Don’t chuck that favorite jacket—fix the zipper instead
Replacing a winter jacket’s zipper isn’t as difficult as most people believe.
Types of zippers
Zippers are measured in millimeters by the size of their teeth; heavier coats often have an 8- or 10-millimeter zipper, while some jackets have two-way zippers with dual pulls that allow you to unzip in both directions. Amazon has a variety of options for each type.
Pulls and pull tabs
To replace a pull, remove the zipper stop with needle nose pliers and replace it with a new one. It’s difficult to pry open the old one enough to get it back on, so you might as well use a new one.
For an entirely new zipper
If you have a 31.5-inch zipper, you’ll need to buy a 32-inch one. Always shorten a jacket zipper from the top. Plastic zippers have molded plastic stops on the bottom that are difficult to replace. Placket is a straight piece of fabric that sits under a zipper to provide a clean and secure close.
How do you fix a broken zipper at home?
Step 1: Place your item with a broken zipper on the table. Step 2: Using your sharp pliers, carefully remove the metal stops and top teeth of the zipper (approximately 1-2 cm). Step 3: Place the slider at the top of the zipper and gently insert the tape into it.
How much does it cost to replace a zipper on a coat?
There are so many different types of zippers and zipper replacements that it’s difficult to give you a fixed price without going over each one with you, but a zipper replacement can cost anywhere from $8 to $75 (or more) depending on the item.
How hard is it to replace a zipper?
To replace a zipper, you’ll need to buy a new one that’s about the same size as the old one, use a seam ripper to remove the old one, and then sew the new zipper into place. The process takes a little time, but it’s not difficult if you have a sewing machine and some basic sewing skills.
Can you fix a zipper that separates?
When a zipper slider loses tension, it needs to be replaced; unfortunately, there is no easy way to replace a zipper slider, so you’ll have to remove the entire existing zipper and replace it.
What to use on a zipper that is hard to zip?
Bar soap, like graphite, can loosen the tension between the teeth and zipper pull to get things moving again. Simply rub a dry bar of soap on both sides of the teeth, allowing the substance to cover and make the affected area slippery, then tug on the handle until it comes loose.
Why does my coat zipper keep splitting?
What causes a zipper to split? Often, the problem is with the zipper slide, which can stretch out of shape with use. To fix the zipper and prevent it from separating, pinch it ever so slightly with a pair of pliers.
How do you zip a zipper without a slider?
Insert a paper clip into the area where the pull tab attaches to the zipper slider and it will perform just like the pull tab if the zipper is not stuck and the issue is just with a missing or non-functional pull tab.