Why do zippers come undone

Its' a replacement zipper slider and you don't need tools or sewing to install it. The unique thumbscrew design allows you to fit the slider right over the existing zipper teeth! Next, adjust the tension so your zipper always stays closed. This works no matter if the zipper is metal, nylon, or plastic, tooth or coil. However, the FixnZip works on other zippers that keep splitting! Zippers on a tent, backpack, or sleeping bag.

The only difference is that those have closed-end zippers. It makes installing the FixnZip is just a little different. FixnZip has a video showing you how to fix a closed-end zipper here. A quick note on sizing. The FixnZip comes in small, medium, and large. The idea is that the Vaseline will help remove any smaller items that may be stuck in the zip. Zippers that are missing teeth can be particularly fiddly to fix so we recommend taking your garment to a tailor to repair this specific issue.

In the meantime, scroll down to see our quick fixes until you have time to get to the alterations shop. If your zip keeps falling down, it often means that the teeth have either been dislodged or worn away. Start by closely inspecting the zip itself to determine if any of the teeth are simply out are out of alignment. If so, use a set of pliers to slowly bend the rogue teeth back into position. Alternatively, if they all appear to be in the correct place, move onto the next step.

If you suspect the teeth have worn down from too much use yep, it happens , a trick that might work is painting the teeth with clear nail polish.

This will effectively thicken the teeth which can help restore the zip to its former working glory. If you find that the zip still doesn't fasten after your first coat of polish it might be worth trying another coat or two. Note: Make sure you allow enough time for each layer to dry properly before going in over the top with another coat, otherwise the teeth will become sticky and rough. If all else fails and you can't seem to get the pesky zip to stay in place, you might need to replace the zipper entirely.

Until then, a short term fix involves feeding a paper clip into this loop on the slider:. Then, hook the other side of the paper clip over the button or clasp as the top of the zipper to hold the whole thing in place.

Alternatively, if you have a safety pin handy, simple pin either side of the zip closed, like this:. These aren't long term solutions, but can come in super handy if your zip breaks while you're out and about or if you don't have time to get them repaired.

The best way to avoid breaking your zipper is by making sure you don't use too much force to fasten it. Instead, use steady, consistent pulls to guide the sliders up and down the zip. If you have to start tugging really hard to get the puller to move, stop and reevaluate.

If you're trying to fasten a bag that's overflowing or jeans that are too small, it's entirely possible the zip will buckle when there's too much pressure pulling the teeth apart. The trick here is to avoid forcing the zip. When there's a significant amount of resistance sliding the zipper closed this is often a sign that, even if you manage to close it, the zip might still break. Instead, try emptying your bag, or taking your clothes to the alteration shop to see if there's any way they can make the item fit better chances are, if the zip is too tight to fasten, the piece of clothing isn't particularly comfortable to wear either , which could hit two birds with the one stone.

Follow Natasha on Instagram. Like this article? Assess whether the slider needs to be realigned. If you have tried to move the zipper up and down, force the zipper sides together, and reduce the opening on the slider, the next thing to try is starting from scratch. If you can see the stops at the top of the zipper and they are metal, taking off the slider and realigning the zipper is possible. They are not big pieces and they look similar to teeth but they are slightly larger and are positioned at the very end of each side of teeth.

If the stops are plastic, you won't be able to take them off and put them back off without breaking them, so you can't use this method. Remove the top stops. Get a pair of small-tipped pliers and gently open up the stop. The stop it shaped like a "u," so you simply need to open up the side of the stop that is hooked onto the tape of the zipper. Once it is just slightly opened, you can wiggle it and unhook it from the tape. You need to keep it intact. Keep the top stops and put them somewhere safe, as you'll need to use them again.

Tip: A pair of small wire cutter with a pointed end work well for removing the top stops. Pull the slider up and off the zipper. Once the tops stops are removed, you will be able to easily pull the slider off the end of the zipper.

Taking it off will allow you fix the tracks and then get the slider back in line. Push the teeth of the zipper together. Start at the bottom of the zipper, the opposite end from where you took off the slider. Push the teeth of the zipper together, making sure that the teeth from the left and right sides alternate. Put the zipper on top of a hard surface.

As you work your way up the zipper, press down on the teeth to pop them into place. It is important that the teeth are perfectly lined up. Make sure that once you get to the top of the zipper that you don't have extra teeth on one side.

This would mean that the teeth are not lined up. Reinsert the slider onto the top of the zipper. Once you have realigned the teeth, stick the bottom of the slider back onto the top of the tracks. Insert one track into the bottom of the slider, which is the end without a piece of metal separating the two sides. Then insert the other track. You will know each side is inserted when several teeth have gone up into the slider and the track won't go any further.

It's easiest to insert one side and then the other. Putting them both in at once doesn't typically work. Run the slider up and down to check your work. Pull the slider down a few inches to make sure that it is on track.

Move it up and down a bit to make sure it opens and closes the zipper correctly. Reapply the top stops. Once the zipper is working once again, put the top stops back in place. Position them in the spots where they were originally installed. Squeeze the ends of the stops with your pliers until they grip the zipper tape once again. Invisible zippers are made out of thin plastic and are usually harder to fix.

While it's possible, I would recommend just replacing the zipper altogether. Not Helpful 3 Helpful 8. Start at the bottom of the zipper. One-by-one press the teeth of the zipper together, alternating the right and left sides until the zipper is closed.

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 0. It doesn't matter what the zipper is on, it should work. The only way it might be different is if it's a two-way zipper.