Zipper Pull Replacement, Tighten the pull: step 5, image 2 of 2

While holding the slider, pull the rubber end of the zipper pull to tighten it. The zipper pull is now inserted and should lay flat on the slider tab.

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Step 6 Remove a damaged pull

To take off a damaged zipper pull, do these same steps in reverse.
Pliers can be helpful in getting into the small space and loosening the tension of the pull.
Discard the damaged pull responsibly.