Zipper Health, and how you can afford to have it.

Each year I see people in my shop that have zippers that have stopped working for one reason or another.  Mostly it is a zipper is "separating" as the pull is being drawn up; and this kind of zipper problem can usually be fixed relatively easily; as it is usually an indicator the zipper pull has lost it's specific alignment needed to make the zipper teeth mesh together and stay  closed until unzipped.  This can often times be realigned by use of a common household pair of pliers.  It is just a matter of crimping and alignment.  If this does not work?  It is time to replace the zipper.

Sometimes, there are more sever zipper problems like zipper starting points tearing or separating from their sewn edging, missing or damaged teeth and even a zipper pull that has broken beyond repair.  If only the zipper pull  "Tab" is missing, you can often use a split key ring of a small diameter to hook it through the eye or loop and it will save replacing the zipper; heck, I have had people use paper-clips too, but a split key ring works best. 

Also, there are different ways to save on zipper replacement when it comes to jackets, coats, parkas' and bibs and coveralls.  One way is to not cut out from between the layers of material but instead to "hot Cut" the zipper from the edging and then over or underlay the new zipper. . . . saving time and that saves money.  Most zipper repairs, cost somewhere between $10.00 - 20.00  and can be done at our shop, while you watch or run an errands.

 Sometimes a zipper is double sided, and it may call for cutting the zipper out and replacing it between two layers of inner and outer material and that will always cost more, as it can easily cost as much or more to remove the old zipper, then it is to just overlay or underlay a new zipper.  We usually only charge $10.00 to over/under-lay a zipper when the client brings in the zipper they have picked out from a local shop.  

We mainly aim at "Functional" repair and or replacement.  I have know a lot of clients over the years that have had some really nice coats, parkas, and such and only want their zipper to work!  And over the years, we have gained a reputation for making things work and work very well.

And also it is important to remember that all zippers can build up a heat-dwell as they slide across the surface between the pull and teeth; so it is important to pull at a moderate rate and not too fast, and if you can remember to lube the zipper with beeswax it is better still.  If you have a plastic type zipper you can use silicone a couple of times a season.  You can find both at Joann's or Hobby-lobby, and even K-Mart or Wall-mart.

With the cooler months approaching fast, it may be time to check over the coats, jackets, parkas' and bibs and coveralls and see how the zippers are doing. . .  and the snaps and other fasteners too. 

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