How to fix a zipper fastener. How to fix different parts of the zipper and the tools you need with your own hands

Almost every person has at least one item with a zipper in their wardrobe. Compared to buttons or buttons, it is much more comfortable. In addition, such fasteners are often used as a decoration for clothes, as they look very stylish. A more expensive option is a silver or gold metal snake. Often there is also a "tractor" plastic fastener. Unfortunately, it breaks down quite often. Let's try to figure it out: if the zipper on the jacket diverges - what to do, can you fix it yourself?

Using pliers

Why is it not fastened with an iron and plastic zipper, or is often dispersed on the jacket? The simplest and quick way solutions to the problem if the zipper on the jacket diverges:

  1. Lay the product with a “snake” on a flat surface, straighten the sides of the fastener.
  2. Place one of its ends inside the slider and press down with pliers.
  3. Now evaluate the result: try stretching the slider up and down.
  4. If the zipper is fastened, you can put on the thing and forget about a little trouble.
  5. If the lock comes apart, place the slider in the pliers so that the outer and inner halves are inside the tool.
  6. Extend the pliers and slider a few more centimeters. The clasp will snap into place immediately.

DIY jacket zipper repair with scissors

How to repair a zipper if it is unbuttoned at the bottom? You can resort to it if the attempt to repair with pliers was unsuccessful. In this case, you will need scissors. Suppose the clasp is broken and the slider is on one of the halves. In this case, proceed in this order:

  1. Pick up the other half of the castle.
  2. Find the lowest slider position you can.
  3. Using scissors, make a horizontal cut between the prongs.
  4. Slide the slider over the cut and pull it all the way.

Important! For best results, apply glue around the incision.

A screwdriver to help

This method can be used if the clasp is made of metal. So, if the zipper is open, grab a narrow screwdriver and slide it into the zipper bosom.

The point of this manipulation is to slightly expand the device. After the hole has widened slightly, insert the free half of the fastener into it, then secure the slider with pliers. The lock should work almost like new.

Can the slider be rearranged?

In principle, it is possible, but this applies to things where it is not fundamentally important in which direction the lock opens (handbags, cosmetic bags, etc.). Repair of the "snake" in this case is extremely simple. Move the slider to the opposite side, and sew the free ends together to prevent the slider from slipping.

If the "dog" has broken down completely, do not waste time fixing it and buy a new one in a sewing store. If you could not find the correct product, do the following:

  1. Unfold the stopper.
  2. Insert the slider.
  3. Rub the teeth of the lock with paraffin wax or a stearin candle.

Everything! You can use the lock.

How to fix a zipper on a jacket if the base of the lock is damaged?

This is one of the most common and easily repairable damages. Most often, the base of the castle fails in children's clothes, since the children have not yet learned how to take care of clothes.

Apply any colorless glue to the damaged area of ​​the base and leave to dry completely. If necessary, repeat the manipulation again.

The zipper does not fit well

This is not such a rare occurrence. The "dog" slips with difficulty on the lock, and additional difficulties arise with the fastening-unbuttoning. How to fix the lock on the jacket in this case?

There are several ways to debug a zipper:

  • Lubricate the lock with lard along its entire length. This repair method is suitable for leather goods... If the item is made of textiles, greasy stains may appear on it.
  • Candle wax. The wax-oiled fastener starts working normally.
  • Lead of a soft pencil. The use of graphite to lubricate the snake, as practice shows, is the most effective.

Care rules

These simple rules will help keep the zipper for a long time, and questions about how to repair the zipper on a jacket will not arise:

  • If there are grains of sand between the teeth, do not be too lazy to clean the lock with an old toothbrush.
  • If the zipper is plastic, be careful when ironing so that the iron does not fall on it. In this case, the hot iron may deform the prongs.
  • To keep the fastener longer, follow the washing instructions. Wash the garment inside out, with the clasp closed.

Video

As you can see, you can cope with a zipper breakage yourself. If the repair was unsuccessful, contact the atelier.

