How to change a zipper tab on a jacket without going to a workshop

In the cold season, a jacket is the main outerwear. It’s bad when something breaks or breaks down in it, because this event can interfere with grandiose plans. The most vulnerable place is the dog. It often breaks, completely flies out of the zipper, and stops clamping the links. It is not necessary to take the item to the studio to replace the dog. You can deal with the problem yourself.

Plastic zipper on jacket

How to choose the right slider for different types of zippers: types of zippers and markings of sliders

There are several types of zippers with different properties of the sliders:

1. Metal
2. Spiral (twisted)
3. Tractor
4. Secret

Another distinctive feature of zippers is its width, depending on which certain types of sliders are selected. The width of the links in millimeters is marked on the slider with a number.

For example,

Depending on the shape of the sole, the belonging of the runner to a particular lock is determined. Having looked at several examples in the photos below, you can easily find the difference between the sliders and each other.

Tractor zipper type slider

Baryshevka type

Slider for spiral twisted zippers

For metal type 8

Why does the zipper come apart: reasons

The zipper is called differently:

• "snake"
• zipper
• clasp

It is one of the types of fasteners that is designed to quickly connect parts of clothing. Modern designers are developing new versions of zippers with improved fasteners to prevent possible breakdowns. However, unfortunately, a model that would never break has not yet been created. And over time, most of the “snakes” begin to diverge.

In order to understand the reasons for the trouble that happened, you need to understand how such a fastener works and what the principle of its operation is. “Snake” consists of two textile tapes with links (teeth) attached to them. These links are staggered and can be:

• plastic
• metal
• nylon (flexible, on a thin fabric base with spiral staples)

The teeth are connected to each other using a lock, which goes by different names:

• slider
• "dog"
• slider
• carriage

What to do with a broken lock
The principle of operation of such a fastener is as follows:

• the slider slides along the tape, connecting the links together like a puzzle
• each link is fixed by two links on the opposite side

Possible reasons why the teeth do not connect on a zipper:

• The slider is loosened and does not fit tightly to the tape
• the shape of one of the elements is broken
• the slider has broken down
• the teeth on the clasp are broken or deformed
• there is thread or fabric stuck in the lock
• dirt has accumulated between the links (this problem often happens with shoes)

How to put a dog on a metal detachable zipper in a jacket?

Stages of work:

1. Remove the limiter from one side by carefully biting it off using a side cutter
2. When the fabric is caught by the stopper, in order not to damage the fabric, we pry it up using a screwdriver or nail scissors
3. Next, we make a small cut on the lock strap to make it easier to remove the slider.
4. Lubricate the zipper teeth with oil or dry soap for better glide.
5. Removing the broken slider
6. We pull the new pawl onto the teeth slightly at an angle, having first slightly unclenched it
7. Then we press the carriage
8. We check the operation of the slider by fully zipping it
9. Then we sew up the cut in the braid with a buttonhole stitch.
10. We put the latch in place
11. Use pliers to tighten it

Repair or replacement

Knowing how to replace a dog will help you save money on buying new things and repairs. Don’t rush to run to the workshop, sometimes the breakdown turns out to be not serious. Professional help is needed when zipper links are bent or torn out.

This problem is usually faced by owners of plastic and iron locks. Metal products are more durable and can be repaired.

If there are not enough links, you will have to rip off the old zipper and sew in a new one. You will also need to replace it if the fabric on the lock is damaged. Textile tape is sold in specialty stores. If the latch is simply broken, you can repair it yourself.

Here for a plastic pawl when replacing a broken one

Consider what caused the breakdown. When you had to constantly press the pawl, and the lock still came apart after a while, the result would be a broken slider. Due to frequent squeezing with pliers, it cracks and breaks.

Simply changing the dog for a new one is not a solution to the problem. It's better to replace the entire zipper.

How to put a pawl on a detachable tractor zipper in a jacket?

• This is the most common type of lightning
• The repair principle is no different from the previous one
• Use a few additional tips:

1. Please note that some sliders have a locking element. To prevent it from interfering with progress, raise the pendant
2. Make smooth manipulations, do not pull the slider sharply, so as not to damage the zipper links
3. Initially, make the carriage expansion minimal. If you overdo it, it may lose its original appearance and the lock will not fasten.

