It’s rather surprising to walk into a business, ask for a service, and be refused. Actually, it can be a positive experience, as it was for me. I told the seamstress that my jacket had a broken zipper and I wanted it replaced. She examined the tracks of the zipper to see if there were any teeth missing. She then replied, “The teeth are intact. This zipper isn’t broken.” I answered, “But it doesn’t work.” Her answer was… Read this informative article and learn how to easily fix a broken zipper on a jacket or coat!
Zippers Aren’t Usually “Broken”
Just like the rest of the world, when a zipper doesn’t work, I consider it to be “broken”. But, thanks to an intelligent seamstress, I found out differently. She says, that unless one or more teeth are missing out of its tracks, then a zipper on a jacket or coat isn’t broken. As long as the zipper has its tracks and slide, it usually needs to be adjusted, not fixed or replaced. But, had I titled this how-to article “How to ADJUST A Zipper…” you would have thought I slipped a cog.
How to Easily Fix a Broken Zipper On A Jacket or Coat
1. If the Tracks of the Zipper Aren’t Staying Closed After the Slide Has Been Pulled Up…
Again, as long as the tracks contain all their teeth, then the problem is the slide. After running up and down the tracks many times, the slide on a zipper tends to become loose. When this happens, the slide is not able to effectively push the two sides of the zipper- known as the hooks and hollows- together so they are secured.
To remedy this problem on a jacket or coat, simply pull the slide down to the bottom of the zipper. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers and gently press the top and bottom of the slide together, where it moves up and down on one of the tracks. Then, do the same to the other side of the slide. Move the slide all the way up to the top of the zipper. Grab both sides of the tracks in different places to see if they stay together or not. If so, your problem is solved. If the tracks on the zipper still pull apart, then use the needle-nose pliers to press the sides of the slide together a bit more.
2. If the Slide Hangs Up As It’s Being Pulled Up or Down Across the Tracks…
Make sure the tracks of the zipper are properly aligned so the slide can move across them effortlessly. You may have to place the pin part in the box of the zipper, then, pull the slide up while you hold the pin and box down to help straighten the zipper.
If the slide is still not gliding over the tracks, apply a drop or two of a light lubricant inside each side of it. You can also gently rub a candle over the tracks instead, or use a drop of cooking oil in a pinch. Then, pull the slide up and down over the tracks several times to distribute the lubricant.
3. If the Zipper On Your Jacket or Coat Is Missing Teeth…
You’ll need to replace the zipper. Or, take your jacket or coat to a local seamstress.
4. If the Pull On the Zipper Slide Is Missing…
You can always use a paper clip instead – see 6 Unusual Uses for Paper Clips that Will Boggle Your Mind!
Reference:
- Kassidy Emmerson
