From snagged fabric to a Bulk Metal Zipper that won’t open, everything can usually be fixed immediately. What can’t be fixed can always be replaced
Lightning bolts are perhaps the most underrated of all the gadgets we use every day. Without it, our trousers, jackets, suitcases and wallets would not close. I must admit that before writing this article, I had never thought about how lightning actually worked. Now that I know how easy it is, it’s quite interesting.
Both sides of the zipper should be positioned so that the tiny metal teeth slide between the teeth on the other side. The teeth on one side are slightly recessed and the teeth on the other side are slightly curved so they compress as they slide. Magic happens inside the slider: when it slides up, the inner wedge tilts the teeth together, and when it slides down, the narrow end pushes them apart.
Zippers often fail when the teeth become warped or misaligned, which can render the entire item unusable. Here, experts explain how to solve the problem.
Fashion designer and sustainability educator Meg Parry says Bulk Metal Zipper are most susceptible to damage when you pull them by hand.
A forced zipper requires too much effort to zip something up. One way to prevent damage is to use your hands or a zipper to make sure the two sides of a zipped garment or bag are tightly connected before zipping it up.
“All zippers that are subject to tension should have hooks and loops or buttons installed at the top of the zipper to release the tension before tightening.” Sewing and recycling. “That’s why we have a button at the top of the fly on jeans and a hook at the top of the zipper on pencil skirts.”
Stuck Fabric: The easiest way to clear tissue stuck in your teeth is to inspect the bottom of the zipper; this will give you a clear idea of what is causing the problem. “Then you can carefully tilt the guide back and pull the fabric out from under the guide,” says Parry.
Pull the fabric in the opposite direction of the Bulk Metal Zipper, but do it slowly and carefully to avoid tearing the fabric or damaging the puller.
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Zipper sticking. If the zipper only closes halfway, it’s usually because the zipper teeth are bent or misaligned. To fix this, try pulling the slider down from where it is stuck. Then take a little wax or soap and rub it up and down the tooth in question to smooth out the path of the slider, says George Chen, a suit technician at RMIT University.
If this doesn’t work, you may need to use pliers to straighten the crooked tooth and return it to shape. Take a pair of needle-nose pliers and pinch your teeth with them, squeezing them back into line.
“You can find any good pair of pliers at your local hardware store,” says Parry. Look for “long-nosed pliers, combination pliers, and wire cutters that are best suited for working with zippers.”
Zippers that unzip: When the teeth are closed and the pull tab lies flat, the zipper should lock into place, Chen says. When a zipper opens, it is because the mechanism on the teeth is not locked, which means the zipper needs to be replaced.
If you’re replacing zippers, it’s worth upgrading to a stronger zipper. “Some jeans zippers have built-in pegs that press into the teeth and secure the Bulk Metal Zipper at the top,” says Parry. “These are very useful if you’re replacing a zipper on jeans or trousers,” he adds.
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For a short-term solution, Parry recommends attaching a key ring through the tongue, zipping it up, and placing the key ring over a button (such as on jeans or pants) to hold it in place. For items without buttons, she recommends attaching a safety pin to the top of the zipper, just below the pull tab, to prevent the zipper from falling out.
In some cases, it is best to replace the zipper completely, including when the slider does not close the zipper at all; if the sides of the zipper are offset; if an open bubble forms when closing the zipper; or if the Slider runs only along the zipper going from one side. There are a few techniques that can salvage the zipper in these situations, such as removing the stopper, replacing the slider, or removing a few teeth, but these skills are best learned in person.
If you want to try replacing the zipper yourself and have never done it before, it’s worth checking out the online instructions first.
“You need to consider the weight of the fabric or type of garment, as well as the level of seam detail you need to replicate to complete the finished area,” says Chan. “You also need to consider whether the zipper is open, closed or concealed.” Each type needs to be sewn into clothing differently, and invisible zippers are known to be a hassle.
If you decide to move forward, you’ll need to “look for a zipper that’s the same type, the right color, and the right length,” Parry says. This could be a simple “add to cart” or a tedious chase to multiple fabric stores, depending on your specific needs.
Once you find a zipper that fits, use a seam ripper to remove the old zipper from the garment and secure the new zipper in place.
“The zipper can be sewn in easily with a needle and thread using a fairly strong half-stitch,” says Giemer-Waldron. “If you know how to use a sewing machine and want to use one, definitely use a Bulk Metal Zipper foot,” she says.
Ultimately, don’t be afraid to admit failure at any stage of the process. It’s important not to “throw away clothes if you think the zipper is broken,” Chen said.
Post time: Dec-01-2023