How to quickly fix a hidden zipper if it comes apart or the slider has fallen off?

The hidden zipper is a relatively recent invention that is used for flowing and lightweight fabrics or hidden pockets. It does not puff up the fabric on clothes and is therefore practically invisible to the eye. The main problem with this type of fastener is that the fabric often gets caught between the halves of the snake.

If the hidden zipper comes apart or the slider comes off, then in most cases, unfortunately, it cannot be repaired. You can try the repair methods described above, but the best option is to sew a new fastener.

How to dress, put a dog on a zipper on jeans?

It is more problematic to carry out repairs on pants, since the pawl is inserted at both ends. It is better to replace the lock completely by handing it over to a specialist. In exceptional cases (if you have certain skills), you can try to do this yourself.

• Typically a type 4 metal zipper is sewn into jeans.
• It is problematic to buy such runners separately
• You'll have to buy a similar zipper and remove the pawl
• We begin work by releasing the slider from the new lock. It is easier to remove from an iron zipper than from a tractor zipper.
• Then we remove it

The following steps can be performed in two ways:

Method 1

1. We cut the fabric between the teeth at the bottom of the lock so that it is possible to insert the slider
2. We insert the slider first on one side, then on the other
3. Hold with one hand, clamp with pliers with the other
4. Fastening the lock
5. We sew up the incision

Method 2

1. We rip the seam line connecting the zipper to the jeans at the bottom of the codpiece
2. Remove the damaged lock from the rivets with a screwdriver or scissors
3. Unclench the broken carriage and remove it
4. Inserting a new dog
5. Clamp with pliers
6. Closing the lock
7. Turn the pants inside out, attach the stopper to the end of the tape where the teeth end
8. Sew the locking ends of the tape back to their original place using a sewing machine.

Dog made from scrap materials

Some craftsmen are in no hurry to buy a new slider if it is not necessary. If one tongue breaks, you can use improvised means. It can be replaced by a hairpin, a bobby pin, a paper clip and other similar objects.

From a paper clip

• bend the edge of the paper clip;
• insert it into the ear of the tongue;
• stretch the paperclip so that the end of the workpiece is further from the edge;
• tie a wool thread to a paper clip;
• tie it around the entire tongue and secure it with a knot.

A zipper dog made from a paper clip for temporary use.
The winding is needed purely for decorative purposes. It is created so that the tongue does not injure the skin and matches the color of the jacket or zipper. If you like just a paperclip without thread, you can leave it that way.

From the ring

The dog can be temporarily replaced by a key ring. It is inserted when the tongue fails on the street.

Dog from a key ring

From lace

For a large zipper, a regular cord is suitable.

It’s easy to make a beautiful tongue:

• thread the lace of the desired color into the hole of the dog;
• cut off excess length;
• decorate the rope;
• tie the ends in a knot;
• Use a lighter to secure the ends so that they do not unravel.

It will be an excellent replacement for the pawl, so you won’t have to spend money on repairing the entire zipper.

The zipper dog made of lace looks very original

How to dress, put the dog on the zipper on the boots?

It is problematic to perform such a manipulation without experience, but using a narrow tool it is possible.

Pre-lubricate the lock: with a drop of vegetable oil, a piece of hard soap or a candle stub. This will soften the motion of the carriage.

1 option

1. We pull up the zipper from the bottom
2. Pull the edges of the tape out
3. Cut the fabric after the last teeth
4. Carefully expand the slider and remove
5. We install a new dog, having first unclenched it
6. Secure with pliers
7. Sew up the cut with tape
8. We insert the zipper into place, fix it with an even seam

Option 2

1. We rip the tape from above or remove the limiters with a screwdriver
2. We carry out manipulations similar to the first option

Option 3

1. We unclench the slider, without undoing anything, anywhere in the lock
2. Filming
3. We put a new one, we clamp it

Types and designations of dogs

To correctly cope with the task of inserting a pawl into a zipper on a jacket, bag, boots, you need to know what types of sliders there are. The following types are produced:

• automatic, when the internal mechanism of the slider prevents the teeth of the fastener from diverging in any of the positions of its tongue;
• semi-automatic, after fastening the snake in this case it is necessary to fix the stopper on the slider, otherwise the fastener will come apart when the tongue is raised;
• haberdashery slider, it has no fastenings and is inserted into the zippers of bags.

