Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
How do you repair a zipper that comes apart while zipping up a sweatshirt?
By Dana from Palo Alto, CA
Don't throw it away!
Take a pair of pliers and clamp the slots on the pull to where they are a little closer together (narrower) this aligns the teeth of the zipper more securely. This has worked for me several times on different items.
Take a close look at the zipper teeth to see if any are bent, or missing. If this is the case you need to replace the zipper. Do you have a friend who sews, if you don't?
I want to fix my boots so bad, but I don't know how. When I zip them up it starts to come open at the bottom so please tell me how to fix them. They are my favorite.
By Lindsay B.
I had to take my purse to the shoe repairman. Call and ask how much for a new zipper as to patch a zipper with any strain on it usually doesn't work or very long.
This may be a problem for a shoemaker. Separating zippers especially the nylon kind with small fine teeth are nearly impossible to fix.
You need to get a matching thread and a good needle. At the bottom of the zipper where it separates you need to stitch back and forth like you would do with zig-zag sewing machine in a stationary position.
This will hold the zipper closed so you can zip it up. If you have a shoe repair it would take them seconds to stitch it with their machine. I have repaired zippers like this for years. If you have any question, contact me at ... msharka AT aol.com
The advice of the other two ladies is valid and you really need to get this evaluated by a shoe repairman. However, I would try to repair it myself if it were me. If they are really good boots and worth the investment, I would go with what they advise. Good luck salvaging something you love.
Similar to Molly's idea but if you can't sew it I would put a dab of glue on the inside & outside of the zipper.
The metal zipper on my leather purse has started to separate after zipping, which defeats the purpose of zipping the bag. Is there a way I can fix it myself?
By Liz from Houston, TX
Measure it (or take it with you) and go to a fabric store and get a replacement zipper. They are not that hard to replace. Most dry cleaners will also replace zippers.
You can stitch right above the area that separates. The zipper will be shorter, but will still be usable.
I have a back pack that I really like, but the zipper has been burst by putting too many books in it. The zipper is plastic. Is there anything to do to repair it?
By Anne from Dry Prong, LA
Take it to a shoe repair shop and have a new zipper put in. Go for a heavier-duty one.
I have had this happen to my boys backpacks a lot! Not sure if I can explain well how I've fixed them but here goes. Take the end where your zipper is when open, cut one side and take your zipper off the track on that side. Try to zip it back on track right to where it'll zip. When you get it back on track and zipping right, then you take a needle and thread and sew the end of your zipper tracks back together, right above your cut.
I forgot if the teeth are messed up on the tracks it won't work it's gonna keep messing up and gonna have to replace zipper.This remedy will only help if the teeth aren't messed up. That's what my mom always called them she worked for Garan's for years.
I forgot if the teeth are messed up on the tracks it won't work it's gonna keep messing up and gonna have to replace zipper.This remedy will only help if the teeth aren't messed up. That's what my mom always called them she worked for Garan's for years.
My jeans zipper is separating from the bottom up after it is zippered. Help! These are my favorite pair.
By Patti N.
It could be an easy fix, as the tab may need replacing, or you may need a whole new zipper. If you don't know how to do this yourself, you can probably find a place or a person who can do this little repair for you.
I've been doing this for years. It works on metal and plastic zippers.
Thanks frugalsunnie for this link!
It is pretty inexpensive to get a new one put in if you can't fix it yourself. Most dry-cleaners offer this service.
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The zipper on my coat does zip, but it splits open. How can I fix this?
By suz from NJ
I truly don't think there is a way to fix a zipper that does this (at least that's my personal experience), but what you could try is taking it to a dry cleaners that has an on sight seamstress. If anyone knows, the seamstress will. :-) I've had a lot of help over the years doing this and, for the most part, they are less expensive than a strictly tailoring business. Be prepared that you might have to replace the zipper though. (12/08/2009)
By Deeli
If it's a nylon zipper, then you can't repair them. If you know how to put in a zipper (a rather simple procedure really), then just remove the old zipper with a seam ripper and place the new zipper in the same area and sew along the same seam lines. Measure the zipper so you'll know what length you will need. Most sewing machines come with a zipper foot attachment. (I think dryer heat too hot causes nylon zippers to malfunction.)
If the zipper is metal, sometimes you can hand sew over the zipper above the area where teeth are missing and that will keep the zipper pull from slipping out of place and popping open the zipper. Also, this depends on where teeth are missing, like in the middle, then you'll need to replace. (12/08/2009)
By Myrna
Before you replace the zipper you might try using pliers and gently clamping the pull together a little. I have had success doing that on a heavy zipper such as would be in a coat. By pull I mean the part that you pull up to zip the coat. Press close to the bottom of the pull a little and see if that helps. It is not a lot of fun to replace a zipper! (12/10/2009)
By karen
Unzip the zipper and then squeeze it with a pair of pliers to close the gaps that guide the cloth part by the teeth. If those gaps are too wide, the teeth don't inter-mesh securely, I think. It worked on a pair of boots I had. (12/10/2009)
