Why Zippers Fail:
Zippers are tight tolerance tiny moving parts. They fail over time primarily due to dust and grit accumulating in the zipper coil which, in turn, cause the sliders to spread apart.
How to Prevent Zipper Problems:
First, regularly clean your zipper coils throughly with water and, if possible, mild soap and a brush to remove the dirt. This is especially important in dusty environments. Optionally, you can then follow up with a silicone spray lubricant to reduce friction on the now clean coil. Wipe of excess lubricant thoroughly. Repeat the cleaning regularly and clean zippers as soon as they start to feel more difficult to use. If it feels like the zipper is hard to use or not sliding smoothly that is a sign it needs cleaning. The more a dirty zipper is used, the more damage will be done to the slider.
How to Fix Zipper Problems:
If the zipper is not closing behind the slider it is a sign the slider has spread apart.
- Quick Fix: It may be possible to crimp the slider’s “jaws” back closer together to restore function. Slowly and carefully crimp/pinch the flared part of the sliders (top to bottom, both left and right sides) closer together. Pinch, try, pinch, try until the teeth start to lock together properly behind the slider.
- Slider Replacement: If crimping the slider does not work, it will be necessary to replace the sliders. If you are the original purchaser, we are happy to send you new ones (no charge except for shipping costs outside the US). Please just contact us with how many you need and your desired shipping address. If you are not the original purchaser, sliders can be ordered here (#3) and here (#5).
Slider Replacement:
No-sew snap-on #3 sliders:
- For #3 zippers we also have no-sewing required snap-on replacement sliders.
- How to use PDF: https://ykkdigitalshowroom.com/assets/Revived_Replacement_Slider_en.pdf
- How to use video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Si6fBGh_IMY
Standard slider replacement:
Step 1: Locate the end of zipper coil.
Step 2: Cut through coil near the end and slide off the bad zipper pull.
Step 3: Slide on new slider, being careful to align the raised side of the coil to the flange (deeper) side of the zipper slider. It’s very important to slide the coil in only partway (as shown) and only do one side at a time.
Step 4: Hold the slider plus coil in place while inserting the other half of the coil. Push the other side of the coil into the slider in and wiggle to align the two sides of the coil, you should feel the coil teeth start to lock together inside the slider. 
Step 5: You should now be able to push both sides of the coil into the slider while pulling it down to fully engage it. The zipper should now be functioning properly and zipping closed behind the newly installed slider.
Step 6: Once the new slider is fully engaged, sew up the incision to prevent the slider from coming off. Done!
