What to do if the zipper breaks at the wrong moment

It happens that you are in a hurry and suddenly the zipper breaks. What to do in such a situation so as not to be late? The main thing is not to panic; in a hurry you can completely break the clasp. It’s better to waste a few minutes and then calmly go about your business.

Basic elements of a zipper

A zipper is a type of fastener that allows you to quickly connect parts of clothing or shoes. They consist of two tapes made of durable fabric, on which metal or plastic links of various configurations are attached, arranged in a checkerboard pattern.

Ribbons are sewn onto clothing parts. To connect or separate them, a special fastener is used - a lock, which is also called a slider, a slider or simply a “dog”. To make it convenient to move the lock, a special tongue is attached to it. Like any mechanism, lightning wears out over time and can break. Most often, the “dog” fails, less often – the teeth (links) of the zipper.

What to do if the slider tongue breaks off

Many people have faced this situation. When fastening a zipper on a boot or jacket, a tab comes off and remains in your hands. This usually happens when something gets into the slider and it gets jammed, or if the zipper works very hard. If the fastening on the pawl has not broken off, then a regular paper clip, a pin or a piece of fairly strong thin wire will help to get out of the situation for a short time.In the future, you can either make a decent tongue from scrap materials (for example, use a small keychain), or replace the pawl.

How to replace a dog

If the fastener on a jacket, boots or sweater begins to come apart, then you should not change it right away. First, the clothing must be carefully inspected and, if all the teeth on the zipper are intact, there are no signs of wear, scuffs or chips, then most likely it is enough to replace only the slider. It's not difficult to check.

You need to lightly press the pawl with pliers, squeezing it from above and below, and then slightly squeeze the straight part of the slider from the sides (from the side of the zipper). After these manipulations, the fastener will work normally, but not for long. This method will allow you to fasten your clothes 2-3 times, and also make sure that it is the slider that has broken.

The easiest way is to replace the slider on a jacket, coat or cardigan (where the zipper is detachable).

Before you go to the store, you need to decide which kind of “dog” you should buy. The fact is that a slider made for a plastic “tractor” zipper will not fit a metal or twisted one. In addition, depending on the size of the cloves, the “dogs” differ in numbers. Usually the number is printed on the back of the slider.

It is difficult for a non-professional to make a choice, so the best option would be to take the filmed “dog” with you as a sample. It is also advisable to photograph the lightning itself and take the photo with you.

Along with the new slider, you need to buy two metal stops.

For work you will need side cutters. Pliers and an awl may come in handy. When everything is ready, you can start working:

• First of all, you need to remove the top stops from the zipper.Metal ones - bend and remove, plastic ones - carefully, so as not to damage the fabric, bite them off with side cutters.
• Carefully place the runner on the teeth. This should be done slowly, without pressure, slightly shaking the slider from side to side.
• Check the operation of the fastener (unfasten and fasten it several times), slightly not bringing the “dog” to the top.
• Place the new stops in place of the old ones and clamp them with side cutters.

You can continue to use the zipper.

In order to replace the “dog” on a permanent zipper, for example, on trousers, you will have to trim the lower part of the zipper, make a replacement, and then sew up the ripped area.

Replacing the slider on boots or other shoes yourself is very difficult, since you will have to rip off and hem the lower part of the lock, which is sewn between the leather. Doing this manually without special tools and skills is not advisable, as you can ruin things. It's better to contact specialists.

How to avoid zipper breakdowns for longer

In order for the fastener on shoes or outerwear to last longer, it is advisable to occasionally clean them from adhering dirt and particles of fabric. An old toothbrush is perfect for this purpose.

Lubricating the teeth prevents jamming and premature wear of the zipper. To do this, you can run a piece of paraffin or wax candle over them several times. A very good lubricant is ordinary graphite. It is enough to draw along the teeth several times with a pencil lead. This work should be done carefully so as not to stain your clothes.

You need to wean yourself from pulling the tongue if the zipper does not work right away. It is better to lower the slider down, straighten the edges with teeth, remove foreign objects from the clasp and, slowly, fasten it again.

If you follow these simple rules, the zipper after repair can last for a very long time.