Zabin Industries: Zippers

Maintaining a Zipper

The structure of a zipper is the same as that of a precision machine. Careful handling and correct usage protects the zipper and keeps it operating for a long time. Here are some helpful hints for maintaining a zipper. Taking proper care of a zipper will prolong its life.

Bringing the teeth together
Trying to forcibly close the zipper of an overfilled bag will cause an excess load on the teeth (elements). This stress may cause damage to the teeth or even cause the teeth to come off the zipper tape. This will cause the zipper to fail. The zipper should be closed only after bringing the two sides as close as possible to one another so that the slider can move more easily and teeth damage minimized.

Open Completely
Completely open the zipper before putting something in, or taking something out of, the item the zipper is attached to. If the slider is left midway, excessive force is placed on the teeth and the slider. This could cause damage. It is easier to close a zipper if the hook, or the top button, is fastened first.

Suitable Ironing and Cleaning Methods
A zipper should be closed before it is washed or cleaned. Left open, the fabric may get damaged, or the tape may stretch or shrink. Strong alkaline detergents, or bleaching agents, must be used with care. When ironing, adopt the proper heat not only for the material that is being ironed, but also for the zipper. The pull-tab should be in the down position when ironed. Also, when ironing, it is always a good idea to cover the zipper with a piece of cloth. Once it is washed and ironed, if the zipper does not move properly, apply a wax, or lubricant, then move the slider up and down several times. Zippers can be beautiful and durable if correctly maintained.

D E S I G N E R ' S S A M P L E O P T I O N S

Size Adjustments
If the sample zipper is a coil zipper that is too long, it can be cut down to provide size adjustment. The zipper can then be folded and stitched without a top stop, or it can be whip stitched at the bottom stop. Injection molded and metal zippers can be cut with alligator pliers, or large nail clippers. Then, the tape can be folded to form the top stop.

Pull Options
If you are using a CA or CF (clip-on) slider, other pull options are available.

Space for Sewing
A certain amount of space is required to allow slider movement. If sewn too close to the teeth (elements), the slider will catch the fabric. Sufficient space should be left on both sides of the tape to allow smooth slider movement. Sewing the fabric while keeping it apart from the teeth is also recommended.

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