How to fix a broken zipper

The most common way a zipper breaks is when the teeth get separated and it doesn’t pull the fabric closed together anymore. Thankfully, this doesn’t mean you need to replace the entire zip or garment, you can simply remove the zipper pull and re-align the teeth to bring it back to its former zipping-glory.

What you’ll need to fix a broken zipper:

• Needle-nosed pliers
• A sewing needle and heavy thread

Step-by-step guide to fix a separated or broken zipper:

1. Begin by using your pliers to pry off the zipper stopper–this is the little band of metal or plastic at the bottom of the zipper teeth on your garment. If it’s a metal zip, put this to one side as you will attempt to re-attach it later. Plastic stoppers aren’t often able to be re-used.

2. Remove the zipper pull by pulling it all the way off at the bottom of your garment. If the pull is distorted or damaged, you might have to re-shape it with your pliers if it is metal, or replace it entirely if it’s plastic.

3. Using your pliers, carefully inspect the teeth of the zip and realign any that are skewed or misaligned. Starting at the bottom of the zipper, and working your way up, push the teeth of the zipper together, alternating the left and right teeth. Make sure all teeth align up correctly.

4. Re-insert the zip slider at the bottom where you removed the zipper stop, zipping it up and down to ensure it slides smoothly across all the teeth.

5. Re-attach the metal stop with pliers. If the stop was plastic, or you’re unable to attach the metal stop, thread your needle with a heavy thread and tie a knot at the end. Insert the needle from the back side of the fabric, making six to eight stitches across the bottom of the zipper where you removed the old stop. This thread will act as your new stop.

Your zipper should now be working properly again.

Zippers can get stuck in a variety of ways, from getting trapped on fabric from your garment, to the teeth coming out of alignment or breaking off entirely. Hope isn’t lost though, as often there is a quick fix to a stuck zipper.

What you’ll need to unstick a zipper:

• Needle-nosed pliers
• Vaseline, metal lubricant, graphite pencil, or soap bar
• Cotton ball or swab

Ways to unstick a zipper:

• If fabric is caught in your zip, gently pull away the caught fabric, using pliers if necessary. Trim any loose threads. Slowly slide the zipper away from the fabric to release it.
• If the zipper is caught because a tooth is misaligned, use needle-nosed pliers to realign the misshapen teeth.
• If the zip is stuck without any obvious signs of obstruction it may need a lubricant. Apply a lubricant like Vaseline, for plastic zips, or WD-40, for metal zips, onto a cotton ball or swab and apply it to the zip.
• Alternatively, rub the teeth with the tip of a graphite pencil or bar of soap to allow the zipper to move smoothly.

Your zipper should now be moving like new.

While these tips can resolve many zipper issues, sometimes it may be beyond repair. In such cases, replacing the zipper entirely might be necessary.

Before deciding, weigh the cost of a replacement zipper against the value of the garment. If you're not confident in your DIY skills, consider seeking help from a professional tailor. However, if the cost of repairs outweighs the garment's value, it might be time for a replacement – just remember to recycle your old garment properly.

When replacing clothes, consider shopping second hand to support sustainable fashion and reduce your environmental impact. Check out Oxfam's Online Shop for a wide selection of pre-loved clothing.