Miya Pearson
A broken zipper on a sleeping bag can be a huge inconvenience, especially when you're out camping. The slider is often the culprit when a sleeping bag won't zip properly, and it can be due to wear and tear or misuse. Fixing a broken zipper on a sleeping bag can be done in a few ways, ranging from temporary fixes like using pliers to crimp the slider back into place, to more permanent solutions like replacing the slider with a new one. If you're handy, you can attempt to fix it yourself with a zipper repair kit, or you can take it to a professional seamstress or repair service to have it done properly, although this may come at a higher cost.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Problem | Zipper slider opening wears down over time and becomes enlarged |
| Solution | Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to crimp the old slider back to its original size |
| Precaution | Be careful not to apply too much pressure as you crimp or you can break or jam the old slider |
| Alternative solution | Cut a space open at the end, insert slider, then sew up the end with dental floss or something similar |
| Alternative solution (2) | Take it to a seamstress |
| Alternative solution (3) | Use a field zipper repair kit |
| Alternative solution (4) | Use FixnZip |
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What You'll Learn
Fixing a worn-out zipper slider
If your sleeping bag zipper is not working properly, the slider is often to blame. The zipper slider opening may have worn down over time and become enlarged, so it no longer joins the zipper teeth properly.
If the slider is broken, you will need to buy a new one. Make sure to get a replacement zipper pull that is the same size and style as your old one. You can find a replacement zipper slider in a craft store or online. You can also purchase a zipper repair kit that contains everything you need to replace the pull and add top stops and square tabs.
If your zipper pull is not too worn out, you may be able to fix it without replacing it. First, try using a pair of needle-nose pliers to crimp your old slider back to its original size. Give a few gentle squeezes to each side of the slider and then check to be sure that both sides are even. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, or you may break or jam the old slider.
If your zipper pull is made of iron, you can try closing it directly on the zipper with pliers, reshaping it to look like the original. If it is made of plastic, you may need to find a replacement.
If your zipper is stuck, there may be something caught in the teeth, like dirt or grit. Inspect your zipper teeth closely and, if you find any small particles, try to remove them with a toothbrush.
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Using pliers to crimp the slider
If your sleeping bag zipper is broken, it might be a simple fix. First, you need to identify the problem. If the slider is broken, you can replace it with a new one. If the zipper feels stiff and isn't sliding, try rubbing it with a wax candle or using a lubricant like silicone spray, candle wax, or even graphite from a pencil.
If the zipper pull has come off, you can use pliers to fix it. Here's how to use pliers to crimp the slider:
- Get a pair of end nippers and a pair of needle-nose pliers. You can also use small side-cutting pliers to grasp the slider firmly.
- Move the old sliders to the bottom of the zipper to get them out of the way.
- Use the end nippers to gently pinch the stopper at the top of the zipper. Be careful not to cut it, and securely pull the stopper away from the fabric.
- Slip on the new sliders, making sure they are on the same side and in the same orientation as the old zipper.
- Place the new zipper stopper onto the top end of the zipper.
- Use the needle-nose pliers to crimp the new zipper stopper into place. Be careful not to pinch too hard, as you may damage the stopper or cause the slider to come off.
- Test your work by zipping the sleeping bag open and closed a few times.
If you are experiencing issues with the zipper pull, you can try to fix it by squeezing each half of the slider with pliers. Be careful not to squeeze too hard, as it may crimp the zipper track or break the pull.
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Replacing the zipper stopper
If your sleeping bag zipper is broken, you may need to replace the zipper stopper. This is a small piece of hardware, typically made of metal, that is fastened to the top end of each half of the zipper. Here is a step-by-step guide to replacing the zipper stopper:
First, use a pair of end nippers to gently pinch and remove the old stopper. Be careful not to cut the fabric. Once the old stopper is removed, pull off the old sliders, noting their orientation so that you can match it with the new sliders. If your zipper slider opening has worn down and become enlarged, you may be able to use needle-nose pliers to gently crimp it back to its original size.
Next, slip the new sliders onto the zipper, ensuring they are on the same side and in the same orientation as the old sliders. Place the new zipper stopper onto the top end of the zipper. Use needle-nose pliers to carefully pinch the new stopper into place, being careful not to pinch too hard and damage it.
Finally, test your repair by zipping your sleeping bag open and closed a few times. The new zipper stopper should keep the zipper securely in place. If you are unable to find the right replacement parts or are uncomfortable with performing the repair yourself, consider taking your sleeping bag to a professional repair service.
By following these steps, you can replace the zipper stopper on your sleeping bag and restore its functionality.
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Sewing the zipper with dental floss
Firstly, cut a space open at the end of the zipper. You can do this by opening the seam at the bottom of the zipper. Then, insert the slider. Finally, sew up the end with dental floss.
If your zipper pull is made of plastic, you may need to find a replacement of the same size. You can find this in another old jacket or buy one online.
If you are looking for a more permanent solution, you can replace the zipper slider completely. Firstly, unpick some stitches and install new stops, or sew a few teeth closed. Then, use a little bit less of the full length of the zipper. Finally, re-sew any seams required.
If your zipper is stiff and not sliding, you can try rubbing the zipper with a wax candle.
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Cleaning and lubricating the zipper
Zippers can get stuck for a variety of reasons, from dirt and dust to corrosion and fabric degradation. It is important to clean and lubricate your zipper to ensure long-term function and smooth sliding.
Cleaning the Zipper
Firstly, unzip the sleeping bag to access the full zipper. If your zipper is metal, use a toothbrush or a small brush to gently scrub the zipper teeth, removing any salt, sand, dirt, or debris. For fabric zippers, use a damp cloth to wipe away any dirt or residue. Open and close the zipper during the cleaning process to ensure you reach every surface.
Lubricating the Zipper
Once the zipper is clean and dry, you can apply a lubricant. You can use a dedicated zipper lubricant, or a household alternative such as lip balm, olive oil, or soap. If using olive oil, place a drop near the slider and gently wipe away the excess before attempting to open the zipper. For soap, create a soapy water mixture and apply it to the zipper track. If you have a pencil, you can also use the graphite to colour in the zipper track. After lubricating, use a clean toothbrush and water to clean the track.
For metal zippers, you can use a silicone lubricant, but be cautious as this can stain fabrics. A dry lubricant such as McLube™ Sailkote is a good option for metal zippers as it has a hydrophobic coating that won't wash away and doesn't attract dirt, water, or contaminants.
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Frequently asked questions
You can try a temporary fix by using a pair of needle-nose pliers to crimp the old slider back to its original size. Be careful not to apply too much pressure as you may break or jam the slider. If this doesn't work, you can purchase a field zipper repair kit for around $9.95. This will require you to unstitch the seam, put on a new slider, and sew the seam back up.
If you're not currently using the bag, you can take it to a professional. A seamstress can fix your sleeping bag zipper for $60-100. Alternatively, you can try a FixnZip, which costs $10.99 and can be installed without tools or sewing.
You can try to bend the teeth back into the track as a temporary solution. If the zipper is still not functioning, you may need to replace it.
