How to Replace a Zipper Pull?

Zippers are so common in everyday items—on jackets, tents, suitcases, backpacks, sleeping bags—that we don’t spend time understanding how complex the anatomy of a zipper is. That is, of course, until it gets stuck or damaged on your beloved jacket or camping equipment. Usually, this happens when the zipper slider is lost or damaged, which means you cannot pull the zipper up or down to make it unusable.

Leather Pull Tab

You grab it to move the slider up and down on the zipper coil or zipper teeth. Sometimes, these zipper pull tabs will break. Other times, they are simple and do not match clothes or bags. Fortunately, installing the new tab is easy. If you can't get Leather Zipper Pull Tab Replacement, there are also temporary solutions.

Method 1

Replace the pull tab

1.Purchase replacement zipper pullers. You can find these online and in fabric shops. Some well-stocked craft shops may also sell them. They come in various shapes and sizes, so please buy a zipper pull that matches your zipper slider. If you have a large, heavy-duty zipper, you should buy a large pull tab. If you have a smaller garment zipper, like you can see on a skirt, buy a small pull tab instead.Click Zipper Puller Factory to Buy.

You can also save a replacement tab from another zipper.

If you don't know what size to buy, please bring the original pull tab or zipper into the store.

2.If necessary, pry off the ring on the top of the slider. If the loop is closed from beginning to end, you need to pry it open. Grasp the ring from the bottom with pliers or metal scissors, and then pull the ring off. Please note that this may damage some zipper sliders. If the loop is open, like a hook, skip this step. You can install the pull ring under the slit.

3.If necessary, remove the old zipper pull tab. If you pull down the top of the slider, the old tab cannot be held in place. Just remove it from the zipper. If your zipper slider has a hook loop, grab the old zipper pull tab and twist it out. You must first lift it so that it is perpendicular to the zipper slider.

If you still cannot remove the old tab from the hook ring, use a flat-head screwdriver to pry the hook away.

You may need to use a pair of pliers to grasp and twist the broken tab.

Separate zipper, you can clamp the first stop at the top of the zipper, non-separable zipper, you can remove the metal stop at the bottom of the zipper, and take out the zipper slider.

4.Insert the replacement pull tab. After removing the loop, you will notice that there are 2 short posts on each side of the zipper slider; the loop is connected to these stubs. Place the replacement tab on the top of the zipper slider. [5] Make sure that one of the thread ends is inside the loop at the top of the zipper pull ring.

If you have a hook loop, slide the replacement tab under the slit. If the gap is too small, use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry it open.

5.Replace the ring and close it. Put the loop back on the top of the zipper slider, making sure the teeth fit the groove. Press it with your finger. If needed, use the end of the block or mark to press it down.

If you are using a hook loop, you are ready to go. If you are worried about the pull ring falling out, you can clamp the ring with pliers.

Method 2

Use temporary pull tabs

1.If necessary, remove the old zipper puller. If your zipper slider loop is shaped like a hook, you can simply twist the old pull tab. If not, use a flat-head screwdriver to pry off the hook a bit. After pulling out the tab, clamp the hook with pliers.

If your zipper slider loop is firm and there is no gap.

2.If necessary, remove the locking device. Certain types of zippers have a locking mechanism. If you look closely at the zipper from the side and then move it up and down, you will see this mechanism. You will notice that a lock moves up and down inside the loop where the zipper puller is connected.

The locking mechanism needs to be outside of the loop. If you can see the lock inside the ring, slowly move the zipper slider until the ring is clear.

3.Pass the paperclip through the ring to make a temporary selection. Locate the outer end of the paper clip. Pass it through the loop on the zipper. Rotate the paperclip so that both U-shaped loops are facing away from the zipper.

Metal paper clips can solve this problem well. If you want the pull tab to match the zipper slider, you can also use colored paper clips.

4.Thread the key ring on the zipper slider for a stronger option. Find a small key ring less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Use your fingernail, flat-head screwdriver, or knife to pry open the end. Slide the end of the key ring into the ring. Pass the key ring through the ring until it is fully connected and closes by itself.

For jeans zippers that cannot be kept closed, a key ring is a good choice. Zip the jeans, slide the key ring onto the button, and close the button.

Avoid using key rings that are too large, otherwise they will look bulky.

5.If you need something quick and easy, use thin lines. Find some rope thick enough to pass through the loop on the zipper puller. Cut a small piece and then pass it through the ring. Tie the end of the rope into an overhand knot, about 1 ⁄ 2 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) from the loop. Cut off the remaining rope.

If you are using nylon rope, you can melt the cut end with a lighter or candle flame to get a smoother surface.

If possible, match the color of the rope to the zipper.

6.If you want a better touch, please use a thin ribbon. Choose a ribbon or grosgrain ribbon that is thin enough to pass through the loop on the zipper head. Cut it into 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) and thread it through the loop. Match the end of the ribbon to make sure it is centered, then do one of the following methods:

Tie the two ends together with an overhand knot to form a loop.

Use zigzag stitches to sew at both ends 2 to 3 times to form a loop.

Use hot glue or fabric glue to glue the two half-belts together to form a single strip.

7.Pass a wire through the ring to get something more like a pull ring. Cut a short piece of wire. Pass it through the loop on the zipper and twist the ends together to form a stem. Leave some space between the twisted part and the loop so that you can move the pull loop up and down. Use wire cutters to cut off the excess wires so that the length is between 1 ⁄ 2 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm).

You can use a pipe cleaner, unfolded paper clips, and even unscrewed a tie from a trash bag. If you want the pull tab to match the zipper slider, use colored paper clips instead.

8.If you want a beautiful pull ring, please use a durable jump ring to install the small ornaments. Use a pair of pliers to open a heavy jump ring. Slide end 1 of the jump ring over the ring on your charm. Pass the other end of the jump loop through the loop on the zipper slider. Use the pliers again to close the jump ring.

Choose a jump ring that is 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inches (0.64 to 1.27 cm) wide, made of thick wire.

Use amulets that can be easily sandwiched between your thumb and index finger.

Clamp each side of the jump ring with pliers. Pull the ends apart to open the jump ring, and then pull it toward each other to close it, like a door.

Don't pull the ends of the jump ring apart like you open a drawer. This will distort the shape of the jump ring.