Zipper is a fastener found on many types of clothing and also used on shoes, bedding and bags. Sooner or later, everyone faces problems in the operation of the castle. Long-term use of the lock, initially low-quality product or problems to be solved - we will figure out what is the cause of the breakdown and how to solve it.

Before proceeding with the repair, you should find out what the key problem is. Perhaps it can be solved at home without the cost of professional repair. Among the most common causes of lightning breakage:

  • a weak slider that cannot connect the teeth of the lock together, because of which the zipper diverges;
  • the slider is too tight, due to which the zipper sticks and does not fasten or fastens very tightly;
  • divergence of the zipper after fastening. Just as in the first case, the problem lies in the weakness of the slider.

How to fix a zipper depending on the cause of the breakdown

All of the above problems with the lock can be solved at home and do not require a complete replacement of the lock. Repairs may require pliers, lock lubricant, runner, and paraffin wax.

Attention!

In addition to the fact that the slider can be purchased in specialized stores, it can also be removed from unnecessary old locks or clothes. Focus on the required size.

What to do if your zipper gets stuck

If the zipper sticks, stops moving, or breaks the teeth of the lock, then perhaps the reason lies in high friction. The question is easily solved - the lock needs to be lubricated. Specialist stores offer lubricants made specifically for runners. If this is not possible, then you can use any available means, for example, a piece of unsalted bacon or paraffin. Paraffin does not leave such marks as lard, so it is preferred.

  1. Rub the closed zipper with a piece of paraffin, being careful not to damage the teeth.
  2. Button and unfasten the lock several times.
  3. Wipe off excess paraffin with a tissue.

After these actions, the zipper will not jam and will serve for a long time.

What to do if the lock on the jacket comes apart

The problem with a weak slider is the easiest to solve and does not require replacing the zipper. Spread out the zipper and try to zip it up. Ideally, the slider should move smoothly without effort. If the zipper separates, then try to lightly press down the slider with pliers, if this does not help, then increase the pressure.

Important!

If you press down the slider too hard, then the zipper will only have to be thrown away. Therefore, move carefully, step by step, increasing the pressure.

What to do if the base of the zipper is broken

If Bottom part the castle has broken down to such an extent that it seems shaggy, then it is better to replace it - such a castle will definitely not last long. However, it is possible to extend the life of the castle base, which is especially important if you do not have the time or opportunity to change the castle right now. For this we need a simple nail polish, it is better to choose a colorless or matching color with the lock. Unzip the lock and gently refit the torn pieces, then apply nail polish on them. Please note that it is impossible to do with one layer here, the varnish should saturate the lock well and, when dry, glue the broken parts tightly. Dry the lock thoroughly before using.

Note!

If the option with nail polish is not very attractive to you, then you can use superglue in a similar way.

How to replace the zipper on your jacket

If all else fails, then the only option is to replace the slider. The dog can either be bought or removed from any old thing, the main thing is that it has the same size as the previous slider. Procedure:

  1. Remove the broken slider. Be careful - the teeth break easily - first lift one part of the dog, then release the other.
  2. Unclench the edges of the new dog in the same way, but do not overdo it so as not to break it. You can use a thick needle or scissors.
  3. Place the pawl on the lock and gently press it down with pliers.

Carefully!

Pressing too hard can break the dog, while too much pressure will cause the lock to constantly open. Proceed with caution.

After installing the new slider, open and close the lock several times, making sure that the pawl moves smoothly and the lock does not come apart.

How to replace the zipper on a jacket

Replacing the lock on a jacket is quite difficult for a common man in the street, especially if you have not done this before. It is best to take a padlock or jacket and go with them to a sewing store so that you can match the color and size of the padlock. At the same time, the old zipper is stripped off, and the new one is sewn with the help of a typewriter in its place. The top edge is cut to fit the length. However, if you are not confident in your own abilities, then it is best to turn to a professional seamstress.

Fixing a lock or a slider is quite simple - there are enough available tools for this, and you can do it at home. However, not all methods are long-term; in some cases, the castle can no longer be saved. Therefore, you should not delay replacing the zipper, so that later it does not let you down at the most inopportune moment.

