How to Repair Broken Zipper

Published On: Fri Feb 14 2025

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At Nearest Laundry, We know how annoying it is when a zipper on our favourite coat or goto bag suddenly stops working. Although the desire to throw the item out, or fight to fix it yourself is tempting, you sometimes just need the right advice—or professional help. In this blog we are explaining few common zipper problems, how to fix them step by step, along with its maintenance tips. And if that's not enough, you can always rely on our professional zip repairing services in London!

Common Zipper Problems

Zippers are strong, but not unbreakable. Here are some of the common problems people have:

  Stuck Zippers: Usually due to fabric caught in the teeth, or don’t have any lubrication.

  Broken Sliders: The slider gets bent / damaged and doesn’t close the teeth properly.

  Mismatched Teeth: Zipper teeth that don’t interlock can block the slider from moving.

  Missing Teeth or Stops: These components are crucial to smooth functioning of any zipper. Without the essential parts, the zipper may stop working altogether.

What You Will Need - Tools, and Materials

Essential items to fix a zipper at home:

Equipment / Tools:

  Needle-nose pliers

  Small flathead screwdriver

  Sewing needle

  Scissors

Materials:

  Replacement slider or pull

  Zipper stops

  Heavy-duty thread

  Lubricant (such as soap, wax, or petroleum jelly)

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Identify the Problem

Take a close look at the zipper and see what’s the problem. Whether the zipper is stuck, the slider is broken, or the teeth are misaligned, diagnosing the problem helps you select the right repair method.

Step 2: Fix a Stuck Zipper

  Lubricate the Zipper: Apply a bit of petroleum jelly, soap, or wax to the teeth. This minimizes friction and ensures smooth movement of the slider.

  Slide the Slider: Carefully slide the slider back and forth to spread the lubricant around.

  Remove Caught Material: Gently lift up the fabric, using tweezers or a screwdriver.

Step 3: Fix a Broken Slider or Replace It

  Remove the Stops: When we come to the part of removing the zipper, take pliers and carefully unscrew the top stops of the zipper.

  Slide Off  the Broken Slider: Remove the broken slider from the zipper track.

  New Slider: Align a new slider with the teeth and slide it on.

  Reattach the Stops: Use pliers to secure the stops in place. This is to keep the slider from coming off again.

Step 4:  Realign or Repair Misaligned Teeth

  Look for Misalignment: Examine the zipper teeth for space or closing lines that are out of alignment.

  Straighten the Teeth: Gently reshape any bent teeth using pliers.

  Test the Zipper: Gently zip up and down to make sure that the teeth are aligning.

Step 5: Replace Missing Teeth or Stops

When teeth or stops are missing:

  Drag the slider over the area you want fixed.

  Stitch a new thread stop at the point where you want your zipper to close.

  If the damage is extensive, you might replace the whole zipper.

Specialized Repairs for Coats and Bags

The same steps apply to all coat zipper repairs and bag zip repairs but take caution with your fabrics, thicker materials and delicate fabrics. If the maintenance appears to be too complex, then it’s time to call in the professionals.

Maintenance Tips for Zippers

To prolong the life of your zippers, follow these easy maintenance tips:

  Regular Lubrication: Lubricating zippers with soap, wax or special zipper lubricants can keep them running smoothly.

  Properly Store Items: If you plan to put clothes or bags away, zip them closed to avoid bending or damaging the zipper.

  Don’t Overstuff: Avoid overstuffing bags or cramming zippers on tight clothing. This puts the teeth of your zip at risk of damage.

  Look for signs of wear and tear: Always check zippers to see if they’re damaged and fix any issues as soon as possible.

  Protect Fragile Zippers: For fragile garments, consider washing them by hand, or enclosing them in a laundry bag during machine washing.

When to Get Professional Help

Although minor problems can easily be solved with DIY methods, some zipper issues need professional touch. Seek help when:

  The zipper is heavily damaged, like missing teeth or broken stops.

  Needs precise realignment

  The item is desirable, such as a designer coat or handbag.

  You don’t have the tools or the confidence to fix it yourself.

Nearest laundry provides many services including zip repair in London such as coat zip repair and bag zip repair. We use top-quality tools and materials to provide long-lasting results, delivered by our experienced professionals.

Explore our services:

     Zipper Repair Services

     Alteration Services

Why Nearest Laundry for the Zipper Fix?

Fixing a zipper may look easy, but it takes time and can be complicated unless you are equipped with the right knowhow and tools. The reasons why you should trust Nearest Laundry for your zip repair needs in London are as below:

  Specialized Skills: We work on all zipper repairs, whether a small repair or a full replacement.

  Convenient Location: We are based in London and are readily available for repairs.

  Zipper Fixes and Alterations: In addition to zipper repairs, we provide alteration services to help your clothing fit you as desired.

  Time Saving Solutions: We can help you spend this time on something more important.

Don’t let a broken zipper take down your favorite garment. Get your zip repaired without any hassle today at Nearest Laundry. No matter if it’s a coat, bag or anything else, we’ll get it back to its brand-new state so you can save time and frustration.

Call us today to book your zipper repair service!


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