Coil Zipper Slider Replacement

Written By: Brittany McCrigler
  • Comments: 11
Coil Zipper Slider Replacement

Difficulty

Easy

Steps

8

Time Required

5 - 10 minutes

Introduction

A zipper slider is responsible for joining the two sides of the zipper and ensuring the teeth secure properly. When a slider is damaged or missing, the zipper will not stay closed and the slider needs to be replaced.

This guide will demonstrate how to replace the slider on a coil zipper.

IMPORTANT! Before proceeding:

  1. Ensure that the zipper separates at the top and bottom (e.g. a center front jacket zipper) and the top and bottom are not sewn together (e.g. a pocket zipper)
  2. Identify the type of zipper to obtain the correct replacement part
  3. Ensure that the issue can be fixed with a slider replacement and doesn't require a full zipper line replacement

Read through the entire guide before starting the repair, and gather the necessary tools and materials. While Patagonia-specific materials are ideal, they are not required. Patagonia replacement parts can be obtained by calling or messaging Patagonia Customer Service.

Alternatively, Patagonia products can be taken to a local retail store for a repair evaluation or sent in to Patagonia through their mail-in repair service.

Let's get fixing!

WARNING! Small Parts. Patagonia does not recommend conducting these repairs on garments intended for children age 3 or under. Instead, we recommend return of the product for professional repair services.

The 3 Stages of Patagonia Zipper Repair

  1. Identify the zipper type
  2. Diagnose the issue
  3. Repair the zipper

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    • Gather tools and the two pieces required for a coil slider replacement:

    • A replacement slider that is the right size and style

    • Reference the Zipper Identification guide to confirm the appropriate replacement piece.

    • A coil top stop in the correct size

    • Coil top stops look like a small metal claw with a flat back and three prongs (one on one side and two on the other).

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    • Unzip the zipper.

    • Locate the top stop at the top of the zipper on the side with the slider.

    • The top stop is a piece of plastic or metal that keeps the slider from coming off the top of the zipper.

    • Peel back any fabric that is covering the top stop.

  3. Wear safety glasses to protect from projectile pieces.

    • Wear safety glasses to protect from projectile pieces.

    • Use end nippers or flush cutters to remove the top stop.

    • To avoid cutting the zipper tape, position the nippers to cut off only the very edge of the stop, then peel away the rest of the stop from the zipper tape.

  4. Use a lighter to singe frayed or damaged zipper tape.

    • Use a lighter to singe frayed or damaged zipper tape.

  5. Slide the damaged zipper slider up and off the zipper tape.

    • Slide the damaged zipper slider up and off the zipper tape.

    • Discard the zipper slider responsibly.

  6. Making sure the new slider is oriented correctly, slide it onto the zipper tape.

    • Making sure the new slider is oriented correctly, slide it onto the zipper tape.

    • Patagonia Repair Tech Tip: Maneuver the slider as if parallel parking a car. Start at an angle, back it onto the zipper tape, and then straighten out. This step can take practice, patience, and a little muscle!

    • Once the slider is on the zipper, test zipping up the jacket to make sure it's the right slider type and that the issue is fixed.

  7. Place the top stop on the flat, tape side of the zipper, aligning the double-prong side of the stop to face the jacket and the single-prong side to face the zipper teeth.

    • Place the top stop on the flat, tape side of the zipper, aligning the double-prong side of the stop to face the jacket and the single-prong side to face the zipper teeth.

    • Slide the single-prong beneath the first or second tooth at the top of the zipper tape.

    • Push the double-prongs through the zipper tape so they emerge on the opposite side, on the inside of the coil.

  8. Use pliers to bend the prongs of the stop inward, clamping them around the zipper coil. The prongs will grab into the coil, securing it in place.

    • Use pliers to bend the prongs of the stop inward, clamping them around the zipper coil. The prongs will grab into the coil, securing it in place.

    • Check that the new stop effectively prevents the new slider from coming off the zipper.

Author

Brittany McCrigler

Member since: 05/03/12

89748 Reputation

11 comments

Where do I get the zipper stop????

Jason Heimink -

How do you find the size slider(in my case 5 millimetres) and also the right size teeth that will fit into the zipper.

bbehrhorst -

I used this Guide to replace the zipper slide on my wife's favorite Disney fleece jacket. I purchased my slide and the stop online. Since I'm not sure about the rules on posting vendor's info, I will say GOOGLE "nylon coil zipper slide". You can have your "zippershipped" right to your door.

kasten39828 -

AWESOME! Thanks for the pointers - I’m ready for tomorrow’s powder day!!!!

Jenny -

Great now how ! thank’s :)

Robert Fyfe -

Oh my goodness, thank you so much! You saved me during the pandemic. Super clear instructions, even though I had a metal zipper and cotton sweatshirt. Patagonia sent me more than all the parts I needed. Thank you again!

Katharine Morrison -

How do I get spare parts, zipper slider and stopper?

Peter Hofer -

Hi All, you can contact Patagonia Customer Service for any spare parts you need for repairing a Patagonia item.

Maike -

Hi All, you can contact Patagonia Customer Service for any spare parts you need for a repair of a Patagonia item.

Maike -

Tips on where to get parts for non-Patagonia garments?

Dale Mead -

To determine what type and size of slider you might need, please check out this guide below. Video: Introduction to Zipper Types and Slider Identification

Once you know which type and size you need contact Patagonia Customer Service ( 1-800-638-6464) for a new Slider and Zipper Stop. Please have your type and size available to provide to the CS Agent.

Tools for the job were listed above in the "Tools" section, if you place your cursor over the link a little window will pop up. If you click on it it will take you to a vendor to purchase any tool that needed.

Good Luck.

Marty Chapman -