4 Times a Jacket Zipper Definitely Needs to be Replaced (and when that might not be necessary)

Having problems with the zipper on a jacket?

Jacket zippers see a lot of wear and tear over time and might start to cause problems at some point.

Sometimes, a full zipper replacement is warranted. Other times, a small repair can be made.

We’ll discuss the most common issues with jacket zippers and discuss when an entire zipper needs to be replaced. We'll also cover situations that may call for the simple replacement of a small part. 

Missing or broken teeth

Full zipper replacement needed? Yes, always.

If there are missing or broken teeth along a zipper, a full zipper replacement is required. Zipper teeth cannot be individually replaced or repaired.

Damaged teeth

Full zipper replacement needed? Almost always, with some exceptions.

Damaged teeth aren’t completely broken but will impact the functionality of the zipper. Simply put, the slider will not be able to go up and down the zipper track properly.

Whether or not you need a full zipper replacement depends on the location of the damaged teeth and the extent of the damage.

If a tooth is damaged at the top of near the top of the zipper, you can “fix” the zipper by removing the damaged tooth and the teeth above it (if any) on both sides. Of course, this will shorten the length of the zipper, so it’s only a feasible option if the damaged tooth is near the top of the zipper.

The other thing to consider is the extent of the damage. If you just have one tooth, for example, that is slightly bent, you may be able to straighten it gently by using pliers.

Missing, broken or damaged insertion pin or retainer box

Full zipper replacement needed? Yes, always.

Jacket zippers can fully separate at the bottom, which means they come apart completely in two pieces. They’re also known as “open-end zippers” or “separating zippers”.

There are two components found at the bottom of jacket zippers – a pin and a box. The pin is more formally known as the “insertion pin”, and it’s located on one side at the bottom of a separating zipper.

The insertion pin is the piece that you slide into the box to start the zipper.

If the insertion pin is missing, damaged or broken, the entire zipper will need to be replaced. Insertion pins are attached under high heat and high pressure during the manufacturing process, which is also when a heat seal patch at the bottom is applied for reinforcement. Insertion pins cannot be replaced or attached by hand.

Missing, broken or damaged retainer box

Full zipper replacement needed? Yes, always.

On the opposite side of the insertion pin of a separating zipper, you’ll find the box, which is more formally known as a retainer box, starter box, or receiver box.

Along with the insertion pin, the retainer box is attached during the manufacturing process under high heat and high pressure with a reinforcement seal applied. A retainer box cannot be replaced or attached by hand.

Be wary of anyone who tells you that an insertion pin or retainer box can be replaced by using super glue or something similar. Sure, you may be able to physically glue on a component, but it is never going to be able to replicate the force of manufacturing equipment, and the part will fall off again.

There is a reason that reputable manufacturers do not sell these parts directly to retailers or consumers.

Slider is damaged or has fallen off

Full zipper replacement needed? Only if the zipper itself is damaged.

Here’s the good news – a zipper slider (also known as a zipper pull) is the piece that moves up and down the zipper track, and it can easily be replaced! Most zipper sliders are made of metal and do wear or corrode over time. That doesn’t necessarily mean that your entire zipper needs to be replaced. As long as the actual zipper chain itself is not damaged and is intact, you can find a replacement in no time. You will need to ensure, however, that you purchase the correct zipper slider. Follow our Guide to Finding a Zipper Slider Replacement for step-by-step instructions.

Top stops are damaged or have come off

Full zipper replacement needed? Only if the zipper itself is damaged.

Zipper top stops are the parts at the top of your jacket zipper that keep the zipper slider from coming off the zipper track when your zipper is zipped up.

These pieces are typically made of metal (sometimes plastic) and can easily be replaced.

If they’ve fallen off, all you’ll need to do is find a replacement pair of top stops. These can easily be crimped onto the zipper tape using needle nose pliers.

If the top stops are damaged and are causing the zipper to get stuck, you can (carefully) yank the stops off the zipper using pliers or nippers and crimp on replacements in no time.