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Since backpacks are used so often, they can easily get damaged. There are a number of problems that a backpack can face, but the most common issue is related to the zipper. Whether it has been coming undone for a while or come off on one side, you may want to know how to fix a zipper on a backpack.
There could be different ways of fixing zippers on your backpack, depending on the issue you’re facing. It may include everything from bent teeth and lubrication problems to broken pull and broken slider issues. Let’s take a look at the solutions for the most common zipper problems.
How to Fix a Zipper on a Backpack
What Will You Need?
The zipper on my backpack broke! What do I do? First, make sure you have some of the tools below, depending on the type of problem that should be addressed.
Needle-nose pliers
Utility scissors
Sewing needle and thread
Lubricants
Graphite pencil
Masking tape
Fork
A new zipper pull if needed
Method 1: How to Fix a Zipper on a Backpack That Is Broken on One Side
Backpack zippers are prone to coming off on one side every once in a while. Here’s how to fix this problem in a few simple steps.
Step 1: Check the Zipper Tracks
Before moving to the next step, inspect your backpack zipper and tracks to avoid repeating the same thing over again. Thus, you may discover issues that are often confused for the zippers that come off on one side.
For instance, you might detect bent or missing teeth. The latter issue involves placing a stop at the place where the track teeth run. Likewise, the widened edges of the slider could fool you into thinking that your zipper is detached on one side.
Step 2: Widen the Slider with Needle-Nose Pliers
Take your pliers and open the zipper sliders. Then expose the end (where the zipper is detached) of the tracks by unstitching the closings.
Be extremely careful because the sliders are prone to breakage. In addition to breaking the slider, you may also end up with paint chips on your zipper. So don’t apply too much force at this stage.
Step 3: Slip the Tracks into the Slider
Attach the tracks again by slipping them into the slider. You can do it with either your fingers or a fork – a little easier method.
Either way, it’s advisable to begin from your backpack’s closed side. If you choose to perform it with a fork, you need to set the slider so that it gets to the central thongs.
Make sure the remaining thongs are close to the end and directed toward the inside. Then reattach the tracks by pulling the fork up. You should ensure that both sides of the tracks are attached and aligned properly.
Step 4: Make the Sliders Tight
Lastly, you will need to tighten the sliders by pinching them together. Don’t do it too vigorously because your zipper may come off the track again, meaning you’d have to repeat everything from the 1st step.
Tips on How to Fix a Zipper on a Backpack When It Comes Off on One Side
Tip 1: Avoid Using Your Teeth
Many people use their teeth to tighten or unzip the zippers that have come off on one side. Not only will this damage the sliders, but it will also make the zipper impossible to repair sometimes.
Tip 2: Add Some Lubricants to the Teeth of Your Zipper
Sometimes all you need to do is lubricate the zipper teeth could to make it work again. This can make it easy to get the fabric out of a zipper.
Be careful when choosing lubricate. Don’t use something that can stain the zipper and/or your backpack. You may use lubricants like petroleum jelly, crayon wax, laundry soap, and Vaseline.
Tip 3: Thread the Backpack Zipper from the Bottom Using Adhesive or Masking Tape
You will have to align the tracks to thread the zipper that has come off the track. Masking tape (adhesive tape) can make things a whole lot easier. Before the slider gets to the zipper teeth, it makes the space smoother.
Cut small pieces of your tape (make sure they are equal) and wrap them around the tracks’ edges. It is important to leave enough space that will hang from tape and track as well.
Method 2: How to Re-Align the Backpack Zippers
Step 1: Take Off the Slider
Push the slider toward the side where there’s no stopper. Once the slider reaches the end, simply pull it off.
Step 2: Remove a Few Teeth
Leave enough space for sewing by removing 4-6 teeth on both sides. Grab the selected teeth with pliers and pull them off one by one. If the zipper fabric gets ripped, you’ll stitch it up later.
Step 3: Sew the Ends of Your Backpack Zipper
Make sure the color of a thread fits in well with your backpack. If so, thread a needle so that it hangs at or close to the center and tie a knot in the thread.
Then put the slider on the zipper and start feeding in one side. Handle only one side at a time. Also, consider pulling it up periodically little by little to check if the zipper works the right way.
If it zips up your backpack in a proper manner, you will need to sew the zipper and its fabric together. It’s quite simple.
Once you’ve tied a knot and trimmed the excess thread, insert the zipper in the backpack flap and stitch the fabric in place.
Method 3: How to Address the Problem with a Broken Zipper Tab
If you’re having trouble with a broken tab, this quick and easy how-to guide should help you out.
Step 1: Grasp the broken zipper tab at the bottom and pull it away from the backpack.
Step 2: Use a seam ripper to remove the zipper that is broken off the tab.
Step 3: Cut a new piece of the zipper that is a bit longer than the old one.
Step 4: Sew the new piece back onto the fabric using a sewing kit or a needle and thread.
Test the zipper, and if it works, you’re good to go! If not, you might need to adjust the length of the zipper or sew it on more firmly to secure it in place.
Method 4: Fixing a Stuck Zipper
When it comes to stuck zippers, they just can’t budge even if you pull them too hard. Luckily, these can be repaired with some household items.
Tip 1: Rub a Lubricant on Your Zipper
Apply laundry soap around the spot where it’s stuck to remove the trapped dirt that causes this problem. Then try to loosen the zipper up by wiggling it gently. If this didn’t do the trick, you should wash your backpack completely to fix the stuck zipper.
Tip 2: Repair It with a Graphite Pencil
The previous method doesn’t always work. If it didn’t help, you’re likely to fix this problem with a pencil. You can get it done by rubbing its tip around the problem area as well as up and down your zipper.
FAQs About How to Fix a Zipper on a Backpack
How to Put My Backpack Zipper Back on Track?
By cutting a slit between the tape and teeth of your zipper, you can put it back on track in a couple of minutes. Make sure the slit is open and deep to put the slider without any difficulty.
How to Fix a Broken Zipper Slider?
If your zipper slider is completely damaged, then it’s best to replace it. Once you’ve removed the old slider, you’ll need to slide a new one into place, and you’re done!
Takeaway
The zippers on backpacks can seem like a minor detail when we’re in a rush to get ready for school or work. So, set aside a few minutes of your time to learn how to fix a zipper on a backpack. Whether your zipper cords break or you accidentally break off its pulls, taking the time to fix it is definitely worth it!
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