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Coil Zipper Issue Diagnosis

Introduction

This guide outlines common coil zipper issues and whether they can be repaired with a zipper slider replacement or require a full zipper line replacement.

Correct issue diagnosis is the second step in the Patagonia zipper repair process. Patagonia replacement parts can be obtained by calling or messaging Patagonia Customer Service.

The 3 Stages of Patagonia Zipper Repair

  1. Identify the zipper type
  2. Diagnose the issue
  3. Repair the zipper

  1. Coil Zipper Issue Diagnosis, Zipper parts and terms: step 1, image 1 of 2 Coil Zipper Issue Diagnosis, Zipper parts and terms: step 1, image 2 of 2

    • Slider

    • Pull

    • Top Stops

    • Box and Pin

    • Teeth / Coil

    • Tape

    Edit

  2. Coil Zipper Issue Diagnosis, ISSUE: Splitting at the bottom: step 2, image 1 of 1

    • A common issue is the zipper tape splitting from the bottom after the slider has been pulled up. This could be because the pin wasn't inserted all the way into the box and the sides of the tape are misaligned.

    • Carefully unzip the zipper and then check for debris in the zipper box.

    • Reinsert the pin into the zipper box, ensuring that it is in as far as possible, and re-zip the zipper.

    • If this method doesn't work or the slider is missing entirely, it's likely that a Coil Zipper Slider Replacement will fix the issue.

    • First, check that Steps 3 - 6 do not apply to the zipper and then proceed with the slider replacement.

    Edit

  4. Coil Zipper Issue Diagnosis, ISSUE: Missing zipper box or pin: step 3, image 1 of 2 Coil Zipper Issue Diagnosis, ISSUE: Missing zipper box or pin: step 3, image 2 of 2

    • The zipper in the first photo is missing the zipper box at the bottom where the pin is inserted. The zipper in the second photo is missing the zipper pin. The only way to permanently fix these issues is to replace the entire zipper line.

    • Check out Advanced No-Sew Zipper Repair Techniques for a temporary quick fix.

    Edit

  5. Coil Zipper Issue Diagnosis, ISSUE: Torn tape at the pin: step 4, image 1 of 1

    • In this photo the plastic coated section of tape next to the zipper pin is torn. This is common because repeated insertion into the box causes wear. The only way to permanently fix this issue is to replace the entire zipper line.

    • Check out Advanced No-Sew Zipper Repair Techniques for a temporary quick fix.

    Edit

  6. Coil Zipper Issue Diagnosis, ISSUE: Damaged zipper coil: step 5, image 1 of 1

    • The zipper in this photo has a damaged coil. The only way to permanently fix this issue is to replace the entire zipper line.

    • Check out Advanced No-Sew Zipper Repair Techniques for a temporary quick fix.

    Edit

  7. Coil Zipper Issue Diagnosis, ISSUE: Torn zipper tape: step 6, image 1 of 1

    • The zipper in this photo has a torn zipper tape alongside the coil. The only way to permanently fix this issue is to replace the entire zipper line.

    • Check out Advanced No-Sew Zipper Repair Techniques for a temporary quick fix.

    Edit
Finish Line

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Brittany McCrigler

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11 Comments

I would like to know how to repair a zipper when some of the coils have become unsewn from the zipper tape; i.e., the thread/stitches have worn away from use. Do I just sew over and under the coils? The original stitches were like crochet, with the thread pulled through loops, and they went over the top of the coil as well the bottom. I don't have a crochet hook that small and am wondering what is the best way to proceed. The stitches must not get in the way of the "zipping" action. Any ideas?

Thanks!

Pam Sebastian - Reply

Hi Pam, I know you posted this in 2016, but this might help other as well. There is a chain stitch that YKK uses in manufacturing that holds the coil in place and helps keep each coil aligned. Likely at this point, you need a new zipper replacement. Because the chain stitch broke it will continue to unravel and cause problems with normal operation. Any Patagonia customer with this issue could send in their jacket for zipper replacement.

https://www.patagonia.com/start-repair/

Marty Chapman -

With a hand lens I can see the the plastic coils, which are otherwise in good condition, have worn flats at their edges where the taper on the slider pushes the coils together. Is there similar or worse wear on the metal slider? Seems unlikely. Do replacement sliders have a slightly narrower taper to allow for the worn plastic? If the replacement metal slider is the same size as the original I can't see why it would solve the problem of poor meshing of the coils when under slight load.

Dave Empson - Reply

The most likely reason that your zipper opens up is that the slider is loose and unable to mesh or engage the coil element properly. You may be able to squeeze the slider at the top and bottom together with a pair of pliers to tighten it back up. Be mindful that you can over tighten or squeeze the slider and prevent it from moving. Do this incrementally, adding slight pressure and test the function to measure your progress.

Your other question: New sliders are just that, new and have not loosened up over time with use.

Another possibility or problem is that a section of the coil is out of alignment and can't mesh together. You might be able to simply bend the specific coil back into alignment like the other coils above and below are positioned. If neither of these solutions

If any of these three solutions don't work you can send it to Patagonia for Repair.

Marty Chapman -

Hi I have a branc new zipper the slide has been separated from one side of the coil how can I push coil back in the slide?

debsewblessed - Reply

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