Slider device
The slider is an integral part of the zipper, which serves to connect parts of clothing. It is this that allows you to close its links for fastening jackets, leather goods and shoes. It is quite easy to put a runner on a zipper if you first understand its structure and classification.
The runner is made of several elements:
- a slider or housing consisting of an upper and lower part, between which there is a Y-shaped channel for connecting and disconnecting the links;
- a keychain puller to open and close the zipper;
- a fastener that prevents the clasp from unfastening accidentally.
The slider, as well as the zipper, can fail or break, which makes the garment unusable. Very common causes of zipper breakage are deformation of the links or wear of the slider edges, which stops it from closing. These are extreme cases that require a complete replacement of the damaged parts.
Types and markings
To quickly repair or put on a zipper runner at home, you need to know the type of the fastener itself. Its type difference depends on the types of the product.
Typically, tractor zippers are used to make large backpacks, bags and tents, metal zippers are used for jeans and jackets, and twisted or hidden types, easily hidden in a fold of fabric, are used for sportswear, trousers and women's skirts. In addition, different types of runners will be used depending on the type of zipper.
Zipper runners can be classified by:
- constructions;
- number;
- type of lightning;
- marking.
Based on the design, runners can be haberdashery, automatic and semi-automatic. Haberdashery devices marked NL are most often used in the manufacture of bags, purses and backpacks.
This type of locks is characterized by easy movement and a convenient slider for their movement. The two-lock model is used in tents and sleeping bags, the flip-over model is used in double-sided jackets and vests.
Automatic zippers are usually marked AL and have a lock to protect the zipper from unintentional unzipping. Semi-automatic runners are marked PL and are used in shoe zippers and outerwear zippers. They have a tight stroke and a short slider.
To put a slider on a zipper, you need to know the size of its links. It is written on the back of the lock and has standard numbers: 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10. This number indicates the millimeter width of the zipper links in the closed position, which can be measured using a regular ruler.
When replacing a zipper puller, the first thing you need to pay attention to is the type of zipper.
Based on its type, runners are divided into 3 main types:
- tractor;
- metal;
- spiral.
Tractor head runners have a semi-circular shape at the base, metal head runners have a triangular shape, and spiral head runners have an oval shape on the bottom side.
Sometimes manufacturers mark the runners with different letters indicating the type of lock and zipper. For example, A is a non-separating zipper, L is a non-separating zipper with one lock, H is a non-separating zipper with two locks, B is a separating zipper with one lock, C is a separating zipper with two locks.
Usually, the most common are haberdashery locks, which are easy to distinguish by their type. Automatic products have beautiful sliders and are used in outerwear, and semi-automatic ones are used in shoes.
How to Put a Zipper Pull on a Zipper Using a Fork
If the runner on a piece of clothing has broken, you can try to fix the defect yourself before taking it to a repair shop.
If the zipper does not have a plug and the lock simply fell off, it can be put back using a fork.
- First, you need to fix the fork on the plane, and then put the runner with the upper part on its 2nd and 3rd teeth.
- After this, you need to thread both parts of the zipper into the grooves of the slider. As a result, the sides of the zipper should connect, and the kitchen appliance can be removed.
How to put a slider on a plastic zipper
Plastic zippers are similar to metal ones, but their teeth are made of thermoplastic. Before replacing the runner, you need to determine the cause of the defect. If the teeth are in order, but the runner gets stuck and the zipper comes apart, then it needs to be replaced.
To do this, you need to remove the top stopper. If it is metal, it is advisable to separate it with a screwdriver and carefully remove it with pliers so as not to damage the fabric. If the stopper is plastic or does not exist at all, then you need to carefully remove several zipper links to make room for the slider to enter.
After replacing it, this place must be stitched with threads or a metal stopper must be installed. A safer option is to rip and release the place where the runner will be inserted.
How to put a slider on a metal zipper
Metal zippers are more practical than plastic ones. They are durable and wear-resistant because they are made of brass, aluminum or nickel. They are most often used in the manufacture of jeans, jackets and work clothes.
