How To Fix a Backpack Zipper? Everyone knows that backpacks are the best way to carry your books and supplies around, but sometimes they can be a hassle. One of the most common problems for people with backpacks is when the zipper breaks or becomes stuck. Luckily, this problem is very easy to fix! All you need is some patience, basic sewing skills, and the appropriate materials to do this.
4 Different Types of Backpack Zippers
Molded Zippers: This type of zipper is designed to look like the teeth on two meshing gears.
Coil Zippers: This kind of zipper is composed of one continuous coil that pulls through a fabric tube, similar to how a metal zipper works.
Reinforced Zippers: Reinforced zippers have an extra piece of fabric behind the zipper slide teeth to help it withstand more wear and tear.
Metal Zippers: Metal zippers are sturdy, which makes them good for heavy-duty backpacks that go on rugged trails. They also look nice but can be difficult to find in fun colors or prints.
How to Fix a Stuck Zipper on a Backpack
Step 1
Open the zipper. Then, with a sharp object, carefully slice away any fabric stuck in the zipper teeth. If there is more than one piece of fabric stuck on either side of the zipper, remove them both. You can do this by clipping them off or just gently pulling them off- whatever is easiest.
Step 2
Now that the stuck fabrics are gone, you can breathe easier knowing that they won’t get caught in the zipper again. Next, look at the zipper teeth. When you look closely, do you see any metal or plastic pieces sticking out? If so, carefully trim them flush with a pair of scissors or a nail clipper.
Step 3
Unzip the zipper until it is halfway open. On one side of the backpack, look at where the existing bottom teeth are attached to the fabric. Pull these teeth down about two inches so that they are easily accessible to thread through.
Step 4
Now you will attach your new zipper to this fabric. Line up your new zipper with the teeth facing inwards, and make sure that you are attaching it to the fabric on the side of the backpack where you pulled down two inches of existing teeth. Make sure all of these teeth are lined up evenly between both sides.
Step 5
Using strong needle-nose pliers or tweezers, carefully pinch the teeth closed around the existing fabric where they are already attached. Then, with your pliers or tweezers still pinching tightly, zip up the zipper until it is closed.
Step 6
Repeat Steps Four and Five on the other side of the backpack where you will attach your new zipper to fabric that has missing teeth.
Step 7
After you have closed both sides of your zipper, zip and unzip it a few times to make sure that everything is sturdy and secure. If the fabric on either side of your backpack gets caught in the zipper as you try to close or open it, simply use scissors to clip those pieces off again, and the zipper should zip smoothly.
What Should I Do With My Broken Zipper?
If your zipper is broken beyond repair, you can always replace it with a new one. Try looking for different types of zippers to make your backpack unique or fun! You can buy zippers at fabric stores or online retailers like Etsy. To attach the zipper, follow Steps Four through Seven above.
How to Fix Bent Zipper Teeth
If your zipper is still functional, you may only need to fix the bent teeth. Start by unzipping the zipper as far as it will go, and look at each individual tooth. Gently pull out any teeth that aren’t snapped off and straighten them with your fingers so they are even with the rest of the teeth on both sides.
If you are unable to fix the bent teeth with your fingers, try using scissors or a nail clipper. Some teeth may break off in the process of fixing them, simply clip them off and continue straightening the teeth that remain until they are all even on both sides.
Once they are even, zip up the zipper again to make sure everything is even. Then, use sturdy needle-nose pliers or tweezers to squeeze the teeth together tightly where they meet so that they snap shut around the fabric thread.
Then zip it up and unzip it a few times to make sure everything is secure and will stay that way. If any of the teeth continue to snap off or bend, repeat the process as necessary.
How to Repair a Backpack’s Zipper Pull/Slider
You can take care of a backpack’s zipper pull by replacing it with a new one. To do so, first, unzip the zipper as far as it will go and take off the existing slider using pliers or tweezers.
Then look at the top of the zipper where you’ll attach your new slider. There should be three individual teeth, and the second from the top should have a little metal or plastic bar attached to it. Carefully slide your new zipper pull onto this bar, attach it with pliers or tweezers to make sure it’s secure, and then zip up the backpack.
Now your backpack’s zipper will be fully functional once again!
How to Replace a Zipper on a Backpack
If your zipper is broken beyond repair, you can replace it with a new one. Simply unzip the zipper as far as it will go and take off the existing slider using pliers or tweezers.
Then look at the top of the zipper where you’ll attach your new slider. There should be three individual teeth, and the second from the top should have a little metal or plastic bar attached to it. Carefully slide your new zipper pull onto this bar, attach it with pliers or tweezers to make sure it’s secure, and then zip up the backpack.
How to Avoid the Most Common Zipper Issues
To avoid common zipper issues, be careful when you’re zipping up your backpack. If it’s too full or if there are various items that might get caught in the zipper, zip it up slowly and check the teeth before pulling the zipper all the way up to make sure there aren’t any pieces of fabric stuck in them. Also, try to avoid carrying too many heavy or bulky items in your backpack, since it can put stress on the zipper and make it more likely to break.
If the teeth are looking a little worn down, you can try applying some lubricant like beeswax or graphite to help them slide better. If that doesn’t fix anything, you might want to replace the zipper.
Zipper Care and Safety Tips
To avoid getting your backpack so dirty that it requires a major clean-up, you should try not to set it down on the ground while wearing if or when possible. Try hanging it on a hook or laying it flat inside your locker while you’re at school, and keep it off the ground at home.
