How to Remove and Replace an Old Zipper Slider

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By butrflygdss
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Changing a zipper slide is really very simple. Once you have the right tools and supplies it's easy. Note: zipper slides can not be replaced on pants.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

New Zipper Slider
Lider Stop
Needle Nose Pliers

Step 1

Select a slider that matches the one you are removing. The letters that are printed on the slide tell you what size you need. For example: xxy would be the size. You would need to find one that says "xxy"
Step 2

At the top of the zipper, the side that the slider is on, there is a small plastic, or metal, stop.(It is a small piece that is u shaped and fits around each side of the fabric) This prevents the slider from coming off when you zip up. Use the pliers to remove this piece. It may take some elbow grease, but it will come off.
Step 3

Slide off the old, or broken slide, and replace it with the new one. Then at the top, where you removed the stop, clamp down (using the pliers) a new stop. Your done!! Zip up!

Tips & Warnings

You can find zipper slider and stops at your local fabric or hardware store.
Choose a slide that is at least one shade darker if you can't find an exact match.
Use caution when working with the pliers, you don't want to damage yourself or the fabric.

Comments

cheli9 said

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on 7/15/2009 Great advice, thank you. I would add that you can use a small flathead screwdriver to open the zipper stop as well, but be very careful not to damage the fabric. Also to open the zipper stop further after you get it off, hammer it onto progressively larger screwdrivers.

One zipper stop I tried to take off just wouldn't open, but I was able to slide it far enough out of the way to get the old zipper off and the new one on, at which point I just slid it back into place.

Also, even after you take the zipper stop off, you will probably still have to work the zipper past heavy fabric, but it will eventually come off.

This was much easier than I thought it would be. Just be patient when working the old zipper stop off.