Often you have to deal with an unpleasant situation when your favorite thing cannot be put on due to problems with the zipper. Especially often the zipper on a jacket or sweaters diverges, since the fastener tape in such clothes is quite mobile and can be easily damaged.

Why does the zipper on the jacket come apart?

Zipper on the jacket: the main problems with the zipper

A zipper has several common types of damage:

· The lock diverges - the reason is the slider is too loose, it does not bring the teeth together;

The slider moves too tightly - on the contrary, the planes of the slider are very strongly compressed, friction prevents it from sliding;

· The dog flew off the fastener - the fasteners were loosened so much that the working part of the mechanism slipped past the limiters;

· The lock unfastens spontaneously: again, the slider is loosened, and strong pressure on the joints also plays a role.

It is easy to figure out how to fix a zipper on a jacket or jeans: if unbuttoning is difficult, you need to lubricate the teeth, for other problems, tighten the slider or replace it. However, the replacement solves the issue with poor unbuttoning.

You can compress the plane of the dog with pliers, but this must be done carefully, since too much compression will lead to a problem of the second kind - with unbuttoning. In addition, the relatively fragile metal of cheap accessories can simply break. The best way to lubricate the teeth is a soft lead pencil. It is enough to run them several times over the teeth from the outer and inside tapes and zip-open.

When spontaneously unbuttoning - this usually happens with tight jeans - let's say the option with a stopper. It is enough to thread a ring (from a key fob made of ordinary wire or unbent paper clip) into the hole on the tongue and put it on when buttoning jeans together with the loop.

If the repair fails

The fastening mechanism that has flown off the zipper is the easiest to replace in the workshop, there they can easily pick up right size and professionally fix it. However, if you wish, you can do this yourself. The easiest option is to remove the stoppers at the top of the fastener and, carefully bringing the ends together on a flat surface, put the slider on them. In this case, it will need to be tightened a little after putting on and the restraints should be restored. The easiest way is to sew the top of the zipper tightly with a thick thread. If the fastener is sewn into the product, this option is not suitable. How to fix the zipper, is it possible at all, or is it better to replace the fastener, in this case, it will be up to the clothing repairman to decide.

The life of a modern housewife is facilitated by household helpers: washing and dishwasher, microwave and other appliances.

However, not all issues can be resolved with their help. For example, fixing garments requires manual labor.

The author of the article, Rosalia Khamitova, publishes tips home master on available ways repair the zipper lock with your own hands on clothes, shoes or a bag with a demonstration of them with explanatory pictures and a video.


How the lock works

The zipper is popular for its simplicity and convenience. It is often found on clothing, shoes and bags.

Description of the structure

The zipper consists of:

  • two strips of fabric;
  • lock (slider);
  • rings;
  • pendants (dog, keychain, duper);
  • links;
  • limiters;
  • pins;
  • a detachable limiter with a socket;
  • sealing tape.

How the lock works

Two textile tapes with attached zippers and a stopper on each, they are assembled with a lock into a common engagement with teeth.

Closing work

If you pull on the dog with your fingers, the slider begins to slide along the links of the braid, connects the teeth in turn, fixes them together: the lock closes. The limiter determines the dog's range of motion.

Opening work

When the suspension lock moves back, the links are disengaged and the zipper is released.

What is the clasp

Manufacturers produce three link connection designs:


The most durable in use are metal zippers. Tractor fasteners are highly wear-resistant, while spiral fasteners have good elasticity.

Slider classification

Locks are made according to the appearance of each link of the fastener with different ways his works.

Each type of zipper uses a certain type of lock.

The number of the slider corresponds to the width of the links, measured in mm between the teeth when the zipper is closed. They are marked with a number on back side... The shape of the sole is determined from the seamy part of the lock.

Castle construction

By the way they work, the runners are divided into:

  • an automatic machine, the mechanism of which does not allow the links to diverge regardless of the position of the dog;
  • a semiautomatic device that allows unbuttoning only when the dog is in the raised position. The design includes a special lock;
  • haberdashery: there is no stopper, and the links are not blocked. This allows the zipper to move freely without any fastening.

