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. 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.

Things You'll Need

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

Instructions

1. Remove stitching around lower ends of zipper tapes.

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

3. Remove the old zipper foot.

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

5. Pull the slider up until locked track teeth appear at bottom. The slider should be seated evenly on tracks to insure an even close at the top of the zipper.

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