Whether it is stuck up or down, a stuck zipper can make it impossible to wear clothing or use an item. Usually you can get the zipper going again with a little effort. This is a guide about fixing a stuck zipper.
Solutions: Fixing a Stuck Zipper
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Carefully spray the zipper with Pam being careful not to get it on any material of the garment. I tape a strip of Saran Wrap beside the zipper prior to using the Pam. Good luck.
There is nothing more frustrating than something needing a zipper fix when the clothing is still wearable. I hate doing zippers in clothing. TADA! Found a fairly inexpensive idea - better than throwing away and buying new.
Most dry cleaners have a tailor or repair section. Prices may vary slightly. I sent in a good men's heavy Carhart winter jacket to have a new zipper done, $20. That was in my price range, knowing my frustration in doing it and replacing it at over $100. Picked it up and it was only $6. Found out, most items such as coats, etc. just need the little metal clip changed out, not the whole zipper.
For me to buy the zipper needed at the sewing shop would be close to $10. The $6 was cheap, and a total zipper being $20. It still would be $10 for labor. I have only taken jackets, kids coats, etc. in and they all ended up with the only the clip replaced! Cheaper than throwing away something usable.
I have found that the easiest way to make a zipper work smoothly is to rub a cake of soap (any kind) along the zipper edges. That zipper with go up and down smoothly.
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Questions
Here are questions related to Fixing a Stuck Zipper.
As long as your careful and only touch the metal zipper when it's done up, I always use the WD40 pen. Sounds really awful and stinky but, it's so handy to have this around the house for things like this. If I use this method to unstick a stuck zipper, I always make sure to put paper towel behind where I'm working, (folded up in case I go a little nuts) to soak up any excess and make sure I'm ready to go. And the great thing about this method is that it's completely colourless and the pens are pretty much scent-free.
If you are out some place and your zipper gets stuck, rub a tiny bit of lip balm on the teeth of the zipper (open and closed) above and below the zipper glide. Gently rub the balm into the teeth with your fingers. Then gently tug and wiggle the zipper pull up and down toward this greased area. Unlike other solutions, the lip balm should not stain your clothes and can be done easily at home or on the road.
Here are archived discussions related to this page.
Sticky Zipper
If you have a sticky zipper on a piece of clothing, try rubbing the zipper with a pencil. The graphite in the pencil should help lubricate the zipper. A bar of soap also can be effective.
By Fisher
RE: Sticky Zipper
Bar wax will fix any sticking zipper problem, my mom has used it for years (07/22/2006)
By Euhlala
02/15/2009
Do you have a tip, recipe or craft to share?
Soap For A Stuck Zipper