How to tighten a zipper dog?

1. The carriage must be pressed directly onto the zipper
2. Connect the lock links well
3. Using pliers, pinch the carriage directly in the center
4. Check the movement of the slider. If it is difficult to move through, loosen it with a screwdriver

As you can see, you can repair locks at home. But remember, without experience, you can completely ruin the thing. It is better to conduct experiments on old things, so that if the attempt fails, you won’t be sorry to part with them.

Selecting a new slider

Replacing a zipper dog is not that difficult. The main thing is to read the information left by the manufacturer on the old slider. It is located on the back of it. Pay attention to the numbers. These are the dog's dimensions in millimeters. Standard sizes from 3 to 10 . Look at the letters indicated next to them.

They are deciphered like this:

• A - lock without connector;
• B — connector available, number of locks – one;
• C — two locks with a connector;
• D — two locks and two connectors;
• F —twisted lightning;
• G - the lock does not have a latch or connector;
• H - there is no connector, there are two locks;
• L - one lock without connector;
• X - cast lightning.

The last thing people look at when purchasing is the shape. Cast zippers are equipped with oval pawls, iron zippers are triangular, and the tractor lock has a trefoil-shaped slider. There are other forms, but this is a rarity, justified by the manufacturer’s design idea.

Fault diagnosis

Correctly determine the type of slider failure. Then it will be easier to repair it. An important aspect: if there is at least one tooth missing anywhere in the zipper (clasp), then it will no longer be possible to fully repair the mechanism. The “dog” will periodically jump off.

In this case, you can pull out a similar-sized tooth in another mechanism that you don’t need. Unclench it with an awl, put it in the required place and squeeze again. To be sure, you can additionally stitch it with thread. This measure is temporary. In the future, the links will continue to fall out and the clasp will not last long. Take the item to a workshop to have the entire zipper replaced.

Important! The braid in which the lock is built must be intact.

Some types of breakdowns can be repaired without the help of a technician:

1. The lock is jammed. The runner does not walk well on the sliders. Lubricating with soap, candle paraffin or pencil lead will help.
2. The castle is falling apart. Tighten the slider using pliers. It is important to press it not only from top to bottom, but also from the sides. There are bends on which the zipper links rub.
3. The runner jumped out. The technique for returning it to its place depends on the type of lock.

In cases other than the latter, the “dog” itself may break. In good expensive zippers (RiRi, YKK, etc.) all elements are made of high-quality metal. The runners in them are difficult to break. They are reusable.

In most other metal clasps, the materials are cheap, Chinese. Any fix will be temporary. "Dogs" often break. Plastic ones even more so.

If the lock is intact and only the slider is damaged, then buy the latter at a sewing store. There is a number on the bottom of the part. It fits true to size. But recently it has been noticed that the numbers from different manufacturers do not match. To avoid problems, bring the product itself to the seller.

What do you need to replace a dog?

To replace the zipper pulley on your jacket, you may need the following tools and materials.

• Needle;
• Spool of thread;
• New slider;
• Small scissors, better than manicure scissors;
• Pliers;
• Screwdriver.

In some cases, glue may also be useful (it must not contain vinegar additives or acetone) or new stoppers for the zipper being repaired. If you need other limiters, then it is preferable to take the metal option. It lasts longer and fits more securely.

Adviсe

During work, small difficulties may arise, which some tricks will help you cope with.

If the slider is put on so tightly that it is impossible to move it along the zipper, then try to “unclench” the pawl flaps. After this she will move much more freely. The main thing is to remember to squeeze it again at the end so that the slider doesn’t dangle. Also try holding the part at a slight angle while threading, this usually makes it easier to fit.

To make the job easier, you can also lubricate the parts, which will help with better performance. Metal runners are lubricated with a small amount of oil. Plastic ones are rubbed with dry soap.

If you were unable to purchase a retainer for some reason, you need to “sew” this place. Sew at one point with thread many times. This will create a barrier that a properly placed runner will not be able to overcome.

How to consolidate the result?

