Fix Every Zipper Issue

To remove fabric trapped beneath the zipper, pull the fabric out the side, using pliers for a strong grip.

For a stuck or sticky zipper, try lubricating the teeth with a graphite pencil. Rub the tip on the zippers teeth closest to the slider graphite. If a pencil doesn't work, try swabbing the area with a q-tip coated with other lubricants like petroleum jelly then jiggle the zipper to work the lubricant into the teeth.

If a zipper isn't closing properly or separates after being zipped, a graphite pencil may fix it by lubricating the teeth and smoothing out any burrs. Check to make sure none of the individual teeth are displaced — these can be realigned with pliers.

If the zipper still doesn't close properly, try closing the mouth of the slider a bit with pliers, to ensure that it's catching the teeth and closing them properly.

If the zipper pull is missing our broken, it can be replaced with a paper clip or a keyring.

If a pant zipper won't stay up, you can prevent fly mishaps by attaching a key ring to the zipper pull and hooking it over the top button.

Remove a broken slider by snipping it off with a pair of wire cutters. A new slider can be slid back on the teeth starting at the top of the zipper on the side with the retaining box. Fold aside the top stop, slide on the new slider, and then zip it up as normal.