How to Make a Suitcase Plastic Zipper Slide Easily

A plastic suitcase zipper is durable, strong and easily maintained.

Modern luggage zippers are predominantly constructed with individual plastic teeth or coiled teeth that are applied to cloth strips. The corners of a piece of luggage are stress points for a suitcase zipper. The area near the pull tab or slider is another point where the zipper can become jammed. It is important to keep a plastic zipper clean and lubricated for ease of movement.

Things You'll Need

• Needle
• Candle
• Zipper lubricant

Instructions

1. Separate the sides of the zipper by pulling the slider around the frame of the suitcase. Check the zipper to be sure there are no dirt or fiber particles in the coiled plastic strip or individual teeth. Carefully pick at any material that can impede the ease of movement with a sewing needle tip and remove it.

2. Push any bent or misaligned teeth back into place with the needle.

3. Close the zipper. Rub the bottom end of an unlit candle along the entire length of the meshed zipper teeth. Make sure the wax from the candle coats the center area of the zipper.

4. Grasp the zipper pull or slider and slowly unzip the mechanism. Zip the sides closed once again. Add more wax if the zipper has any resistance in the pull.

5. Spray a zipper lubricant on the enmeshed teeth of the suitcase zipper that is giving a great deal of resistance when the slide is pulled. Try a lubricant manufactured specifically for plastic if the wax is insufficient in helping the mechanism move easily. Follow product directions.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are away from home, and the mechanism is showing signs of resistance, try lubricating the zipper with a small bar of soap.

• Use a lubricant spray that is manufactured for plastic zippers or you may cause damage to the suitcase material.

References

• The Place With no Name: Zippers and Zipper Repair
• White Mountain: Zipper Maintenance

Resources

• Air Gorilla: Airline Luggage and Suitcases