Zipper Frustration

Minelson · #1 11/18/08, 06:53 PM

I have a down jacket that I use for doing chores when it's really cold...it keeps me very warm and blocks the wind. The problem I have is that sometimes (most times) when I zip it up it unzips from the bottom and opens up.

I now know that if I don't have it right it will open up on me...sometimes it takes 2 tries, sometimes it takes 50 tries

to get it zipped.
Are there any tricks for fixing this? Hopefully something that does not require sewing

Thank you!

cnvh · #2 11/18/08, 07:01 PM

It would require sewing, but if you know a good seamstress, they should be able to replace the zipper without much difficulty. Other than that, I have no clue.

needstoknowmore · #3 11/18/08, 07:33 PM

As long as the zipper is still all there. Has all it's teeth and the little things at the bottom are still there. You should be able to fix it. Get yourself a pair of pliers. Gently, very gently sqeaze on the side of the slide. The slide it the piece that goes up and down and does the zipping. Just slightly close the opening on the sides of slide that the zipper goes through. Besides doing the side that is open and you can look at. You can also do the side that the zipper is running through. Just do it gently. If you accidently get it to far closed. Use a screw driver to open it back up.
That should work. If not the slide is just worn out. And can be replaced, usually without sewing (on coats). As long as the zipper is still good. If it needs to be replaced it shouldn't cost too much. $5. or so.

Callieslamb · #4 11/18/08, 08:12 PM

is the zipper metal or plastic?

If it is plastic you will need a new zipper.
Often the plastic pieces at the bottom will age and not grip the zipper bottom solidly - allowing the zipped piece to float out of the holder and the zipper 'unzips'.

If it is metal, you can pinch in the ends as suggested - I would also try pinching in the bottoms of the zipper - the piece that you slide the zipper bottom into as you zip it up.

wyld thang · #5 11/18/08, 08:39 PM

you can always SEW a tab of velcro to "lock" the bottom shut(sorry, I know you didn't want to SEW, but just couldn't help it)

Callieslamb · #6 11/19/08, 08:04 AM

Separated zippers are very easy to sew in - not like a set-in zipper. I do them by hand all the time. Just cut the teeth off the old one and sew the new one in behind it. It will show on the inside of the coat - or when you have the coat open, but that is just a matter of matching the color.