Why is the jacket not zipped. Learning to save: how to fix lightning. Urgent shoe lock repair

It is difficult to imagine clothes without a favorite zipper. She has many positive characteristics: reliability, compactness, beautiful appearance and much more. It is used in the manufacture of jackets, coats, jeans, skirts, dresses, bags, wallets, shoes and other necessary items. If the lightning broke, how to fix it yourself and quickly - this is the first thought that comes to mind.

Sometimes a clasp can bring a lot of inconvenience, since it has one feature - it breaks when you least expect it. And then the search for information that will help correct the situation begins. Lightning broke: how to fix it? First of all, you need to understand the causes of the breakdown. In some cases, it fails, as the maximum period of use has been exhausted. Sometimes a brand new zipper just breaks. In this case, it is unlikely to be able to be repaired.

Lightning Disperses: Repair

If the lightning has broken, we will tell you in the article how to fix it. If this unpleasant phenomenon happened, then there is no need to immediately run to the workshop and change it. Start by tapping on both sides of the zipper with a hammer. Impacts should be light so as not to violate the overall integrity of the product.

After that, use pliers to press the dog on both sides. This will make the gap smaller - the zipper will be pressed more when fastening. This operation can only be done once. Since when you squeeze it again with pliers, the dog will simply fall apart. Therefore, if you have already pressed the dog, prepare the slider in advance, just in case.

List of possible lightning failures

Let's say you have a problem: a plastic zipper diverges. How to fix such a clasp? To do this, you need to carry out the following procedure. First you need a solution of rosin, which you need to coat the zipper. Plastic fasteners are more prone to breakage. Therefore, they require careful attitude of the owner.

If suddenly a tooth jumped out of a plastic zipper, then in that place it is necessary to make a few stitches with a fishing line. Such repairs will be postponed for some time. complete replacement lightning. If it constantly diverges, while it is very difficult to fasten it correctly, then most likely it is necessary to replace the slider itself. To do this, select the part of the appropriate size. If on inside there is some figure, then it is much easier to do. Given value corresponds to a certain size. If suddenly the lightning came off the base, then you can repair it by simply sewing it on with a machine thread.

Prevention measures for lightning

In order for zippers to serve us for a long time, it is sometimes necessary to clean them with an old toothbrush. After that, a candle made of wax or paraffin should be held along the entire length of the fastener. Never use extra force to open and close a zipper. This will not speed up fastening, but only bring the breakage time closer. If the zipper on the backpack suddenly broke, you now know how to fix it. After all, these tips are applicable not only for clothes, but also for other products.

Where do lightning most often fail?

The most popular piece of clothing that often has zippers is pants. Repairing a split zipper on jeans is easy and simple. If the slider spontaneously unfastens, then a loop made of any tape must be attached to the tongue. When fastening, it must be put on a button, and after that, fasten the jeans. So it will perform its direct function. In this case, the tape will not be visible at all.

If the tongue from the slider itself is lost, then it can easily be temporarily replaced by an ordinary paper clip. Anglers always have clockwork rings available that will also work. Just attach it to the base of the slider and you can use the thing further. If the tongue is lost in a less noticeable place, just a thick thread tied will do.

If the base is damaged and the lightning has broken, how to fix it? You don't have to ask about it. The answer is simple - you should apply any colorless varnish to the damaged area and wait until it dries. After that, slowly try to fasten. If everything worked out, then great. If it was not possible to fasten, then the procedure must be repeated again.

Thanks to the above simple ways you can quickly and independently cope with the breakdown. After all, no matter how much you take care of, and everyday use of a thing leads to its wear and tear.


We can't imagine our clothes without these convenient fasteners for a long time.
Fast, compact, comfortable and very aesthetically pleasing - that's just a small list positive characteristics that this castle deserves.

But where do all these epithets go and what "pearls" fly from our lips when suddenly at the very wrong moment and the zipper broke in the most inconvenient place.
Of course, there are different situations.
Sometimes the zipper just crumbles into pieces from long use, and sometimes a completely new clasp is torn like a rag. Then there can be no talk of any repair. But more often than not, a zipper can be repaired quickly.

So, let's consider the most typical cases.

