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Fixing a Stuck Zipper


Silver Feedback Medal for All Time! 270 Feedbacks
March 12, 2009

A blue zipper that is half way unzipped.There is nothing more frustrating than something needing a zipper fix when the clothing is still wearable. I hate doing zippers in clothing. TADA! Found a fairly inexpensive idea - better than throwing away and buying new.

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Most dry cleaners have a tailor or repair section. Prices may vary slightly. I sent in a good men's heavy Carhart winter jacket to have a new zipper done, $20. That was in my price range, knowing my frustration in doing it and replacing it at over $100. Picked it up and it was only $6. Found out, most items such as coats, etc. just need the little metal clip changed out, not the whole zipper.

For me to buy the zipper needed at the sewing shop would be close to $10. The $6 was cheap, and a total zipper being $20. It still would be $10 for labor. I have only taken jackets, kids coats, etc. in and they all ended up with the only the clip replaced! Cheaper than throwing away something usable.

By Joyce N. from Benson, MN

 
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13 Questions

Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.

July 19, 2010

What are some good ways to get a zipper unstuck? Thanks!

By nancy nunez from Longview, TX

Answers

July 19, 20100 found this helpful

WD40! Haha, it works on everything, if you're worried it might stain clothes just spray some cooking spray onto the zipper. It should come loose after a few tugs. Good luck!

 

Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 186 Feedbacks
July 19, 20100 found this helpful

If fabric is stuck in the zipper, you can gradually work it loose. It takes time, but what you do is tug the zipper a little, try to remove a little of the fabric, and keep repeating until it is all loose.

 
July 20, 20100 found this helpful

Try running a lead pencil up and down the the zip, don't know how it works but it usually does.

 

Gold Feedback Medal for All Time! 690 Feedbacks
July 20, 20100 found this helpful

I've used a candle(wax)or a bar of soap. Use either on both sides of the zipper. Good luck.

 
July 24, 20100 found this helpful

If you are out some place and your zipper gets stuck, rub a tiny bit of lip balm on the teeth of the zipper (open and closed) above and below the zipper glide. Gently rub the balm into the teeth with your fingers.

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Then gently tug and wiggle the zipper pull up and down toward this greased area. Unlike other solutions, the lip balm should not stain your clothes and can be done easily at home or on the road.

 
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February 8, 2005

Do you have zippers that don't operate smoothly? To make a zipper slide better, rub a bar of soap over the teeth.

By Brenda Cole

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Silver Post Medal for All Time! 288 Posts
February 10, 20050 found this helpful

Rubbing a pencil over the zipper teeth with work also.Sliding it up and down to work the lead in well.

 
By Rec (Guest Post)
February 17, 20050 found this helpful

Sliding a candle up and down over the zipper teeth works all the time!

 
By Richie D (Guest Post)
May 29, 20080 found this helpful

One of the BEST remedies I found are wax Crayons!! Try it!

 
February 15, 20090 found this helpful

As long as your careful and only touch the metal zipper when it's done up, I always use the WD40 pen. Sounds really awful and stinky but, it's so handy to have this around the house for things like this. If I use this method to unstick a stuck zipper, I always make sure to put paper towel behind where I'm working, (folded up in case I go a little nuts) to soak up any excess and make sure I'm ready to go.

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And the great thing about this method is that it's completely colourless and the pens are pretty much scent-free.

 
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April 14, 2009

I have a zipper that sticks all the time. What can I do with it to make it better?

By val burns from Glasgow

Answers

April 14, 20090 found this helpful

You could also try a rubbing a candle on it.

 

Bronze Post Medal for All Time! 213 Posts
April 14, 20090 found this helpful

1) Soap
2) Candle
3) Silicone
4) Baby Oil

Rub a bar of soap on it or a candle. This lubricates it. This works on an open or closed zipper.

Another fix temporary fix that I love is to use a TINY bit of Dimethicone based anti-frizz product for hair. One kind is called "Frizz-Eze" another is called "Citre-Shine". This stuff will lube up anything! Just put one drop on your finger & rub it back & forth between fingers & thumb. When most of it is rubbed into your hands & you only have only a TINY bit left, rub your finger down the inside of the open zipper.

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Never use cooking oil as it will turn rancid. TINY amounts of Mineral oil or Baby Oil can also work.

* Don't use a pencil on light colored clothing! It can rub off & stain the fabric. & use only a white candle on light colored clothing just to make sure. Graphite works best on metal zippers, not so well on plastic.

 
April 18, 20090 found this helpful

Run a bar of soap over it then work zipper up and down to work it in.

 
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March 31, 2015

My zipper is stuck at bottom. One side is where it should be, but the other side is stuck on track. If I pull the closed part of the zipper, it separates.

By Ann from West Chester, PA

Answers


Bronze Post Medal for All Time! 105 Posts
November 16, 20170 found this helpful

This sounds like one of the teeth on the zipper is broken or bent. Check the bottom of the zipper area where it is not closing correctly and see if you can adjust the teeth to close the zipper.

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If not then you need to use a needle and thread to stop the zipper above the area where it is not closing correctly. Otherwise replace the zipper on the item.

 

Gold Post Medal for All Time! 677 Posts
November 16, 20170 found this helpful

You have to sew across the bad part so the zipper doesnt zip down so far.

 
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