How to fix broken zipper tab

When a zipper pull breaks, or the slider simply wears out, you don’t need to replace the entire zipper. Just replace the zipper slider and the stop that keeps it from sliding off. This is a quick repair that can make the difference between a zipper that doesn’t work at all and one that works like it’s brand new. Determine the size of your replacement slider by looking on the bottom of your existing slider.

For replacement parts or further assistance, contact Patagonia Customer Service.

Step 1 Plastic Zipper Slider







• Locate the top of the zipper on the side with the slider.

• Use end nippers to cut the stop off of the zipper.

• Be careful to only cut the plastic, not the fabric.



• Use tweezers to remove any remaining pieces of the stop from the garment.

• Slide the slider off of the garment.

• Insert the new slider onto the zipper.

• You may need to tug a little to get the slider over the webbing from the old stop.

• Make sure the zipper slider is oriented right-side up when you slide it back onto the zipper.

• Grab a replacement stop.

• Position the new stop over the webbing in the same place where the old stop was located.

• Use pliers to crimp the stop into place.

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