After the dog sits still and the snake is opened a short distance from the end, you need to prevent a similar nuisance in the future. To prevent the same thing from happening next time, take care to securely fix the slider . To do this, install metal stops that will prevent it from flying off the clasp. If there are none, then just take a needle and thread and create a semblance of them with a few stitches at the end of the zipper.

There are times when the dog flies out of place because the edge of the zipper sewn into the fabric of the bag has come loose. After the slider returns, you need to sew up the problem area . And be sure to monitor the integrity of the cloves. Any problem is easier to prevent, and this one too. Also inspect the fixation of the edge of the clasp to the fabric of the bag. Detecting shortcomings in a timely manner will help you avoid getting into an awkward situation in the future.

Instructions for a permanent lock

The mechanism with joined edges is inserted into bags, wallets, dresses, skirts and jeans. It is difficult to lose the slider of such a zipper, but it is also more difficult to replace it. If the fastener is made of plastic, try the simplest method:

• Carefully tuck the parts of the braid that are strictly opposite each other into both slits;
• Pull the slider up to the chain and tuck the outer links.

In other situations, do this:

1. Remove the lower stop. The procedure is similar to working with a split lock. Only it will be harder and more firmly attached.
2. Take the dog with the flat side down. Insert both sides of the scalloped tape at the top synchronously.
3. Slowly pull the slider up. The links must be connected to form a complete chain.
4. Replace the limiter. If this part of the permanent lock is in a hidden place, you can tighten the fabric with stitches of strong thread instead.

A regular fork will help you put the slider on both parts of the zipper at the same time. Attach the slider to it and operate the lock with your free hand.

The zipper can be repaired at home. It can also be replaced in parts or entirely. Correctly identify the problem and use one of the proven tips.

Slider repair methods

If the zipper starts to come apart, you can try to repair the lock yourself.

There are two simple methods:

1. tighten the increased gap with pliers;
2. bring the edges together with a hammer blow.

Working with pliers

To do this, you need to close the zipper and press the side parts of the slider at the ends on the outer and inner sides of the lock.

The gap between the teeth will come closer: the zipper will stop diverging. You must work carefully so as not to pinch or break the slider.

The space to tighten the sides of the lock is limited. Therefore, it is more convenient to work with a tool with long and narrow sponges - platypuses.

Oleg Ars talks about this method in more detail in his video.

Hammer repair

You can correct defects in the lock by lightly tapping it with a small hammer on its edges, avoiding hitting the central part.

It is necessary to provide a rigid support from below: you can place a flat solid object or plate. To avoid accidentally hitting the middle part of the lock, it is recommended to additionally use the upper stop. This method is better suited for metal zippers.

Repairing the runner using a small hand vice is based on the same principle.

However, all these methods require great care and precision. It is quite easy to exceed the mechanical force and break the lock: it will need to be replaced.

Do I need to vaporize the zipper?

In order to carry out this procedure, it is not at all necessary to remove the snake from the bag. The methods proposed below will allow you to put the slider in place without such tedious work as steaming and then sewing in the zipper. Not every woman will be able to cope with these operations on her own, because you need to work very precisely, without marking or adjusting.

To “return” the dog, we leave the zipper in place . You may have to slightly prop it up or trim it as you work.

Dependence of the process on the type of lightning

Different types of snakes are sewn into bags:

• tractor;
• spiral;
• metal.

They are all one-piece, which means that there is only one slider. For each type of zipper, a special type of pawl and stopper is produced. The most common snakes are tractor ones. Working with them, putting the slider in place, is simple: they easily connect the teeth and close the fastener, and are also quite plastic and pliable.

It’s quite good to eliminate similar problems with spiral zippers. They are also based on soft plastic. But metal snakes can’t always help: if you need to close it, you won’t be able to connect the teeth together. This is exactly what the dog is designed for. Therefore, the most correct way out in this situation would be to completely replace the fastener.

How to extend the service life

For proper operation of the lock, it is recommended to follow simple operating rules. They will help extend the life of use:

1. You need to move the slider slowly, without pressing it.
2. You should not overload the bag because the edges of the lock should meet smoothly.
3. It is recommended to lubricate the entire length of the fastener with wax once every 1-2 months.

By following these recommendations, you can easily avoid breakdowns. It must be remembered that all methods of self-repair require accuracy. In most cases, this is a temporary measure that can restore functionality for a few days.