Always keep your backpack zipped shut, even if you are only carrying things like graphite pencil or loose paper. Then put it in a safe place where no one will be able to mess with the zipper and steal anything from your bag. Finally, remember to clean your backpack periodically on the inside and outside so that it can remain fresh and last for a long time.
Gaining knowledge about how to fix a broken zipper on your backpack is not only beneficial in everyday life but can also help you get out of tricky situations without spending money that you may or may not have. With just a few tools at home, even if the teeth are severely bent out of shape or missing entirely, you can get your backpack looking new again.
How Can a Fork Help You Reattach a Zipper?
A fork can help you reattach a zipper because the prongs on the fork are similar to the teeth on a zipper. Just like in this project, if any of the teeth continue to snap off or bend, just reattach them with your fork.
How Do You Fix A Zipper On One Side Of A Backpack?
In order to fix a zipper on one side of a backpack, you simply have to attach the teeth onto the existing zipper as shown in this project. You can do so with your tweezers or pliers, and then use a fork to reattach any snapped-off pieces of tooth.
How Much Does A Zipper Replacement Cost?
A zipper replacement can cost between $5 and $20, depending on where you get it repaired. This is significantly cheaper than buying a whole new backpack or paying for shipping if you bought one online that’s broken.
How Do You Fix The Bottom Of A Zipper?
To fix the bottom of a zipper, simply reattach all of the teeth and secure them with your fork as shown in this project. Then, zip and unzip the zipper several times to ensure it’s working properly.
How Do You Fix A Zipper That Sticks?
To fix a zipper that sticks, first apply some lubricant like beeswax or graphite along with the teeth of the zipper to help it slide easily. If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace the teeth of the zipper gradually until they’re all gone and it’s time for a full replacement instead.
How Do You Fix A Zipper On A Jansport Backpack?
In order to fix a zipper on a Jansport backpack, you should try zipping and unzipping it several times if the teeth are just a little bent out of shape. Then, take a pair of pliers or tweezers to reattach any snapped-off pieces of the tooth as shown in this tutorial.
One Of Your Zippers Came Undone On One Side Of The Track: What Went Wrong?
There are a few things that could have happened to cause this problem. The zipper might have been caught on something and pulled apart, or one of the teeth might have become bent or broken. If one side of the zipper comes undone, it will be very difficult to close it and you might need some help.
If The Backpack’s Main Zipper Became Stuck Or Was Pulled Apart: What Went Wrong?
If this happens, check to make sure that there is nothing inside the backpack that might be catching on the zipper. If there is no problem with any of your belongings, then you might need someone to give you a hand. Make sure that it is definitely caught. If you try to force it and it still doesn’t work, you might damage the zipper.
What To Do If The Backpack Zipper Won’t Stay Up:
If your zipper won’t stay up, there are a few things that you can do to help. One option is to use a key ring or a rubber band to keep the zipper closed. Another is to use a safety pin to pin the zipper flap together. You can also try to masking tape the zipper down. However, if you have to do any of these things, it might be time to replace the backpack zipper.
How To Fix A Broken Backpack Zipper
If your backpack’s zipper is completely broken, then you will need to replace it. This is a relatively easy process, but it will require some tools and time.
You Will Need:
- Needle nose pliers
- A toothpick or a small screwdriver
- A new zipper (the same length as the old one)
- The thread that matches the color of the backpack
- Scissors
- An iron
- A damp cloth
- A sewing machine (optional)
The first thing that you will need to do is take the old zipper out. This can be a little difficult, but you can do it with some needle-nose pliers. Make sure that you are careful not to damage the fabric of the backpack.
After you get the old zipper out, it’s time to put in the new one. If the rest of your backpack is still functional, then you can simply sew this into place. Otherwise, you can use some glue or double-sided tape.
If you don’t want to sew, use an iron to melt some melted nylon onto the fabric at the end of the zipper. This will help it to stay in place.
If you’re having trouble getting started, you can watch a video on how to do it:
The steps to Fix Broken Backpack Zipper
Examine your zip and tracks for any underlying problems, and repair them:
Your zipper might have come off the tracks for a few reasons. Make sure that you are using both sides of your zip when closing it, and remove any foreign objects from inside the backpack. If there is anything stuck in between the two tracks, pull them completely apart to remove whatever is causing problems. If one of the teeth on either side is bent or broken, you might need to replace the zippers.
If the issue is that one side of your zipper separated, or if it pulls apart easily:
This problem will be a little more difficult to fix. If there isn’t much fabric left on either side to hold onto and keep closed, then you might need someone to help you out. Check to make sure that there isn’t anything inside the backpack that might be snagging on the zipper.
Lay your pack out flat and try to pull your zipper tracks apart from each other, or use a pair of needle-nose pliers to separate them. Work slowly and carefully so as not to damage the fabric of your backpack. If the tracks remain attached to one another, try using a toothpick or a small screwdriver to pry them open.
To widen the slider, use your pliers:
If none of the above-mentioned solutions work, then you will have to widen your entire zipper slider or get a new one. Place a toothpick behind the track where the problem is and squeeze it flat with a pair of pliers. Once you have made it wider, try closing your backpack again to see if there has been an improvement
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a few simple things that you can do for quick fix your broken backpack zipper. If the problem is not too serious, then you may be able to make use of some tools to help yourself out. Hopefully, this article has helped you with any issues that you may have.
