• Home
  • About
  • Campsites
  • Knowledge Base
  • Blog
  • Ask a Question
  • Home
  • About
  • Campsites
  • Knowledge Base
  • Blog
  • Ask a Question
home/Knowledge Base/Boondocking Tips/How to Fix a Broken Zipper
Popular Search:Solar Panels, Battery Banks, Joshua Tree

How to Fix a Broken Zipper

622 views 0 September 11, 2021 Updated on June 16, 2022

That $400.00 sleeping bag you bought at REI becomes useless once its Chinese-made zipper breaks. How do you fix a broken zipper? In many cases, you replace the zipper slider. It’s almost always poorly-designed zipper sliders that cause 90% of the problems.

how to fix a broken zipper
Fixing a tent zipper that separated in the middle

How to Fix a Broken Zipper

Most problems with zippers are due to cheaply-made zipper sliders. Often times it’s because the zipper slider is too loose, causing the zipper teeth to not fully connect together, or connect out of alignment. Other times it’s because the head is made of cheap plastic, and tugging on it too hard causes it to flex and warp, resulting in improper teeth alignment.

Other reasons is because fabric gets stuck in the zipper slider. This won’t happen with properly designed zipper sliders.

The Best Way to Fix a Broken Zipper is to Replace the Slider

A company called “FixnZip” makes a universal zipper slider that can fit on to most zippers, and will work better than the stock head. It will work on your sleeping bag, tent, jacket, bug screen, and a wide variety of other camping and boondocking gear.

  • Visit FixnZip Online

It comes with a tightener so that you can adjust the slider tightness to ensure proper alignment and closure of zipper teeth. It comes in three different sizes to accommodate just about any zipper you have.

FixnZip works with both metal and plastic zippers.

Using a FixnZip to repair a broken tent zipper

If You Have a Metal Zipper Slider

If the zipper slider you have is made of metal, you can try squeezing it with a pair of pliers. Needlenose pliers will work even better. Make sure you have these in your boondocking tools. The goal is to make the slider more tight against the teeth so that it remains firmly on track and forces the zipper teeth to close in alignment.

If the zipper slider is made of plastic, you cannot squeeze it. You’ll have to replace it with a new slider.

Bent Zipper Teeth

You may have to carefully inspect the zipper teeth, particularly where the zipper slider is getting stuck. Use a pair of needlenose pliers to bend the tooth back straight.

Tags:ZippersRepairs

Was this helpful?

Yes  No
Related Articles
  • Does Roadside Assistance Cover Boondocking?
  • Is Boondocking in a Fifth Wheel Feasible?
  • 20 Tips for Staying Cool While Camping in Summer
  • A Better Alternative to Citronella Oil
  • 30 Tips to Make Your RV’s Water Tank Last for a Month
  • 10 Tips for Boondocking at High Altitude

Didn't find your answer? Contact Us

Leave A Comment Cancel reply

Boondocking Tips
  • How to Fix a Broken Zipper
  • How to Keep Bugs From Getting Into Your RV
  • How Can I Stay Cool When Boondocking?
  • How to Find an RV Dump Station with Potable Water
  • How Do I Know if RV Dump Station Water is Potable?
  • How Can I Make Water Safer To Drink?
View All 31  
Popular Articles
  • Is it Illegal to Live in a Tent in Your Backyard?
  • What Do the Different Colors Mean on Google Maps?
  • How Many Solar Panels Do I Need for Boondocking?
  • Can I Run My RV Air Conditioner on Battery Power?
  • Camping on Arizona State Trust Lands
KB Categories
  • Boondocking Water and Sewage
  • Kansas
  • Overnight Parking
  • California
  • Getting Started With Boondocking
  • Boondocking Electrical
  • Arkansas
  • Costs
  • Boondocking Tips
  • Montana
  • How to Find Boondocking Sites
  • Army Corps of Engineers
  • Colorado
  • Outfitting Your RV
  • Idaho Department of Transportation
  • Idaho
  • Boondocking Safety
  • Oregon
  • Boondocking Myths
  • Where to Find Boondocking
  • New Mexico
  • Boondocking in National Forests
  • Utah
  • Boondocking in National Parks
  • New York
  • Tennessee
  • Boondocking Etiquette
  • Washington
  • Connecticut
  • Boondocking Rules
  • Alabama
  • Delaware
  • Boondocking on BLM Land
  • Alaska
  • Florida
  • Boondocking on National Wildlife Refuges
  • Arizona
  • Georgia
  • Boondocking on Bureau of Reclamation Lands
  • Michigan
  • Boondocking and Off-Road Vehicles
  • Massachusetts

boondocking trailers

  Reasons Why Your RV Black Tank Fills Up Too Fast

How Do I Keep My Camper Warm in the Winter?  

boondockers bible logo

We answer your questions about Boondocking, Free Camping, and Overnight Parking using facts and actual experiences. Dispell the myths of boondocking and arm yourself with the laws and truths. Elevate your RVing and car-camping and become a boondocker!

Useful Help Links
  • Weekly Boondocking Series
  • About Us
  • Ask a Question
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • © 2019-2022 Too Much Tina. All Rights Reserved.

Popular Search:Solar Panels, Battery Banks, Joshua Tree