If your zippers are permanently misaligned, here are a few tips on fixing them. To begin, gently squeeze the openings of the slider, and force the teeth to go through the slider. Then, replace the top stops and pull the whole slider in.
Replace the whole slider with the pull
If you have a zipper getting stuck, replacing the whole slider with the pull can be a straightforward task. However, it is essential to take time and do it correctly so your problem is fixed as quickly as possible.
One of the first steps is to remove the stopper on the bottom of the zipper. This is done by folding it away from the teeth. It is essential to make sure that you do this correctly, as this can cause the fabric to tear at the base of the teeth.
Another method is to use a pair of needle nose pliers. This is necessary because you will need to squeeze the top and bottom plates of the slider. You can also use a flathead screwdriver.
Depending on the type of zipper you have, you will be able to find various tools to help you. Some more common items include a pencil, a glass cleaner, a bar of soap, and a rubber band.
Gently squeeze the openings of the slider.
Using household tools to gently squeeze the openings of the slider to fix a misaligned zipper is easy. Unfortunately, the slider holds teeth together, so when one is loose or missing, the teeth can get clogged and not slide properly.
In addition to the pliers, a small flathead screwdriver and a pair of tweezers can also help. Tweezers are handy because they can the closest fabric to the slider, helping to pull the together and reins the slider.
You can use a flathead screwdriver to tighten the top and bottom plate of the slider. Alternatively, you can pinch the end of the zipper stop around the tape, holding it in place. This is a good practice, as it will prevent the zipper from sliding off the chain.
Depending on the zipper type, you may need to use more than one of the abovementioned techniques. For example, if you have a nylon zipper, you can try a tweezer or a lubricant, such as lip balm or petroleum jelly.
Force the teeth to go through the slider
If your zipper isn’t closing correctly, you may need to force the teeth through the slider. You can do this with household tools.
First, you should check the zipper for damage. If the zipper is stuck, you can use tweezers to grab the fabric on the top or bottom plate and pinch it together. This will help the teeth mesh together. If you can’t get the zipper to move, coat the teeth with a lubricant like petroleum jelly or dish soap.
After you’ve cleaned the zipper and checked the teeth, you can apply a bit of nail polish to the teeth. If you have a metal zipper, you can color them. If you have a plastic zipper, you can lubricate them with petroleum jelly or bar soap.
When you’re ready to fix the zipper, start by tugging on the zipper. You can do this manually or with a screwdriver. A small flathead screwdriver can be used as extra leverage.
Replace the top zipper stops
If you have a zipper that is not working correctly, it may be time to replace the top zipper stops. These stops are small metal pieces placed on the zipper teeth’ ends. They are designed to prevent the zipper from coming off the track.
To repair a broken zipper, you will need a few tools. First, a seam ripper will help remove any stitches holding the zipper in place. Depending on the zipper size, you can do this on the underside or the outside.
You can also fix a zipper that has missing teeth. These teeth can be replaced with a small U section or a brass clip. You will also need a thread to stitch the new stop around the broken teeth.
You can also use pliers to straighten out zipper teeth that have become twisted. You can also lubricate the teeth with a spray. This will prevent stress on the teeth and prevent them from breaking.
