Fixing a Broken Zipper Slider: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you tired of dealing with a broken zipper slider on your favorite backpack, luggage, or clothing? Look no further! In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to fix a broken zipper slider using a simple technique that requires minimal tools.

What You’ll Need

To fix a broken zipper slider, you’ll need a few basic tools:

• Locking pliers (or regular pliers in a pinch)
• A thin flat blade screwdriver (optional)

Step 1: Identify the Problem

Take a closer look at your broken zipper slider. If it’s separating behind the slider, like the one shown on this tent, you’re in luck! This is a common zipper failure mode that’s easy to fix.

Step 2: Clamp the Zipper Slider

Use your locking pliers to clamp the top and bottom plates of the zipper slider. Make sure you’re clamping just the slider and not the zipper pulls or fabric.

Step 3: Adjust the Screw

With the locking pliers in the locked position, use the screw adjustment at the back to close on the zipper slider. Make sure you’re applying the slightest pressure to both sides of the slider.

Step 4: Tighten the Screw

Remove the locking pliers and tighten the screw adjustment ever so slightly. A 1/16th or 1/8th of a turn should be enough. You’re trying to apply the slightest pressure to both sides of the zipper slider.

Step 5: Repeat and Test

Repeat steps 2-4 until the zipper starts zipping properly again. It might take a few tries with successively tighter settings on the locking pliers, but eventually, you’ll get it working.

Tips and Variations

If you don’t have locking pliers, you can use regular pliers in a pinch. Just be careful not to apply too much pressure, which can damage the zipper.

If you overdo it with the locking pliers, the zipper might get hard to zip. You can open the gaps on both sides in the zipper slider a little with a thin flat blade screwdriver, but it’s best to work slowly and avoid that scenario.

Conclusion

Fixing a broken zipper slider is a simple process that requires minimal tools and patience. With these steps, you should be able to get your zipper working again in no time. If you’re not comfortable with DIY repairs or if the problem persists, consider scheduling a repair with Salvation Repair, where we offer a limited lifetime guarantee on all parts and labor.