How to Repair a Zipper on Your Backpack
A broken or stuck zipper can ruin your favorite backpack. Learning how to fix a zipper on a backpack is surprisingly simpler than you might think, and you can use things you probably already have at home or when you’re out on a trip.
The great part is that you don’t have to pay a professional to fix it for you. You can do it yourself!
Not only does that save you money, but it’s also good for the environment because you won’t be tossing your backpack away.
So, let’s learn how to fix a zipper on a backpack!
How to Fix a Zipper on a Backpack
Fixing a zipper on your backpack is usually not too hard. Here’s a simple guide:
Here’s what is required:
- Pliers
- Needle nose pliers
1. Grab Your Pliers
If the zipper on your backpack has come off on one side, you can fix it using pliers.
Don’t worry if the zipper gets a little scratched or the paint chips, as it’s the best tool for the job. Be gentle with the zipper to avoid breaking it.
Find a pair of pliers. These are like a tool with two arms and a grip at the end. Slide the zipper towards the middle of the track. This is where it should be, even though it came undone.
Place the tip of the pliers into the side of the zipper slider (the part you pull) that is not on the track. Gently close the pliers without pinching too hard.
Use the pliers like a lever to gently open up the zipper slider to the right (or wherever it came off). Do this on both sides of the slider.
This helps widen the bottom opening of the zipper and should get it back on track. Just be careful not to apply too much pressure, so you don’t break the zipper.
2. Reattach the Zipper Track
Gently widen the space in the slider by moving it slowly. Be careful not to force it too much, as it might break.
Once the gap is bigger, take the other side of the zipper and slowly guide it back onto the slider.
Think of it as fitting a key into a lock—wiggle the zipper gently until it slides through the opening.
Apply a bit of pressure to push it into place, and then pull it upward.
The aim is to reconnect both sides of the zipper. It might require a few attempts, so stay patient and keep at it until the zipper is firmly back in position.
3. Pinch the Zipper Closed
After successfully getting both sides of the zipper back onto the chain, zip it down to the closed position on your bag.
Now, grab a pair of needle-nose pliers. Gently use the pliers to pinch the slider closed, placing them on the back and front of the opening you widened earlier.
Be careful not to squeeze too hard – we’re not aiming to make the zipper too tight, just to seal up the opening.
Try pinching each side twice and then test the zipper. Check if it’s too loose or too tight. If the teeth of the zipper reconnect smoothly, you’re good to go!
Then. clean it up, either by hand or in a washer, especially if it’s been sitting in storage for a while.
Common Problems with Your Backpack Zipper
Backpack zippers can encounter various issues over time. Here are some common problems you might face:
1. Zippers Getting Stuck
One of the most frustrating issues with backpack zippers is when they get stuck.
This is something we’ve all dealt with at some point, and it can be particularly irritating when it occurs during a hiking or outdoor adventure.
2. Bent Or Misaligned Zipper Teeth
If your zipper is still stuck even after applying a generous amount of lubricant, it could be due to an issue with the teeth.
Over time, they can get bent or become misaligned, making it impossible for the zipper to smoothly come together. Even if you try lubricating it, these bent or misaligned teeth won’t cooperate.
3. Zipper Slider Off the Track
Even if your backpack zipper’s teeth are okay, there’s another issue to watch out for – the slider going off the track. It’s like the zipper taking a detour when it’s not supposed to.
This can happen for various reasons, such as a not-so-great design, using too much force when zipping up or down, or having bits of fabric or threads causing trouble.
4. Slider Breakdown
If the slider part of your backpack zipper is broken, you’ll likely need to swap it out for a new one.
Think of the slider as the key player in making the zipper work – if it’s damaged, the backpack is as good as nothing.
5. Broken Zipper Pulls
The little tabs on backpack zippers can sometimes break or stop working, even on really good backpacks.
It turns out that these tabs are sometimes made of a material that becomes weak over time, making them fragile and prone to breaking.
Mending a zipper on your backpack is a practical skill that can save you both time and money.
Remember to approach the task with patience and precision, ensuring each step is executed carefully.
With a little effort, you can enjoy a fully functional zipper on your backpack, ready to accompany you on your next adventure.
