Fixing Common Slider and Zipper Problems

Table of Contents

Fixing Common Slider and Zipper Problems

The Problem: Worn-Out Coil

Cause: This is caused by friction between the slider and the coil.

Symptoms: The outside of the coil (often near the starting mechanism or around a tight radius in the case of a tent door) appears white instead of black, and the plastic of the coil is so glossed over that the individual teeth of the coil aren’t distinguishable.

Prescription: New zipper is needed.

The Problem: Worn-Out Zipper Tape Around the Pin

Cause: Each time you zip up a separating zipper, you have to place the pin or tab through the corresponding slider/box combo to get the zipper started. Over t...

Ready to start learning?

Already have an Outside+ membership? Sign in

for only $3.99 $8.25 per month*

SPECIAL PRICE

  • Full access to Outside Learn courses
  • Exclusive training guides, meal plans, and members-only content from Outside Network publications
  • Gaia GPS Premium offline maps and Trailforks Pro global trail maps
  • $50 gear credit at Outside Shop
  • Free Outside Events Cycling Series ride and $30 off your first registration with RunReg, BikeReg, or TriReg
  • More than 600 hours of epic adventure films and series with Outside Watch
Join Outside+

* Memberships are billed annually.