Purchase a graphite stick used specifically for lubrication. If you don’t have one, use a Number 2 pencil. Run the pencil up and down the zipper’s teeth. If you want, you can just apply it to the area of the teeth where the zipper is stuck. Wiggle the slider up and down until it moves smoothly along the teeth.
Pour a small amount of detergent into a small dish. Pour a small amount of water into the same dish. Dip a cotton ball or swab into the mixture. Use the saturated cotton ball to coat the teeth in the solution. Place the cotton ball down and gently attempt to unzip the zipper. It may only move a little. If this is the case, return the slider to its original position. Repeat until the zipper is unstuck.
Consider washing the item by itself. This way, loose threads, fuzz, or debris from other items won’t get stuck in the zipper.
Combine water and soap in a small dish, and stir until suds form. Dip a clean rag in the soapy water and wipe down the zipper’s teeth. Grab a fresh rag and run it under the tap. Wipe the soapy mixture off the teeth with the damp rag. Attempt to zip and unzip as normal. [2] X Research source
Repeat as needed. Be careful not to pull the tooth out of the tape. Test the repair by opening and closing the zipper as normal.
You may need to repeat this several times. [3] X Research source
If the slider is bent or there is a gap, take a pair of pliers and try to straighten it out. If you can’t fix the slider, you will have to replace it. The size should be listed on the back. If the size is not listed, measure the slider. Zipper parts are measured in millimeters. A 5-mm slider is a size 5. Purchase a replacement slider at your local fabric store or online. [5] X Research source
Locate the side of the zipper that has the square tab on the bottom. Wedge the top teeth of the zipper into the slider. If necessary, use a flathead screwdriver to wedge the teeth into the gap. Wiggle and pull the slider until it moves down to the bottom of the zipper. [6] X Research source
If the zipper continues to split and you replaced the slider, you may have purchased the incorrect size. Try a different size slider. If you bent the original slider, the gap may still be uneven. Remove the slider and bend it again. Repeat until the item zips properly. [7] X Research source
Use a pair of pliers to clench the stop into place. Press down on the stop 4 to 5 times to secure it. Repeat on the other side of the zipper. If you are only replacing 1 top zipper stop, make sure you place it on the side of the zipper with the tab at the bottom. [8] X Research source
Hold the garment firmly and pull the stops off. In some cases, you may need pliers to help you gain more leverage pulling the stop off. [9] X Research source
Flip the garment inside out and locate the tack at the bottom of the placket layers of the item (this will be on the inside flap covering the zipper). Remove the tack with a seam ripper. [10] X Research source
Bottom zipper stops are measured in millimeters. Determine the size you will need by measuring the width of the closed zipper. Turn the garment right side out. Push the prongs of the bottom zipper stop into the fabric directly above the old zipper stop—the new zipper stop will cover the missing bottom teeth. Turn the garment inside out and check if the stop is perpendicular to the zipper. Close the prongs with a pair of pliers to secure it in place. [11] X Research source
Turn your garment right side out. Use a sewing machine or a needle and thread to replace the tack you removed. [12] X Research source
If you’re on the road and don’t have a new pull or pliers, use a paperclip as a temporary pull. Simply slip the paperclip into the old pull or the slider itself. [13] X Research source
If you have buttons to secure your garment, fasten them to help keep the zipper closed.