Lightning starts to spread
If this happens, then there is no need to rush to change it. First, you should try to lightly tap on it from the inside and outside with a hammer, and you will have to walk along the entire length three times. Then you will need to reduce the gaps between the top and bottom of the slider, for which you will need to carefully squeeze it with ordinary pliers. But such resuscitation can be carried out only once, the castle will no longer withstand and will fall apart completely. Therefore, if you managed to save your lightning once, then try to prepare a spare slider just in case of a fire.

If the lightning diverges, we will try to fix it at home. Further step by step photo instruction:















If lightning diverges periodically
If the lightning diverges periodically, and this is not the first time, then you will have to change the slider ("dog"). To remove the old slider, you need to remove the limiter (small plate) located at the bottom or top of the zipper.

Fallen teeth
When several teeth fell out of the nylon zipper, they can also be restored with a bandage: the damaged area is stitched with a fishing line turn by turn.

If the lightning came off the base
A zipper torn from the base (fabric) can be sewn on with a machine needle. This method is especially convenient for repair work in the most inaccessible areas, for example, in boots, since the puncture is carried out only in one direction.

If you need to repair a metal zipper
If not a nylon, but a metal lightning is moving around, then it must also be carefully forged on both sides, but with heavier blows of the hammer, and then reduce the gap between the lower and upper halves of the lock.

If the plastic zipper is broken
A plastic zipper that starts to diverge on shoes can be restored. Its performance will be restored if you unfasten the lock and moisten its teeth with an alcohol solution of rosin (flux used for soldering). Then you need to let the lightning dry for several hours. So the fastener will work more reliably, but over time this operation will have to be repeated.

What to do with a clasp that diverges
When the situation got worse, for example, one clove popped out of the fastener, then the repair would be more difficult, but also quite feasible for everyone. In the place of the torn off clove with a needle with a thick eye, you need to make a few stitches with a fishing line. This operation will save us from having to install a new clasp (at least until a certain time). After all, there is no better solution than buying a new one.

In order to avoid problems with "lightning", it should be periodically prevented. Lightning is thoroughly cleaned with an unnecessary old toothbrush, the cloves are superficially inspected, they are treated several times with a candle (wax or paraffin). You need to develop a habit in yourself to restrain the use of force, not to pull the lock if suddenly something does not work right away. You just need to let go of the lightning, grab it with your hand again and slowly pull, after which it will certainly work, as it should.
For prevention, you can sometimes wipe the zipper with a pencil lead.

If the zipper does not open on winter shoes, then you need to fix its tongue with a small hook. You can take it from an old dress or skirt and bend it a little, and then sew it away from the castle canvas.
If all the time the zipper diverges on a skirt or trousers, and you cannot change it, then you can make a loop of thread that is tied to the zipper tab. After that, by fastening the lock, you can put a loop on the button, which will not allow the zipper to diverge.

Also, do not be upset if suddenly lost zipper pull. Temporarily, until you have the opportunity to go to the workshop or change the fastener yourself, you can try replacing the tongue with an ordinary paper clip.
If a paperclip confuses you and you are looking for other ways, you can try this: attach a small ring from fishing tackle to the lock, a small ring taken from a keychain, or a piece of strong cord. Any of these items should be threaded into the ear of the lock and you can use your favorite part further.

If the slider is broken completely, then in the sewing department of the store you can buy a slider right size. But pick up new castle with the number that was on the broken slider is almost impossible. Therefore, you will need to straighten the limiter, insert the slider, rub the teeth with paraffin and use the zipper like a new one.
There is a way if the base of the castle is damaged. This, it turns out, is one of the simplest and most easily repaired breakdowns. Just apply any colorless glue to the damaged area and leave to dry. Then you need to check the quality of work and, if necessary, repeat the procedure again.
All these methods are simple and convenient. Each of us can master them. But this science will help to adequately get out of an unsightly situation in which any person may find himself. Just do not be afraid, and then you will become your own master. True, up to a certain point. After all, how many patches are not necks, but from the wear and tear of things, including the same zipper, you can’t get anywhere.

