How to Remove and Replace a Zipper Slider

Just because the zipper slider is old or broken on a favorite garment doesn't mean you have to get rid of it or even take it to the tailor's. Replacing the zipper slider is relatively easy if you allow yourself the time and patience to deal with this intricate task. Armed with a needle, thread and a seam ripper, you can have this job finished in no time!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Needle and thread
• New zipper slider in same color and size
• Seam ripper

1. Carefully remove stitching around lower ends of zipper tapes.

2. Pry off metal stop at bottom of the zipper, careful not to tear the tapes.

3. Remove old zipper foot.

4. Take new zipper slider and guide track tapes into grooves of the slider, sticking tapes into the top and pushing them through zipper slider to the bottom. Use a pin if needed to work the track tapes through. Pull tapes gently to make sure slider is sitting evenly on tracks.

5. With both tapes threaded through slider, gently pull slider up until locked track teeth appear at bottom. Slider should be seated evenly on tracks to insure an even close at the top of the zipper.

6. Sew a new stop at bottom of the tracks with needle and thread. Sew zipper back onto garment where stitching was removed for repair.

[CCrock]

on 2/17/2008 thanks so much! this is helpful!