Zippers: Helpful Tips & Maintenance

Unsmooth opening and closing of a slider

The element's gears can be damaged by forcing a slider that does not open or close smoothly. Apply paraffin or the lubricating spray "ZIPPYCOOL®" to the front and back side of the elements and move the slider up and down several times to work in the lubricant and make the slider work smoothly.

Loss of elements

Trying to forcibly close the zipper of an overfilled bag will cause an excess load on the elements. This stress may cause the elements to slip out from the tape. This is a fatal problem with a zipper. The zipper should be closed only after bringing the two element's sides near each other so that the slider can move more easily.

Slider caught in cloth

The slider may catch on thread or cloth when opened or closed. Attempting to free the slider by force will only worsen the problem. Pull the slider back, removing the trapped thread or cloth. When the slider bites deeply into the cloth, do not force it back but work it back gently. When sewing zippers on garments, take care to avoid the possibility of the zipper getting caught.

Putting on or removing clothing

Clothing should be put on or taken off only after completely opening a zipper. When closing the zipper, the slider will move smoothly if the hook or the top button is fastened beforehand. If the slider is left midway, excessive stress is placed on the elements, bottom stop or the slider itself, and this may cause damage.The same attention given to boots, gloves and accessories which have a zipper will keep problems to a minimum.

CONCEAL® 160 EFLON 150 VISLON® 130 L-type 160

Table of iron heat resistance of zippers by material (pressure 1.5kg, applied for 10 seconds) *Elements or sliders may be altered by direct ironing.

Proper ironing with appropriate heat depending on the material

Using proper heat for the material being ironed is not limited to clothing but is also applicable to zippers. Zippers can be kept durable and beautiful by considering the material of which they are made and ironing with the proper heat. A zipper should always be closed, before ironing, the slider fixed in the proper position and the zipper coverd with a piece of cloth regardless of what material it is. The pull-tab of the slider should never be ironed when erect or on the reverse side.

Suitable method of cleaning

A Zipper should be closed and the slider fixed before cleaning. Left open, the tip of the slider may damage the fabric or the tape may become stretched or may shrink.Strong alkaline detergents or chlorine bleaching agents used to remove oil or stains dissolve paraffin or oily film and must be used with care.If a zipper does not work smoothly after cleaning, apply paraffin or the lubricating spray "ZIPPYCOOL®", and work the slider up and down several times until it works smoothly.