When your zip is playing up, the first thing to do is to work out what has broken. A broken slider or a broken zip can both mean the zip stops functioning.

This technique is for when part of a coil zip has come loose from the tape, but the rest of the zip is in good condition. We recommend only using this method if the damage is around 1cm or less in size, if it's larger a full zip replacement might be needed. 

A coil zip is essentially a plastic coil wrapped around a central cord, with that cord needing to be secured to the zip tape - this is where the stitching comes in. 

The snip & staple method is useful when a slider needs to be replaced on a closed ended zip. It is particularly useful for pockets.

The method creates a small cut across the zip, allowing the slider to be threaded on, then uses a staple to close and secure the opening.

A damaged or worn slider doesn't always mean you need to replace the whole zip. If the teeth or coil, zip tape, bottom box and pin are all in good condition, replacing the slider can be a much simpler repair.

Learning how to shorten a zip is one of the first steps in zip replacements, allowing you to bring your gear back to life!

The slider is the part of the zip that moves along the teeth or coil, bringing the two sides of the zip together.

There are different types and sizes of sliders, so when identifying or replacing a slider, it is important to look at the zip type, size, function and brand.

The zips on our outdoor gear take quite a beating. Over time they can become worn or damaged. The problem often begins with the slider, but the zip itself can also be damaged. Read on to diagnose your zip issue, and learn how to prevent it.