If the runner jumped off. Step 1. Cut the zipper close to the base:


Step 2. Put on the slider and pull it up a little so that the zipper closes:


Step 3. Sew the incision with strong threads:


The lightning is working again:

It happens that the halves of the zipper are fastened one above the other:


Remove the restrictor. Gently lift the zipper half with your fingers to the desired level:

Now you can return the limiter to its place or sew the halves of the zipper:

Each of us, for sure, faced with a broken zipper on clothes. The situation is easily corrected: by replacing it with a new one. But what to do if the zipper broke and chewed on the trousers at the most inopportune moment? How to fix a lock on jeans if it has fallen off and you are in a hurry, and there is absolutely no time to sew in a new one? What to do if you unzip the zipper and the dog flew out? Use our recommendations to solve the most common lock problems. So let's go.

If fabric or thread is caught in the zipper

Lock jamming is a very common problem that occurs mainly due to haste and inaccurate movements when fastening. To remove fabric or a stuck thread from a zipper, it is enough to smoothly stretch the slider back and forth - where possible.

Important! Careful movements when pulling the fabric out of the lock will ensure its safety. If you are intolerant and try to release the lightning with sudden movements and jerks, the latter may fail.

Zip slider doesn't move

If the carriage is stuck and cannot be moved to either side, most likely some foreign object has got there. In this case, we advise you to try to remove the slider from the lock using a tool and replace it with a new one. It is possible that you still have to change the lock completely.

Important! The reason for the fastener sticking can also be the lack of lubricant, which helps the carriage slide over the teeth. The issue in this case is solved with the help of materials that will not leave stains on clothes: pencil lead, candles made of wax or paraffin.

The castle diverges

How to repair a zipper on jeans if the fly diverges? Everything is simple here, since the reason lies in weak runner. To fix the problem, pick up the pliers and squeeze the carriage closer to the center with a little effort.

You can also use a hammer. This option is less convenient, but when there were no pliers at hand, a hammer may well save the situation.

Important! Pressing with pliers on the lock, there is a chance of damaging it. It is important to calculate the efforts, otherwise, the lock, with strong compression, may refuse to serve further.

Lightning split in the middle

How to make a zipper on jeans if it has spread in the middle? Such a mechanism is definitely subject to replacement, but if we are talking about repairs as a temporary measure, try connecting the teeth of the lock with your hands when fastening. Then squeeze the zipper with pliers for more confidence. This tip will help you out if you're running late and don't have time to change.

The slider came off

If the slider is not damaged, then it can be very easily inserted using the same pliers or a knife. To do this, unbend it, put it in place, without much effort, squeeze around the edges, and you're done! The lock can be used further.

Zipper slider broke

How to fix a zipper on jeans if the slider has come off and you can’t insert it anymore? As an option, you can take another slider from the castle you don’t need. If it doesn't exist, come up with a replacement.

Important! In such cases, a simple paper clip or a piece of wire is perfect, from which you can make a dog of any shape.

The runner has broken and is dangling on one side of the lock

In order to return the carriage to its place, we suggest:

  1. Cut the fabric between the teeth at the bottom of the lock so that you can attach the slider to the second side of the lock.
  2. Then you should move the slider down, put it in place and fasten the zipper.
  3. Now the zipper works, but in order to secure it and prevent repeated flights of the carriage, the incision site must be sewn up.

In the future, the lock will no longer be fully unfastened: the slider will only reach the place of the cut, but this is unlikely to affect the operation of the mechanism.

Important! Match the threads to the tone of the fabric of the lock so that the traces of the repair are not visually noticeable.

The zipper on my jeans is constantly unzipping.

The zipper on jeans is unfastened - what to do if this problem constantly gives you inconvenience? Everything is simple here:

  1. Take a round metal ring and attach it to the end of the slider. A ring from a keychain or a piece of wire from which you can make a loop is perfect. The main thing is that the diameter of the product allows you to put it on the button, which is located on the belt of the trousers.
  2. After fastening the zipper, put the ring on the button. This will provide you with the confidence that the lock will not unfasten and will not let you down in any situation.

Important! As a “holder”, you can also use a thick thread, which must be fixed on the slider in the form of a loop. If you settled on wire, consider a color-coated option to match your trousers.

Teeth fell out of the zipper - how to fix it?

How to fix a lock on jeans if it has “lost” a few teeth? Note that this breakdown is serious and requires replacement of the mechanism.

