How to fix a zip: Tips and advice

Zips are on lots of clothes, accessories and other items in daily use, and although they appear rather simple contraptions, smooth operation is fundamental for our convenience. Therefore, when they break, they become an unexpected problem that affects the use of the garment, rucksack, toilet bag, etc. 

The good news is that in many cases they do not need to be changed. With some small repairs, you can extend the life of your clothes without having to buy new ones. In this article, we are providing you with a step-by-step guide with clear, uncomplicated instructions.

Repairing a broken zip, step by step

The first thing to know about repairing zips is understanding what the problem is in order to apply the best solution:

• If it is loose and opens: gently squeeze the slider with some pliers until it fits better.
• If the slider has come off the end: replace the slider and make a couple of stitches to prevent it coming off the end.
• If it has jammed: apply some soap or wax and gently coax it to work again.
• If teeth are missing: sew in a couple of stitches before the damaged part to avoid the zip going past and opening up.

Easy solutions to repair a rucksack zip

Rucksack zips suffer a lot from use, and they are therefore more likely to wear and stop working properly. 

If you notice that the zip does not close properly, the problem is that sometimes the slider has come away from the fabric. It can be repositioned by gently tugging on the cloth to open the sides and realign the teeth. In situations when the zip is jerky or hard to pull, in addition to some lubrication, a little heat in the area using your hands can work to make the material more flexible and improve how it slides.

If the slider has come off or does not fit, instead of forcing it, use a fine object (an open paper or hair clip) to gradually reset the start of the closure. 

Repairing a broken zip without the pull

If you have lost the pull, you can save your garment using this trick which, although provisional, will help save the moment.

1. Fit an improvised “pull”. Use a clip, ring or safety pin in the gap where the pull was. It will help you open and close the zip more easily.
2. Close the zip by hand. Join the teeth together, and bit by bit close the zip.
3. Secure it so that it does not open. Put a couple of stitches in or use a safety pin to hold it in place.

The fork trick to position the zip slider

Did you know about this trick? It is ideal when the slider has come off and you can’t put it back by hand.

Easy, effective, step by step guide:

1. Take a fork and fix the slider on one of the middle tines.
2. Introduce both sides of the zip in the slider at the same time.
3. Hold the cloth and pull the fork down.

In short, if your zips break at the worst possible time, there are some household solutions that will help solve the problem quickly, and thus increase the useful life of your favourite clothes.