The Easiest Way to Repair a Split Zipper

It happens to the best of us. On a jacket, pair of jeans, backpack. Zippers are moving parts, and as the ManMade Fourth law of physics goes, anything with moving parts will eventually wear out or break. 

But, no worries. When a zipper splits, you don't need to toss your goods. It's a simple, one-tool repair you can complete in five minutes.   

This tip comes from Danni Trestor, author of our DIY Tailor series. She's got all kinds of fixes and hacks for your clothes, so be check out all her ideas here. 

Okay, the zipper. The process goes like this:

1. Use a pair of pliers to remove the stop at the top of the zipper.

2. Check the zipper pull. It's likely bent (which is why your zipper is splitting. Apply light pressure with the pliers to put it back in shape. 

3. Re-attach the pull at the bottom of the zipper. Check to make sure it slides easily. If not, use the pliers to rework the pull. If all else fails, replace the pull with a new one from the fabric/craft store.

4. Press the stop back on the top of the zipper.

5. Rejoice!

Is your fix a little more complicated? Check out Dani's full article for all the tips.