How To Repair A Zipper When The Slider Has Come Off Completely

Make sure to get a replacement zipper pull that is the same size and style as your old one for the best results. Bring the old one along for comparison. You can also purchase a zipper repair kit at most craft stores and it will contain everything you need to replace the pull and add top stops and square tabs as needed. Otherwise, you will need to buy the replacement zipper pull, and stop tabs or top stops separately.

Expose the smallest amount of fabric necessary to get the zipper pull back on. If you have a large zipper pull, then this will be closer to 3” (7. 6 cm). If you have a small zipper, then you may be able to expose only an inch or two. Consider the status of the zipper before you pull off the teeth. If the zipper is open, then you will need to pull the teeth off at the bottom of the zipper. If the zipper is closed, then you will need to pull the teeth off at the top of the zipper. Make sure that you expose the same amount of fabric on both sides of the zipper as well. If the sides are uneven, then you may not be able to get the pull back on.

If the zipper was open, then slide the pull onto the fabric upside down, so that the pull is directed away from the zipper. If the zipper was closed, then slide the pull onto the fabric right side up, so that the pull is directed towards the zipper.

Keep tugging until you feel a click. This indicates that the zipper pull is on the teeth again.

Make sure that you do not zip the zipper off the track again before you secure the end with a new top stop or square tab.

Top stops are best for the top of your zipper because they will prevent the slider from coming off again, but they will not prevent you from opening and closing the zipper. Square tabs (also known as zipper bottom stops) are best for the bottom of a zipper because they will prevent the zipper from coming off and cover the gap in the zipper left by the missing teeth.

Make sure that the top stop is snug and will not move or come off when you pull on it. Place a top stops on both sides of the zipper to ensure that the zipper will not come off of the track again.

Make sure that you crimp the prongs down well so that the tab is secured and the prongs are flat. It is important for the prongs to be flat so that they will not snag on anything or scratch your skin.