But if you have enough patience, we suggest trying to repair the zipper, so as not to tear out the whole lock and sew in a new one. For this:

  1. You need to buy a lock with suitable teeth in thickness and height.
  2. Take it off right amount teeth. At “tractor” locks, they are usually removed easily.
  3. To transfer the clove to the zipper, take a piece of copper foil.
  4. Then unclench the clove that needs to be fixed on the lock, put it first on a strip of foil, and then move it to the fabric.
  5. Install subsequent ones using the same technology.

You can fix the result with the help of stitches between the “new” teeth. The castle is ready to go again!

The zipper teeth are damaged

How to repair a zipper on jeans if the teeth remain in place, but are damaged or deformed, as a result of which the carriage does not pass in this place?

You're lucky if the damage happened at the bottom of the castle: it can be fixed, albeit not for long. Usually the castle deteriorates in this place. You can fix the situation with the help of threads.

To do this, you should make a clip from them above. damaged area. Thus, the slider will only reach the thread patch, but the lock will still be able to perform its functions.

How to repair a zipper on jeans with your own hands?

In the event of a breakdown in the mechanism that connects the two sides of the zipper, the lock must be replaced. How to fix the lock on jeans yourself if the carriage is broken? For this you need to have sewing machine and basic sewing skills:

  1. The most difficult thing is to free the lower part of the lock from the numerous lines. In addition, getting close to the zipper on jeans is not so easy, you have to be patient.
  2. After you have flogged the bottom of the lock, carefully release the edges of the zipper from the stopper by pushing its rivets apart.
  3. Then remove the broken carriage and insert a new one.

Important! Put on a new slider carefully, from the first teeth of the zipper.

The zipper is practical, light, just a great invention! Much more convenient than laces, more reliable than buttons and more relevant than buttons. Until a slider pops out of the lightning and / or it starts to diverge at the most inopportune moment. As a rule, such a moment comes at the most inopportune time: when you are in a hurry to leave the house, dress in the hallway of friends or in the theater wardrobe. And you begin to quickly figure out how to insert the slider into the zipper correctly to fasten the jacket. You have to do it quickly, without outside help.

Even worse, if the trouble did not occur with outerwear, and you need to insert the slider into the zipper on jeans, trousers or a skirt. The fasteners of such things are usually short, and the sliders are miniature, try to fix it. Inserting a slider into a zipper on a shoe is also inconvenient, so it's not surprising that such repairs are addressed to a shoemaker, and not trying to insert a slider into a zipper yourself. But you still need to get to the workshop! Put on shoes, get dressed, fasten the broken zipper. We have often been in similar situations, so let's try to tell you how to insert a slider into a zipper without replacing the zipper.

How is the zipper arranged? The principle of operation and repair of lightning
Before the invention of the zipper, or zipper as it is more commonly known in Western countries, pieces of clothing, accessories, and shoes were held together much more slowly. Today it is difficult to imagine how to fasten boots or a tight dress without a zipper, but earlier this purpose was served by buckles, hooks and similar laborious fasteners. They took more time and effort, but you didn’t have to puzzle over how to fix the lightning. Because the light "snake" often diverges, loses the slider and / or teeth. And inserting a slider into a zipper would not be such a difficult task, but before you fix the zipper, you will have to find out and take into account its features:

  • Zipper construction- this is its shape and material that determine the properties. For example, a metal zipper is considered the most durable, because its brass or nickel teeth are fixed on a dense fabric and firmly interlock with each other. But such a lightning sticks, clings and scratches fingers more often than others. Therefore, the jackets use the same wide, but made of plastic zippers. plastic zipper behind characteristic appearance and strength is called tractor, but at the same time the slider falls out of it more often than from metal. The thinnest and most flexible zippers are spiral, plastic on a thin textile base. For the reliability of the slider, they could be considered the most durable, if not for the softness of the fabric. Spiral zippers rarely break, but are almost impossible to repair - it's easier to replace a zipper than to fix it.
  • Hidden zipper- a relatively new invention, ideally suited to light flowing modern fabrics. Therefore, hidden zippers are inserted into tight skirts, summer dresses and sundresses, into seams and inside pockets, where they do not bulge and are not noticeable at first glance. The problem with hidden zippers is the ingress of fabric between the halves of the fastener. If a hidden zipper dispersed, it is almost impossible to insert the slider back.
  • Detachable zipper– a typical fastener for jackets, tents, any outerwear and large accessories. The advantage of detachable zippers is ease of use, but it is from detachable zippers that the slider falls out more often than others. The loose ends of the braid with cloves receive increased load, and if the lightning is two-way, then this load is doubled.
Modern models of fasteners take into account all these shortcomings, designers are working on improved designs of zippers with latches, magnetic and spring sliders, and even protection against unfastening, but so far they have not been able to completely prevent the slider from falling out. It remains only to accept the fact that the limiters, the socket and the zipper slider remain the most vulnerable parts of it, and learn how to repair the zipper slider.

