We all use zippers in different forms every day. From our clothing to our bags, we don’t realise how vital zippers are until they get broken, and we start facing a lot of inconveniences. There are some critical situations when you think that if you had known how to fix a zipper, you could have gotten out of this mess. For instance, if you have a zipper in your dress or have a zipper jacket, joggers for women either men and the malfunction happens, not only you’ll have to be more conscious about the way you look, but you will also have a very low level of confidence because of the wardrobe malfunction.
So to save you from such situations, we have listed ten ways to fix a broken zipper. You can use all the below-listed techniques to improve the zipper all on your own, that too very easily!
Replace the top stop and the slider
Take off the top stop with the help of pliers altogether and remove the slider from the zipper chain. Set a new slider and replace the ultimate top stop. Insert the slider back into the chain, and you are good to go!
Make use of a graphite pencil
All you have to do is rub the tip of a sharp graphite pencil along closed zipper teeth while trying to work the zipper down. Slightly run the broken zipper downwards. Doing this would make the sliding easier. One down, start closing the zipper again, and you’re done!
Use a laundry soap
In the current fashion trends zip broken is a normal thing. Soaps help lubricate the zipper, enabling it to run smoothly. All you have to do is dip a cotton ball in the detergent and water mixture and all over the zipper. The zipper will start running smoothly.
Use a key chain
If the zipper slider comes off, you can attach a key ring to it through the zipper tab, which will temporarily fix the problem and enable you to use the zipper.
Use tweezers
All you need to do is pull the blockage-causing teeth of the zipper with a pair of tweezers. Wiggle the zipper slider up and down gently, and it will start work seamlessly.
Safety pin or U-pin
While using the safety pin, you have to hook the U-pin into the gap of the puller and use it to slide the zipper. Instead of a U-pin, you can use a safety pin and a temporary replacement for a zipper puller.
Petroleum Jelly
This is the oldest and one of the most efficient tricks to ensure that your zipper works smoothly. Petroleum jelly lubricates the chain and ensures that the zipper runs smoothly without getting stuck. Just apply the petroleum jelly with the help of a Q tip or cotton pad. You can either coat the patch around the stuck or broken zipper. Also, you can run it through the entire zipper chain.
Getting rid of the unnecessary buildup
There is a possibility that there could be some minute shreds of fabric or laundry buildup around the zipper teeth or puller, because of which the zipper may break. Therefore, it is required that you must wash the garment to remove this buildup. You can also use a hair conditioner to clean the zipper to ensure it runs and functions smoothly.
Using nail paint
Sometimes, the zipper might break or slip as its teeth have worn down because of too much use, and this is where transparent nail paint may come to your rescue.
You only have to paint the thin teeth with a thick coat of clear nail polish and let them dry completely. The nail polish will thicken the teeth and help you restore the zip to its seamless operation.
If you feel your problem isn’t yet fixed, you may go for another coat of clear nail polish on the teeth.
Use a screwdriver
You can also fix the zipper with the help of a screwdriver. You first have to find the end of the zipper that has a square-shaped tab at the bottom of it.
Without tugging or yanking, gently connect the teeth individually to the end of the slider to make sure that they are aligned.
Use a screwdriver for precise and convenient alignment.
When you are done with aligning the teeth into both of the slider’s ends, gently and carefully pull the zipper tab up and down.