There are several ways to attach a slider to a metal zipper:
- If the ends of the zipper at the top are sewn into the clothing, then you need to rip one side of it, then remove the runner and put a new one in its place, finally sewing up this place and putting a metal stopper.
- If the zipper has a metal stopper, you just need to remove it with a screwdriver, then change the slider and put it back.
How to put a runner on a roller zipper by the meter
Roll zipper is most often used to make wallets, bags and backpacks. Although it is made of nylon spiral, it is strong and durable due to the perfect fit of the links. It is sold in rolls, 1 m or more in length.
Putting a runner on a zipper of this type is not particularly difficult:
- First, you need to trim the ends of the fastener and burn them with fire so that they do not fray. One side of the slider is put on the left part of the zipper, its second side is put into the other part, and both sides are aligned by pulling the dog along the course of the fastener.
- After the zipper has begun to open and close easily, and its edges have aligned, a metal stopper is placed at the base or this area is stitched with threads.
- Next, the required size of the zipper is measured, it is cut, its edges are cauterized and stoppers are placed on them.
Now it is ready to be sewn into the product.
Replacing the slider on a hidden zipper
In hidden zippers, the puller is not visible because it is hidden by tape. The slider and zipper are matched to the color of the clothes. It is most often found in dresses, skirts and trousers. Its structure is the same as that of the most common spiral zippers in the world.
A characteristic feature of a hidden clasp is that its teeth are located on the inside.
- Therefore, you need to take it so that the links are facing away from you, and the runner is directed by the keychain towards you, and put it on one part of the zipper, and then on the other, having first aligned them.
- Now you need to grab the ends of the zipper with two fingers of one hand, and with two fingers of the other hand grab the entire slider and pull it down.
- After it starts to close properly, you need to put fasteners at the bottom and at the edges on top.
Replacing the zipper puller
The flip runner is designed for double-sided items such as bags and jackets. They can be turned inside out, so it is equipped with a flip slider. The process of replacing such a runner is similar to a regular lock.
Due to the fact that such runners are built into large items, then according to their classification they are usually of the tractor type and are installed on the same zipper. The metal stopper is removed from the top of the zipper, if it is plastic, then it is carefully bitten off with pliers, and a new dog is installed in place of the old one.
Such runners often have a side lock to which the keychain is attached. If the zipper is detachable, then in order to insert the second side into the dog, you must first press this lock. This is the main difference between this type of locks and all the others.
How to put on a two-way zipper puller
The two-way runner belongs to the haberdashery class and is used in the manufacture of sleeping bags and tents, which use opening and closing zippers from the front and back.
The runner should be put on the zipper from above, having first slightly unfastened its upper part. It is installed with the corresponding fastener head shape and size.
For example, for a tent with a tractor zipper, the width of the teeth of which is 8 mm, you will need a double-sided runner No. 8 with a semicircular head at the base. After replacing the lock, a limiter is put on the upper part of the zipper or this place is simply sewn with threads.
It happens that a roller zipper of tractor type is built into the tent. Then several teeth are removed in the place of insertion of the dog so that the runner can be inserted without any obstacles.
How to put a zipper puller on a jacket
On jackets and overalls, manufacturers most often install tractor or metal zippers of a detachable type. After selecting the appropriate runner, the scheme for its replacement remains the same.
The slider should be put on the zipper from the side where the stopper with the socket is. First, the upper stopper is removed from this side or several teeth of the fastener are bitten off. Then a new slider is put on. It is lowered down to the socket and the second side of the zipper is inserted into it to check the slider's movement.
If the fastener closes normally, then a metal stopper is placed at the top or this part is hemmed. Now the jacket is repaired without contacting a specialist.
How to put a zipper pull on a boot or shoe
When making shoes, manufacturers usually install metal or spiral zippers in women's models. They are non-separable and last a long time, but the runners often break down.
