How to Fix a Stuck Zipper
You've probably run into this jam before: You're zipping up a jacket, and the lining suddenly gets caught in the zipper's teeth. Here's how to get out of it. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Stop zipping as soon as you feel something is caught.
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Examine the zipper to locate the problem. The inner lining may be caught, so check the inside of the garment or sleeping bag.
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Gently pull the lining away from the zipper. Tug lightly if necessary. Pull at the lining, not at the zipper. Pulling the zipper tab up or down will worsen the problem.
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If any teeth became separated as you removed the lining, push them back into place.
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Run your fingers along the length of the zipper and push the lining away from the zipper to prevent future snags.
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Use a little force to pull the zipper to the bottom. Then rezip, making sure to avoid the lining as you go.
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Tips & Warnings
If a missing tooth causes the zipper to get stuck, run the zipper quickly over the area of the missing tooth. The momentum will help the zipper stay on track.
If the zipper is sticking because it's worn or old, rub a No. 2 pencil along the teeth. The graphite will smooth out the rough spots.
See How to Unjam a Sleeping-Bag Zipper for more tips.
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Comments
View all 17 Comments-
ashleyohtori
Jul 30, 2008
The graphite works super well! -
CoosaCowgirl
Jan 25, 2007
I wouldn't have believed it! It worked! I used some Neosporin Lip Ointment to unstick a zipper (on my new jacket) that had been shut in a door, was hard to zip up, then split. Hubby had used some gentle FORCE to try and get it down/open. Boy was it stuck! I thought I had tried everything except dismantling the zipper. :o) Thanks to you it is now apart! Now to get it back together and working... Bless you, Jana
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CosmicMark
Dec 23, 2006
OK - I just did it thanks to your encouragement and general instructions in this site! I must say that I was going to write off ever wearing my favorite zip turtle-neck sweater again until I found your site tonight! I had the worst problem, beyond most. The zipper just stopped clasping when zipped - Very frustrating and the store would not return it so I was determined to fix it months ago but skeptical about doing further damage and your site lent the encouragement and general instructions to inspire me! > I began by finding your section on dismantling the stopper at the bottom of the open position - Very easy to remove with a needle-nose pliers as this is a thin brass clasp with sharp little teeth curled over like a office staple. I even replaced this original stopper when completed with the repair contrary to having to use sewing thread for this finishing touch I have done that before when another zipper broke as the end stopper came off. Sewing thread was the last resort to that repair. Take your time to carefully dismantle this and the zipper will slide off. Examine it and see that the trailing end of the 'sliding clasper' is not tight enough to clasp the sipper teeth, possibly due to overuse and wear - It is just simply a procedure to carefully squeeze the trailing end of the clasper back to it's original tight tolerance. DO NOT play with the front end (that is the larger opening front leading edge that rails the zipper teeth as you pull to close the zipper - Just squeeze the trailing end on both sides with a needle nose or a simple pliers will do although a little bulky as the device is small, enough to return the tolerance to snug with an opening of maybe the thickness of tag-board paper; or to almost touching - NOT too tight. Then line up the bottom teeth, sliding the zipper back to its beginning position, carefully at (one side at a time and keeping it lined up to both sides equal starting teeth This will be important to result in the end zipping process to bringing the garment closed properly and cosmetically right) and work it into the beginning sliding position -front large railing end first onto the zipper - It might be a little tight but it should clasp the teeth together tightly and properly again if you did this correctly; Now the finishing touch - If you did not damage the old stopper badly, reshape it like a new office stationary staple (a "U" shape) and press it back at the bottom of the teeth run - It will be like pushing a double sewing needle through both sides of the end material of the zipper just below and snug against the last teeth (but not over them) - It should be over the material on the zipper batting only and then curl the sharp teeth back like a finished office stationary staple. Good luck! - Mark, Artist/Astronomer- Portland, Oregon
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Aug 08, 2006
If your zipper gets stuck, rub some lip balm on both sides, it's sure to work.
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Aug 08, 2006
To fix a zipper that is really stuck (and you know it's not the lining), I have one word: beeswax. It may look yellowish, but don't worry, it goes on clear. It's natural, so you can't get an allergic reaction to it, and is not greasy. Perfect solution, and good for thread too.
