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Close-up of a zipper on a pair of jeans.

Repairing the zipper on trousers: how it works

Zippers have been around for over 128 years. What was originally intended as a new type of replacement for shoelaces (and thus the cumbersome process of tying them) has now become a matter of course for us and makes our lives much easier. It's just annoying when it gets stuck or seems to be completely broken - especially if it's your favorite pair of trousers. But don't worry: we'll tell you how you can easily repair your zipper on your trousers.

Repair the jammed zipper: On the pants

Is a zipper stuck on your pants? No need to throw your pants in the bin straight away! The problem often lies with the slider, also known as the zipper. This can lose its grip in the teeth of the zipper due to the constant back and forth, as they are often made of simple light metal and therefore bend quickly. You can follow these steps to repair your zipper:

1. Put a little graphite dust from a pencil or a little oil on the zipper to make it easier to open and close.

2. If the zipper is still stuck, take a small pair of pliers and try to open the zipper a little. This will loosen the grip between the fastener and the teeth.

3. If the zipper is too loose, carefully press the wings of the zipper together. Be very careful as the light metal bends easily.

4. If the handle is broken, replace it with a ribbon, string or paper clip. Alternatively, you can find replacement handles for zippers on the Internet or in specialist shops.

A simple but reliable way to repair your zipper on your trousers is to apply a little graphite dust from a pencil or a little oil to the zipper. Both serve as a lubricant and should have the desired effect as soon as you have moved the zipper up and down a few times.

If the zipper is still stuck and is difficult to move, use a small pair of pliers. To repair the zipper, grab the trousers and use the pliers to reach the zipper of the fastener. Try to open it slightly with the pliers to loosen the grip between the zipper and the teeth.

If the zipper is too loose, you can keep the pliers there to repair the zipper on your trousers. To connect the zipper and the teeth, use the pliers to press on the wings of the fastener. But be careful: the light metal is easy to bend. So try it out carefully.

If the handle is broken, you can quickly and easily repair the zipper on your trousers with a small piece of tape, string or a paper clip. However, there are also replacement handles for zippers on the market. These can also be replaced with a pair of pliers.

Repairing the zipper: When your pants won't zip up

Zippers generally have a stopper at the top and bottom of the fastener. However, it can still happen that the zipper overshoots the mark and comes loose from the teeth. But don't worry, this can also be repaired. All you need is a needle and thread.

Use the needle and thread to sew a slightly thicker area at the end of the fastener so that the zipper can no longer slide over the area. And now you've repaired your zipper and your trousers will close again!

Repair a broken zipper: When your pants won't zip up

If the above tips don't help, the only way to repair your pants is to replace the zipper. To save your favourite trousers, for example, you can get a new zipper in a matching color. To repair your jeans or trousers and zipper, proceed as follows:

1. Open the pants and turn them inside out. You will immediately see the seam of the zipper. Take a pair of nail scissors and slowly separate the zipper from the trousers.

2. Now grab the new zipper and sew it in the same place. Use a thread in a matching color.

The zipper on your trousers is broken: take proper care of them beforehand

You shouldn't simply dispose of your clothes if you have small problems like this. Instead, try to repair your clothes! To prevent your zipper from breaking in the first place and you having to repair your trousers, you should always follow the manufacturer's washing instructions.

If you wash your jeans or other trousers too hot, the zipper and zipper puller can easily warp. You can easily protect the zipper of your trousers during the wash cycle by closing it each time beforehand. To properly care for the fibers of your jeans, the right detergent is crucial. For black jeans, for example, Perwoll Renew Black not only protects the color of your pants, but also provides long-lasting care for the fibers.

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