After selecting the slider of the required number by color and type of zipper, it is necessary to remove the limiters at the upper ends using pliers, nippers or a thin screwdriver. Next, you need to insert both parts of the zipper into the slider and, applying force, pull it to the very bottom. Now, when pulling the dog up, the zipper should close easily.
If at the initial stage the slider does not go down on the open zipper, you need to take the old lock and do this operation with it, having previously loosened it a little with a screwdriver. In the end, you need to remove the old slider from the closed zipper, put on a new one, put metal stoppers, and the boots will be repaired at home without the help of a master.
How to put a zipper pull on a bag
When replacing a runner on a bag, you need to select a suitable type in accordance with the type of zipper. On bags, as on shoes, non-separable zippers are installed, so it is advisable to first close it with the old runner, and then, having removed the limiters, replace it with a new one.
If the slider is completely broken, you need to unclasp the parts of the zipper and, inserting the ends of the zipper, pull it to the very beginning, and then clamp them again with pliers so that it can be closed. There is an option in which the slider is put on one part of the non-separable zipper and lowered to the lower limiter.
Then the second part of the slider is slightly released and the opposite side of the fastener is threaded through it. After the slider is clamped, it is pulled to the upper stoppers and fastens the zipper. At this stage, all that remains is to install the upper stoppers and the product is ready for use.
How to put a zipper pull on pants
In most cases, metal or spiral zippers with 3rd and 5th size links are used on jeans and trousers. To put a slider on a non-separating trouser zipper, you first need to remove the stoppers from the upper ends of the fastener.
If the zipper has not come apart and the slider is able to close it, then you need to pull it to the top so that the zipper remains closed. Now at the top of the zipper you can easily remove it and put a new one.
If the zipper has come apart, then both ends of it need to be inserted into the slider and pushed down with force to the very end so that the zipper can be closed on the return stroke.
When pulling the dog down, you can slightly loosen it for ease of movement, and when closing it back, press its sides again. After these actions, you need to put the upper limiters back, and the clasp will be repaired.
Lifehacks: How to extend the life of a zipper and quickly fix a slider
One of the reasons for the zipper to jam is the temperature difference in the house. To avoid this defect, it should be lubricated with candle wax. Another reason for the zipper to fail is the loss or breakage of its teeth. In this case, you can try replacing them with artificial ones.
In a plastic zipper, a thick fishing line is inserted into the place of the break, wound several times. Then, several knots are made at the end, which are burned with a lighter and crimped with pliers approximately according to the shape of the fastener teeth.
This method will not prolong the life of the zipper for long, but it will postpone a visit to the repair shop for some time.
The process of repairing the teeth of a metal zipper is done by inserting identical teeth from other fasteners in their place. To do this, you need to carefully loosen the required number of links on the old zipper using pliers and a small screwdriver, and then move them to the empty space of the new fastener, tightly but not too tightly, pressing them with pliers.
Of course, there are few people willing to spend their time repairing clothes in this way, but if the item is leather and expensive, then this option is quite acceptable.
It happens that over time the zipper teeth have slightly moved in different directions, and they begin to interfere with the passage of the slider. Then you need to open the lock and put it on a hard surface, then tap the links lightly with a hammer. This should return them to their working position. However, this option is only applicable to a metal fastener.
In a situation where the keychain on the runner has broken and it has become inconvenient to open and close the zipper, there are two options for getting out of this situation. In the first option, a small ring, reminiscent of a key ring in principle and shape, can come to the rescue. It is inserted into the upper part of the runner, and any keychain can be easily put on it.
In the second variant, a small cut is made in the keychain. Its sides are pressed apart and inserted into the upper part of the pawl, and then returned back.
If the zipper comes apart, but the teeth remain whole and undamaged, the reason for the breakage lies in the slider itself. To do this, take pliers and carefully press the slider on the closed fastener on both sides. Now you can put the slider on the zipper without fear, because this operation will help bring the teeth closer together and they will not come apart.
Video on replacing a zipper puller
How to replace a runner in 5 minutes: