How to Fix A Broken Zipper Pull

There are two things about zippers: they are so handy - but when they break, they can feel like a total mystery to fix.

The good news? It's usually a simple repair once you know how. This post shows you

1. how to fix a broken zipper pull, and
2. how to replace the entire zipper slider with the pull.

TIP: Do you need to replace the entire zipper slider, not just the pull?→ See how to replace slider on a zipper.

Table Of Contents

• How To Fix A Broken Zipper Pull
• Tip - removing the broken zipper tab pull
• Alternatives To the above
• How to Put a Zipper Slider Back On (When It Comes Off)
• More Zipper Projects
• WANT MORE FREE TUTORIALS AND PATTERNS?

How To Fix A Broken Zipper Pull

See how to fix a broken zipper pull using this easy zipper hack, and see what to you do when a zipper pull breaks. The solution is so simple! And it works even on the zipper sliders that do not have an open loop. Take a look!

It's a pain to move a zipper slider that does not have a pull tab. When the zipper pull tab is broken, you'll need to replace it somehow.

But here's the good news: when only the zipper puller comes off, you don't necessarily need to replace the entire zipper. Here's an easy hack to fix a broken zipper pull on your favorite jacket.

The solution is extremely simple and involves a single piece of ribbon. To fix your zipper, you'll only need 10 cm of a 5-millimeter wide satin ribbon. You know, the it's-soo-beautiful kind of gift wrapping satin-like ribbon? Yes, that one. I'm sure you already have it at hand and won't need to run to the craft store to get it.

HOW-TO:

Save the money and the jacket, following these few easy steps:

1. Choose a matching color of the ribbon and cut a 10 centimeter length of it.
2. Pull it through the zipper slider so it's exactly half way through.
3. Sew the two ends together as seen in the photo, two or three times. Use a very dense zigzag stitch.

Make the seams thick and bulky on purpose, as this will ensure that it stays nicely between the finger and the thumb when zipping and unzipping the jacket.

This is an easy way to fix a zipper pull without replacing the zipper. 

Tip - removing the broken zipper tab pull

Sometimes the zipper pull tab will be broken in half, and the bottom part has remained clogged in the zipper slider loop. You'll need to remove that first, to free up the space within the zipper slider loop - use a stick, a screwdriver, or even the tip of your keys to push the broken bit out from the loop. If you have them at hand, use a pair of needle-nose pliers.

Alternatives To the above

When you are pressed for time, some other temporary solutions might come in handy:

Use a paper clip to close the zipper

I used to attach a paper clip as a quick way out when my zipper pull broke, but attaching a paper clip or a safety pin does not work as a long-term solution, as it is neither pretty nor safe. Especially not with kids clothing. But sometimes, say, when you're in your office and have no other items ready, the paper clip zipper pull can be a quick temporary solution to fixing a zipper pull. At least until you get home.

Simply feed a paper clip into the loop on the slider. You might need to slightly pull on one paper clip end to be able to feed the clip on the zipper slider loop.

Use a safety pin as a zipper pull - a temporary solution!

Or use a safety pin to close the broken zipper, feeding the pin through the zipper slider loop, then closing it.

Another temporary option would be to simply pin either side of the zip closed, to hold the whole thing in place.

And if you don't have any of these, then a keyring or a thin rubber band will do the job. I hope these tips and tricks for fixing a broken zipper pull have been of helpful.

And yes, I too used a paper clip on this broken zipper for ages, before figuring out this easy hack. 🙂

How to Put a Zipper Slider Back On (When It Comes Off)

Ever had your entire zipper slider, WITH the pull, come off?

So many people have been asking me about this, so I figured it's useful if I add this to the website. In short, no panic if your zipper slider comes off - it happens to the best of us! Luckily, it's usually easy to fix. Here's how to replace a zipper slider with a new one if the old one comes off, or gets damaged:

If you are looking for zipper sewing tips, these tips are a must-see:

Love fixing things around the home? See how to repair a patio chair and how to fix a shade sail.

More Zipper Projects

I kinda like zippers and zipper projects, have you noticed? I've got even more for you: tons of free zipper pouch tutorials at AppleGreen Cottage you might love to see.

• this zipper bag (free pattern in 3 sizes) can EXPAND when in use!
• Centered zipper pouch
• makeup bag (free template) with a wide-open zipper
• QUICKEST Diy Pencil Case 
• A 10-Minute DIY Toiletry Bag (upcycle!)
• simple curved-bottom zipper pouch (free template)
• BOXED! zipper pouch pattern (advanced, but beautiful)
• this free backpack pattern even has a zipper cover!

There are even more zipper bag patterns in my pattern shop.