Plastic Tooth Zipper Slider Replacement
By Brittany McCrigler • Difficulty: Easy
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 plastic tooth (Vislon®) 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 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
Gather materials
  • Gather tools and the two pieces required for a plastic tooth slider replacement:
  • A replacement slider that is the right size and style
  • Reference the Zipper Identification guide to confirm the appropriate replacement piece.
  • A top stop
  • There are two types of metal top stops, both of which can be used on plastic tooth zippers (reference image #3).
Locate the top stop
  • 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.
Remove the top stop
  • 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.
Step 4
  • Peel away the rest of the top stop from the zipper tape.
  • Use a lighter to lightly singe any fraying zipper tape.
Remove the damaged slider
  • Slide the damaged zipper slider up and off the zipper tape.
  • Discard the zipper slider responsibly.
Attach the new slider
  • 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.
Place the new top stop
  • Grab a replacement top stop and position it around the edge of the zipper tape directly above the top teeth, where the old stop was located.
Attach the new top stop
  • Use pliers to crimp the top stop into place.
  • Check that the new stop effectively prevents the new slider from coming off the zipper.