How to Fix a Tent Zipper

 

 

Here are simple steps to fix them:

This article presents the most common zipper problems you might encounter with your tent, how you can deal with them, and also how to avoid these issues completely.

Common Zipper Problems and their Solutions

There are many causes for tent zipper problems. 

Some of the most common ones you might encounter include a broken slider, damaged zipper track, and stuck zipper. Fortunately, there are easy steps you can take to fix these issues.

But before you begin, you should first get yourself a zipper repair kit. 

Most repair kits that are readily available come with a needle, thread, new zippers and zipper parts, multiple sliders with varying sizes, and a seam ripper. These kits don’t usually come with pliers, which are very useful to have when fixing a tent zipper, so you might want to bring your own in that case.

Broken Slider

A broken slider makes it inconvenient or even impossible to open and close your tent zipper. In that case, the easiest solution is to replace the slider. To do this, follow these steps:

Remove the end seam of the zipper.

First off, move the broken slider to the bottom of the zipper. Then, using your pair of pliers, gently remove the end seam. If the end of the zipper has a sewn-in stopper, use your pliers to pull on it gently until it gets removed.

Remove the broken slider.

After you’ve pulled out the seam or stop, you can now also pull the slider off the zipper track. If you’re having difficulty removing the slider, you can use your pliers to gently pull on it so as not to damage the fabric or zip track. Then set the old slider aside.

Replace the new slider onto the zipper track.

Using your old slider as a reference, look for a similarly-sized one from your zipper repair kit to use as your new zipper. After finding one, you can then slide it onto the zipper track until it reaches the end. 

Make sure that you insert the slider with the nose or pointed part first so that the zipper will actually work (opens and closes). Also, the zipper pull should be facing inwards of the tent.

Check if the zipper functions properly.

Pull the slider up a couple of inches to check if the zipper closes or not. If the zip doesn’t close properly, try removing the slider and reinserting it. If that still doesn’t work, try testing different sliders from your repair kit until you find one that works.

Resew the track seam.

Finally, add a stopper to the end of the track. Then, using a needle and thread from your zipper repair kit, carefully restitch the seam. Be careful not to let any thread get into the middle of the zip track or the slider.

If you forget to bring your repair kit, there might still be a way for you to fix your slider. All you need would be some strong string or even a zip tie if you brought some with you on your camping trip. 

Pass your string or zip tie through the tab or zip holder of the slider. Then tie your string around it or fasten your tie. Afterward, cut the cords to an appropriate length, so they don’t get in the way of the zip track. You should now be able to pull your slider more easily.

Damaged Zipper Track

If your zipper track has missing or damaged teeth, it will probably be unusable and has to be replaced. Changing a zip track is very straightforward but might be the most taxing type of zipper problem to fix. The following steps show you how to replace your zip track:

Remove the damaged track with a seam ripper.

Using a seam ripper, carefully cut the stitches attaching the zip track to the fabric. Remove the zipper and set it aside.

Stitch on a new zipper track.

Get a new zipper that has the same length as the track you removed. Then using your thread and needle, stitch the track onto your tent.

If you find replacing a zip track too much of a hassle or too difficult for you, you can get a professional to fix it for you instead.

Stuck Zipper

Probably the most common tent zipper problem you might encounter when camping is a stuck zip. Your zipper might be stuck on either the tent fabric itself or some string or thread. There are a couple of ways you can use to get your zipper unstuck.

You can try gently pulling the zipper towards the direction where it has covered less fabric. At the same time, gently pull the stuck fabric in the opposite direction. You can apply a lubricant, such as a wet bar or liquid soap to make it easier to remove the stuck cloth.

If the zipper still doesn’t come free, then you might have to cut off the stuck fabric. You can resew the damaged portion later.

 

Some Tips on Proper Zipper Care

Don’t force your zipper.

If you find that your zipper is stuck, don’t try to pull on it forcefully to free it. You might cause damage to the fabric or even the zipper itself. Instead, tug on the zipper gently while pulling the stuck cloth in the opposite direction. You can use soap to lubricate the fabric to make it easier to free it.

Also, in general, you don’t have to pull your slider very hard to close your tent quickly. You might cause other zipper problems, such as a broken zipper or even a damaged track. It is better to close your zipper slowly so you can avoid these issues.

Clean your zippers regularly.

Pieces of thread, mud, sand and other debris can get stuck on your zipper while you’re out camping can cause zipper problems. That is why you should always make sure that your zippers are regularly cleaned. Using a cloth, wash your zippers with soap and water. You can use a toothbrush to get to stuck dirt and smaller debris.

Regularly lubricate your zipper.

Maintain your zippers by regularly lubricating them. You can use dry grease and apply it to the zipper track and stoppers. You can also use a graphite pencil and rub its tip along the zipper teeth.

FAQs

How do you fix a zipper without replacing it?

It is possible to fix a zipper that has a damaged or broken zipper pull but with an intact zip holder. You can use a strong string or zip tie and pass it through the holder. Then tie or fasten the cord, and you have a new zipper pull.

How do you fix a tent zipper that separates?

There are two common reasons why a tent zipper separates. Either there are bent zipper teeth, or the slider has a loose opening.

For bent plastic teeth, you can use a credit card or your fingers to straighten them. If the teeth are made of metal, use pliers instead.

If the slider has a loose opening, use a pair of pliers to squeeze gently on it to get a smaller opening. Make sure not to squeeze too tight, so you won’t have difficulty pulling on the zipper.

Conclusion

There are several ways you can use to fix tent zippers, and some of these methods don’t even require a repair kit. You can also contact a professional to help you when the issue is too challenging to handle on your own. To help you avoid zipper problems, regularly practice proper zipper care. In this way, you can enjoy any camping trip outdoors without worry.