How to Fix a Book Bag Zipper That Is Stuck
A book bag zipper can occasionally get stuck when the lining or other material gets caught in its teeth. On metal zippers, rust or corrosion may be to blame. You do not need to replace the zipper or the bag if the teeth are intact. You can easily fix a stuck zipper on a book bag by removing the fabric from the pull, cleaning corrosion or rust and lubricating the zipper.
Instructions
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Remove any material that may be stuck in the zipper by gently wiggling and tugging the material while simultaneously pulling the zipper open. Move the zipper gently up and down and use a pair of tweezers to grasp the material stuck in the teeth. Continue until the material is removed from the zipper.
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Lubricate the entire length of the zipper with sewing machine oil to help the pull slide more smoothly. Apply the oil sparingly, taking care not to get any on the bag. Pull the zipper open and closed several times until the oil lubricates all the teeth. Wipe away any excess oil. You may also try rubbing a bar of soap along the teeth of the zipper.
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Apply undiluted white vinegar to a metal zipper that has been damaged by corrosion. Test a hidden section of the book bag for color fastness and then liberally apply the vinegar to the zipper. Wait 10 to 15 minutes for the vinegar to dissolve and loosen the corrosion from the zipper. Wipe clean with a damp cloth and then lubricate the zipper with sewing machine oil.
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Tips & Warnings
Maintain metal zippers on book bags by rubbing the zipper teeth with a bar of soap or sewing machine oil.
Clean moisture from a metal zipper as soon as possible to avoid rust and corrosion.
Never try to force a zipper open or closed. Force can damage the teeth and ruin the zipper.
Avoid overloading a book bag so that the zipper is difficult to close. Forcing a zipper closed can damage the teeth and the zipper pull.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
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Comments
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Had a suitcase with 3 stuck zippers (plastic teeth/metal zipper guide). Over 2 years, tried many ideas to free a stuck zippers, with no luck. This week came across a tip here about using white vinegar to free a corroded/stuck zipper and IT WORKED! Over 2-3 days, I soaked teeth/guide on one zipper several times and tried moving the zipper which was very stubborn & didn't seem to budge. Today, I soaked zipper again, left it for 15 minutes - came back, tried it and it actually moved a bit. Kept tugging at it and finally it freed! Eureka! I used same technique on remaining 2 zippers with excellent results. The key is patience, persistence and faith that it would work. Thank you for the great suggestion :-)
