Don't let a broken zipper destroy your favorite clothes! (2024)

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If you’ve ever had a zipper get stuck on a backpack, sweater, or a coat, you’re familiar with the frustration. It can feel like there’s nothing to be done but surrender to a stubborn zipper and toss the whole item before buying something else new to replace it (and crossing your fingers it doesn’t happen again).

But you never need to let a broken zipper be the reason you toss a whole item anymore — fixing it yourself is actually a lot easier than you might think. In most cases, a broken, stubborn or stuck zipper can be remedied using just some tweezers and a little patience. Here are the six most common zipper problems you’ve probably encountered, and some simple fixes that can get those zippers zipping again.

How to Unjam a Stuck Zipper

Is the slider stuck, and you’re unable to move it in any direction? Sewist Sachiko Aldous of @tearosehome says zippers get stuck for one of two reasons. Either there’s a bit of fabric wedged in the teeth of the zipper, or there’s buildup within the teeth themselves which is causing a jam. “The solution depends on the reasons it is stuck,” she says. Fix it with these steps.

Built up dust and dirt is a common cause of stuck zippers, especially on older items. For those, Aldous says, the key is to clear away anything that’s gunking up the teeth using a lubricant like oil, graphite, or even bar soap. “Be careful not to put the lubricant on the fabric itself. It might stain or discolor the fabric. Use tools such as a cotton swab to smear on messier substances like Vaseline or olive oil.” If you do get the lubricant on your fabric, start the cleanup process ASAP.

How to Fix Zipper Teeth That Keep Popping Open

Zipper teeth are supposed to merge neatly, completely sealing any fabric openings. But sometimes those teeth get out of alignment and create gaps. This is most often caused by a loose slider, Aldous says. A zipper slider is the mechanism under the pull that brings the two sets of teeth together. Wear and tear can bend the inner parts of a slider, making it ineffective.

“Squeeze each side of the slider and then check to be sure that both sides are even,” she says. “Be careful not to apply too much pressure as you crimp or you can break or jam the old slider.”

How to Replace a Broken Zipper Slider

If your attempt to repair the slider doesn’t work, it’s time to replace the slider altogether. This is surprisingly simple as long as you have the right tools and the patience to do a little research beforehand.

Buy a replacement slider

Look at the back of your original slider for a stamped number. If it’s there, buy a new zipper with the same number.

If there isn’t a stamped number on the back of your slider, bring it along when you go to the sewing supplies store so you can measure it against other sliders at the store and select exactly what you need. Sliders and top stops (the metal part at the bottom of the zipper that keeps the slider from running off the tracks) can be purchased together.

There are all different kinds of replacement zippers, but this universal kit is great if you’re not sure exactly what you need.

Then, follow these steps.

How to Make a Zipper Slide Easier

Aldous’s go-to method for making a zipper slide more easily is something you probably already have. “I use a bar of soap or a stick candle,” she says.

“Rub the stuff over the teeth of the zipper and gently tug to make it give way. Other types of lubricants, such as glass cleaner or petroleum jelly, might work as well.”

How to Replace a Zipper Pull Tab

A broken zipper pull tab doesn’t mean your item is ruined. “If your zipper pull tab has broken off, you can replace it with a new one,” Aldous says. “All you need is a replacement zipper pull tab and some pliers.”

“To attach the new zipper pull tab,” she explains, “simply open up the jaws of the pliers and insert the end of the zipper pull tab into them.”

“You can use other things you can find around the house as a makeshift pull tab,” Aldous adds, pointing to items such as ribbon or a key ring, a safety pin, or a paper clip. Many of these objects can be attached quickly without the use of pliers.

How to Keep a Zipper From Sliding Down

Why does this only ever seem to happen with jeans and pants!? Well, the short answer is because they get a lot of wear and tear, and the more you tug at your zipper, the greater chance you have of lifting the locking mechanism out of place.

On brass zippers, there is a tiny silver “finger” on the pull that sets down into the zipper teeth and locks once you push the zip up your pants and push the tab down into place. If this finger is pulled out of place, it can’t properly hold onto the teeth and do its job.

If you’re dealing with this issue, good news: there are a few temporary fixes you can try, and even one permanent one.

Temporary Fixes for Zippers That Keep Sliding Down

A More Permanent Fix for Zippers That Keep Sliding Down

And then, of course, there’s always the option of taking your zipper to a tailor, shoe repair shop, or dry cleaner to have it replaced. But this small task is simpler than you might think and can be done without specialty tools, so be brave, give it a try, and add a new skill to your list.

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