How to insert a slider into a zipper on a jacket?
Windbreakers, down jackets, parkas - most outerwear of sports styles is fastened with a zipper. Not surprisingly, zippers on jackets break most often. Especially when you consider that it is usually detachable zippers with a "floating" slider. In order not to run into the household over and over again, try inserting the slider into the zipper on the clothes yourself:

  1. If the zipper has come apart, try to manually connect its lower ends and slide the slider up along the teeth. To do this, hold the slider itself with one hand, and not the decorative keychain on it, and with the other hand continue to hold the edges of the band with teeth together. This technique will allow you to check whether the lightning can be repaired. If it does not help, then, with a high degree of probability, part of the teeth and / or inner surface the slider has worn off, and the zipper will have to be changed completely.
  2. If the zipper can be fastened, the slider moves along the teeth, but the braid sticks and / or diverges behind the slider, which means that the shape of one of the elements is broken. Try to fasten the zipper slowly, without rushing and without pulling on the key chain. With two fingers, squeeze the slider at the top and bottom, press it to the braid. With the fingers of the second hand, intercept the braid with teeth after the slider as it advances. You will see exactly where the lightning will begin to diverge.
  3. To repair a zipper, you will need pliers, preferably pointed, or a similar tool (pliers, non-sharp wire cutters, etc.). Bring the slider to your eyes without removing it from the tape, and consider internal organization. You should notice voids and partitions inside the slider. Now, carefully, without pressing on the partition, squeeze the slider with pliers in the place of emptiness, from above and below, as if pressing it against the zipper teeth.
It is important to find the degree of compression at which the slider will press against the braid, but will not crack or get stuck on the teeth. When you loosen the pressure of the pliers, it will loosen slightly, but it will still remain tighter than before the repair. It's time to try lightning again. Slowly, without jerking, pull the slider as you would normally use the clasp. If you succeeded, please accept our congratulations! If you didn’t calculate the force and broke the slider completely, you will have to buy a spare part in the hardware store and start the entire process described above again.

How to insert a slider into a zipper on a shoe?
By the way, the first experimental zippers were used in shoes. Unfortunately, modern zippers break too, especially on high boots and hard boots, but today we can at least insert a slider with our own hands:

  1. Make sure that the zipper is really broken, that is, the contact of the slider with the teeth is damaged, and not just the key fob has come off the slider. The fact is that it is on the shoes that the keychain is under load, and the zipper itself, strong and thick, remains intact. If this guess is confirmed, it is enough to attach another tongue to the slider: a pin or a paper clip, until an adequate decorative detail is found.
  2. If it was not possible to manage with a little bloodshed with the replacement of the dog, find the area where the zipper diverges, and do the same trick as when repairing the zipper on the jacket, using pliers. It is more difficult to do this on shoes, because the zipper here is short and one-piece, but with a narrow tool it can work.
  3. It is easier to insert a dropped slider if the zipper teeth are smooth, without snags or protruding scratches. Make it easy for yourself by smearing both sides of the zipper with a drop vegetable oil, solid soap or paraffin from a candle. Use the minimum amount of lubricant to soften the movement of the runner, but not to clog the voids inside it and not stain the shoes.
After repairing the zippers on your boots, be extremely careful with the slider. From now on, it is a constant risk, so it is better to keep pliers on hand. If the slider came off at the bottom when the boots are open, there is a chance to put it on and pinch it again. It is much worse if the zipper on high boots, fastened along the entire length, has fallen off. Gently, holding the edges of the fastener, put it back on and push it down over the teeth. But do not wear these boots again until you replace the zipper.

