What’s broken, my slider or my zip?
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.
Broken Slider
Sliders get put under a lot of pressure doing their job, heavy is the head that wears the crown. This pressure can sometimes distort or damage them over time and cause them to not be able to engage the zip. Here are the common ways sliders break:
1. The slider spreads - the slider can become wider or distorted so that it no longer holds the two sides of the zip together correctly.
2. The slider becomes worn- internal surfaces can become grooved or worn down, changing how the slider engages with the teeth or coil.
3. Corrosion - Metal zips and sliders can corrode over time. Heavily corroded sliders may need to be removed carefully with pliers because they can become effectively stuck on the zip.
Broken Zip
A failed zip isn't always a failed slider. The zip can break or be damaged in different way.
Check for damage to:
1. Teeth or coil - vislon: Check the teeth along the zip, are any missing or distorted? Coil: Check the stitching along the whole of a coil zip..
2. Zip tape - Check the tape around the zip, particularly where the slider and other components are attached.
3. Pins and box - Check that the bottom components are intact and secure. A missing or damaged pin or box can cause problems that cannot be solved simply by changing the slider.
When a full zip replacement is needed:
Damaged or missing teeth
Damaged coil
Significant wear to the tape
Missing or damaged pins
Damaged box
Zip stitching coming away
Damage around the attachment points
In these situations, to get your item back up and running smoothly a zip replacement is needed.
When a Slider Replacement Is Appropriate
A slider replacement is worth considering when:
The zip itself is intact
Teeth/coil are in good condition
Tape is in reasonable condition
Pins and box are intact
The slider is worn, corroded, damaged or spreading
The zip is failing to close correctly
If the rest of the zip looks sound, replacing the slider can be a relatively simple solution.
Remember to take care of your zips, some TLC keeps them zip zipping till the sun goes down. Keeping them clean and free of dirt & grime can do wonders for this. Check out some zip care products below to give your zips some much deserved love.