Why does the lock break

The most common reason the breakage of the fastener is the wear of the inner cavities of the runner, when the mechanism cannot connect the links, and the zipper diverges.

Dangers exposed to lightning on:

  • shoes, as sand and dirt are clogged in them;
  • jackets and outerwear when they are fastened in jerks with brute force;
  • and also all plastic parts exposed to sudden temperature changes.

The castle falls into disrepair due to:

  • erasing the surface and increasing the gap between the side walls and links;
  • the formation of microcracks after prolonged operation;
  • mechanical breakdown due to careless handling, when the dog is jerked with great force;
  • the penetration of dust and dirt between the links and the lock, which begins to slow down the sliding of the runner;
  • breakage of the dog, transmitting the force of the hand to the zipper lock.

Slider repair methods

If the lightning begins to disperse, then you can try to fix the lock yourself.

There are two simple methods:

  1. tighten the increased gap with pliers;
  2. bring the edges together with a hammer.

Working with pliers

To do this, close the zipper and tighten the side parts of the slider from the ends on the outer and inner sides of the lock.

The gap between the teeth will move closer together: the lightning will stop diverging. Work must be done carefully so as not to pinch or break the slider.

The space for tightening the sides of the lock is limited. So work more convenient tool with long and narrow lips - platypuses.

Oleg Ars talks about this method in more detail in his video.

Repair by hammer blows

You can fix the defects of the lock by lightly tapping the edges with a small hammer, avoiding hits on the central part.

Below it is necessary to provide a rigid stop: you can put a flat solid object or plate. In order not to accidentally hit the middle part of the lock, it is recommended to additionally use the upper stop. This method works better with metal zippers.

The same principle is used to repair the runner with a small hand vice.

However, all these methods require great care and accuracy. It is quite easy to exceed the mechanical force and break the lock: it will need to be replaced.

How to change the zipper slider

If, after an attempt at an unsuccessful repair, a breakdown occurs, then you will need to look for a new part that is suitable in size and design, and then replace it with a broken one.

Lock selection criteria

First you need to determine the characteristics and type of faulty slider. Its number is indicated with back side... It can simply be measured with a regular ruler.

The classification of runners is detailed above. However, when visiting a store, it is necessary to have a sample of the broken part, as well as a clear understanding of the type of fastener.

Slider replacement technology

After choosing and buying a lock, they begin to replace it. To get the job done, you need a simple tool:

  • thin screwdriver;
  • side cutters;
  • pliers.

Then you will need:

  • open the zipper to the end;
  • remove the limiter on one side;
  • close the zipper and remove the slider from the side where there are no limiters;
  • insert a new slider;
  • lightly squeeze the removed stopper with pliers and install in its original place;
  • thread the ends of the tape.

Features of replacing the slider on different types of zippers

Each type of fastener design has its own specificity.

Metal zippers

They should use side cutters with a screwdriver to remove the upper stop on the right side and try to replace the slider. Thickening of the webbing can interfere with this work.

In this situation, the tissue is cut with the tips of the scissors. Through the incision made, the slider is carefully inserted with slight swaying. The place of the cut on the braid is reinforced with two stitches of thread or a limiter is installed on it.

Tractor lightning

In such a fastener, the slider is usually well inserted through the restraints; it is not necessary to remove them.

If the limiter interferes, then you will have to remove it, and after replacing the lock, install a metal or homemade analogue. All actions are performed with the fastener unbuttoned.

Spiral lightning

The scheme for replacing the slider with fasteners of this type is no different from the usual method. It is described above.

How to improve the performance of the zipper

There are several simple ways to treat surfaces with lubrication:

  • wax;
  • with a pencil lead.

Waxing

You can rub the cloves on both sides of the regular paraffin candle or beeswax. The zipper can be closed or divorced.

The paraffin wax will fill the voids between the teeth. The slider will slide more freely.