How to insert a slider into a zipper on a bag?
The zippers on bags, backpacks, and purses are almost always one-piece, making it difficult to insert a slider into a zipper if necessary. But these zippers are long and soft, so there is a chance for successful repair zippers:

  1. If the slider is not lost, but remains hanging on one of the halves of the braid, put it back on and squeeze it with pliers, as is the case with a jacket. But the zipper on the bag is usually metal, so it allows more manipulation. For example, you can compress it not only in the vertical, but also in the horizontal direction, which is much more efficient.
  2. If the slider has come off completely but not lost, lightly support the seam holding the zipper fabric and loosen the ends on one side. Then, with tweezers or nail scissors, unclench and remove the metal clips from the tape. Slip the fabric edges into the cavity of the slider, slide it over the zipper, and then return the latches to their original place without deforming them during compression.
  3. A lost slider can only be replaced with exactly the same one, otherwise the size and shape of the teeth will not match the configuration of the mechanism. Take your broken zipper to the store and show it to the salesperson so you don't make a mistake. But the bag allows you to show your imagination and insert a new slider with a beautiful keychain.
What you should not do is insert the slider into the zipper on jeans, trousers or skirts yourself. Firstly, this clasp is too small, and it is extremely difficult to get to it with home tools. Secondly, thin plastic zippers cannot be repaired, but they are easily altered in a studio or at home, on sewing machine. It's not always possible to fix a zipper slider, so weigh the pros and cons and try to replace your zipper only when the effort is worth it.

The zipper is a universal fastener. A plastic zipper is most often placed on a bag, a metal one on jeans, a narrow hidden one on a skirt or dress. This clasp holds perfectly, saves time. The only pity is that zippers too often break down. In a hurry, the slider was pulled too hard, when fastening, they grabbed a fabric or thread - and the lock was damaged. Fussing around a damaged zipper, for example, on jeans, is not worth it. Fix the zipper if it breaks, quite possible. True, not as fast as they broke. Take a breath-exhale in order to calm down and not cripple the castle even more, and proceed to repair.

Ways to restore lightning

Stuck elements from the zipper are carefully removed. To do this, stretch the lock a little forward or backward (where it can move), and pull out the extra parts. Pulling and pulling too hard means breaking completely and damaging the fabric. In this case, accuracy of movements is important.

Zipper on the bag refuses to go - neither forward nor backward - this is a signal that something more serious and solid is stuck inside the lock than fabric fibers. Most likely the zipper will need to be replaced. Or say goodbye to the slider - remove it with the help of the rough intervention of carpentry tools, and put in a new one.

How to fix a lightning if it diverges? With the halves of the zipper dispersed, you need to return the slider to its original position - to the beginning of the zipper - and slightly squeeze it with pliers towards the center of the part. If the teeth do not interlock when fastening, the internal mechanism of the lock has weakened. But too much pressure on the slider is not recommended. Dents will remain on top, and the lock will stop fastening, will not “go” up. A similar operation, if there are no pliers at hand, can be carried out with a hammer, lightly tapping on the lock.

If a lightning broke in the middle, you are in a hurry and you urgently need to fix it, fasten the zipper, connecting the teeth with your hands. Are the teeth connected? Now with pliers we squeeze them gently to fix the result. Unfortunately, this clasp will eventually have to be replaced.

In a situation where the slider (dog) jumped out of the fastener, you can insert it back with a knife or pliers. Gently open the slider, insert it into the zipper, and then squeeze it with pliers, but without force, so as not to damage it.

Sometimes due to lack of lubrication, not machine: will remain greasy spots. Lubricate the lightning with paraffin, wax candle or a pencil lead - and order: the slider slides freely over the teeth.

The teeth that have fallen out can no longer be restored, even in a metal zipper, even in a plastic one. The latter, by the way, wear out faster: the material is not so durable, and are erased during operation. "Toothless" lightning without options will have to be altered.

The slider that jumped out of the castle will first have to be inserted into place. Sew up the edge so that the situation does not repeat itself. Restore the lock by moving the slider. What to do if the slider itself is broken or, as it is also called, zip dog?

The runner broke, what should I do?

A broken slider, a dog with which we unzip and fasten the zipper, must be replaced. They are sold in the departments for needlewomen, but you can do it yourself. On the hastily you can use the usual paper clip or make a slider out of wire and Velcro. How to fix a zipper slider on a bag, see the video:

Zipper on jeans, bag, jacket, which has been repaired, will serve you for some more time. It all depends on how you treat her.