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How to quickly fix a jacket zipper: 5 simple life hacks
The lightning broke or got stuck, a slider jumped out, a “dog” flew out – when there is no time to run to the sewing workshop, improvised means will help.
The first prototypes of the zipper appeared in the middle of the 70th century. However, it took more than XNUMX years for the public to appreciate this simple invention.
Too bad lightning has a habit of breaking. And at the most inopportune moment (as if there is a suitable one for a breakdown!). If there is an emergency and you cannot reach the workshop, we will tell you how to fix a zipper on a jacket with your own hands.
Problem 1: the zipper is difficult to open / close
In most cases, there is simply a fabric stuck between the teeth of the fastener. Try to pull the lock in the direction where it can still move to free up all unnecessary. Just no sudden movements! Otherwise, you will also have to change the lining. After the main problem is eliminated, the teeth must be lubricated to improve sliding – with a paraffin candle, soap or even lip balm. But a piece of bacon or a lead from a simple pencil is best used only on a leather jacket: oily spots may remain on the textile one.
Problem 2: lightning diverges
Here the dog or the slider is to blame for everything, which is no longer able to fix the zipper teeth in the closed position. We take the pliers and squeeze the slider along the sides, as well as from top to bottom. The main thing is not to overdo it, otherwise the zipper will be difficult to unfasten. It is even worse if the brittle metal of the fastener breaks under the pressure of the tool. Then one cannot do without the help of a master.
Of course, you can replace the dog yourself. But this option is suitable only for prudent persons who have bought in advance – just in case – a new slider. And the skills of needlework will come in handy. So, to replace the old slider with a new one, you need:
slightly rip the ends of the zipper from the clothes in the upper part;
remove the old slider;
install a new slider in its place;
sew the top ends of the zipper back into the fabric.
Are you ready to take the risk and replace the slider yourself? Then you need to know which dog is right for your particular zipper. Pay attention to the combination of letters and numbers engraved on the part.
A – one-piece snake;
B – detachable with one lock;
C – detachable with two locks;
D – zipper with two connectors and the same number of locks, fully opens;
H – one-piece zipper, two locks
Х – molded zipper without connectors with two locks;
L – does not unfasten at the end, one lock.
The numbers indicate the shape and size of the dogs:
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 – for oval sliders for twisted zippers;
3, 5, 8, 10 – for triangular sliders with metal clasps;
3, 5, 7, 8, 10 – for dogs with a reverse surface in the form of a trefoil or an oval in tractor zippers.
Another method, which also requires certain skills, but allows you to do without sewing. Use a screwdriver to open the wings of the old slider and remove it. Then, in the same way, install the new dog, squeezing it around the edges with pliers.
Problem 3: the metal tooth is bent
A hammer and all the same pliers will help to return the damaged part to its place. Place the zipper on a flat, hard surface and tap on it with a hammer. You will have to walk along the entire length, both from the outside and from the inside. Just do not try to show the lightning with the power of the blow everything that you think about it at the moment: it can bend, and the teeth can break.
Next, clamp the slider with pliers, going around each edge, not just the center. But keep in mind: the next time it breaks down, the jacket will still have to be handed over to professionals to replace the zipper.
Problem 4: the tongue came off
Everything is simple here. But only if the hole to which the tongue was attached remained intact. As a temporary replacement for the “dog”, you can use a regular paper clip or a ring from a keychain.
Problem 5: the bottom of the zipper is frayed
In this case, the latch constantly jumps out of the socket. So, we need pliers, a lighter or matches and a juice tube.
Remove the fastener from the zipper along with the frayed edges.
Heat the zipper fabric with a match or lighter and gently flatten it.
Cut off about 1 cm of the tube, cut a piece lengthwise and attach it to the end of the zipper tape.
Hold the candles up to the flame with pliers. When the plastic warms up a bit, flatten it into a retainer shape.
There is also an easier way. Remove the old retainer, cut off the rags, and apply some super glue to the fabric. When the glue dries a little, use a file to shape it into a retainer.
5 rules for prolonging the life of lightning
Turn garment inside out and zip up before washing. Choose a delicate wash cycle.
Do not fasten the zipper forcibly, make sure that it does not pinch fabric and foreign objects.
Things with a plastic zipper should not be ironed or dried on too hot batteries: the product may deform due to high temperatures.
Do not store things folded in the off-season, the snake may bend.
Regularly remove any sand or dust from the zipper teeth. They clog the slider and deform the teeth. For cleaning, you can use an old toothbrush, lightly oiled with vegetable oil.