Pencil lead lubrication


Lubricating the zipper with wax or a pencil lead makes it easier to slip, protects against external influences and extends the life of the slider. However, graphite can penetrate and contaminate clothing.

How to extend the life of a zipper

In order for a clasp with a lock to serve as long as possible, it is enough to adhere to simple rules:

  • carefully use the dog, do not expose it to harsh stress;
  • do not bend the zipper during storage;
  • if the metal fastener diverges, then try to adjust the course of its lock with pliers or a hammer;
  • do not allow contact of the fastener made of plastic when ironing the linen with a hot iron;
  • fasten the lock for the period of washing the linen until it touches the stopper;
  • use wax or pencil lead as a preventative lubricant in the early stages of wear on the buckle lock.

If you still have questions on this topic, now is the best time to ask them in the comments.


Thin and thick, long and short, with metal and plastic teeth.
We use a zipper on clothes of all seasons.

Zipper is a popular fastener, especially a detachable one: it is convenient, but alas, it sometimes breaks.
If a button comes off, then you can simply sew it in place and continue to wear the thing. How to fix a zipper? Of course, the spoiled thing in the atelier can be attributed. If you want to save money, you can try to fix the zipper at home with your own hands.

And today we will talk about the repair of a detachable zipper. And about a fairly common case , when the insert tip of the left side of the fastener is "worn out".

Unfortunately, here it is difficult to repair the zipper with your own hands, and replacing the slider or, as they say, "dogs" will not help, and it is usually recommended to change the zipper completely.

What to do if you don’t want to change the lock, yes, sometimes, it’s not so easy (it can be very inconvenient to sew it on), but you want to wear a jacket with a zipper. I found a very interesting way on the Internet

So, you don’t want to sew up the lock at the base and don’t want (or are not able to) replace it.

To begin with, we need a piece of iron from which we will make the part we need.

We also need superglue and a paper clip. (superglue - one that hardens very quickly and becomes "like glass", very hard, based on cyacrolate, sold in small tubes of 1-2 grams.).

So, we remove all unnecessary, after soaking the fabric with superglue. It will grab quickly and stiffen.
Cut carefully with pliers. (photo 1).

Now it's up to the main part.
We cut it to size from a piece of stainless steel or tinned tin (can be taken from tin can from condensed milk)
and roll up as shown in photo 2.

It should fit well into the part of the castle that moves and is well fixed in the part that is below (photo 3).

Surely, everyone did this when they tried to understand how this thing works or when the lightning parted in the middle.

After that, we put our piece of iron on the inside of the castle and put it on superglue (photos 5 and 6).
Trying to unbutton. If you did everything well, then the lock should unfasten, although at first - until the piece of iron is rubbed in, it can be done with some effort. Take your time, because the glue may not have time to set completely.
So, you unbuttoned the lock. Everything works, but this is not enough.

Now we need to strengthen our construction.
We drill 2 small holes and insert a bracket made from an ordinary paper clip (photo 7, 8,).

Now that's it! (photo 9, 10).

We finally check the work of our zipper. For better view you can touch up the gluing sites with a permanent marker. For good work, I recommend rubbing the lock with paraffin or stearin (with an ordinary candle) or just soap.

Some Helpful Tips for Zippers

* If the lock is taut with the zipper, rub it with a stearic candle. This advice is especially effective for metal zippers.
The lead of a soft pencil will also help. It is enough to swipe them through the lightning several times.

* If the "zipper" often spontaneously diverges in the middle - lightly tap on the lock (its edges, and not on the bracket for which the tongue is attached) with a small hammer.
Tapping the lightning itself, if it is metal, will also help. The lock will begin to move tighter, but the lightning will stop diverging.

* If the tab comes off on the zip lock, you can replace it with a regular paper clip.

* Zippers on shoes suffer greatly from dampness, wet and salty snow, slush. Which drastically shortens their service life.
Run a piece of unsalted lard over them, or use a special hydrophobic lubricant often. And the zipper will be protected from dampness. This lubricant will also improve its performance.