So you don’t need to replace a whole zipper, just the slider? Replacing a zipper slider is usually a much easier repair than a full zipper replacement. However, there are still several questions to answer to determine the correct part to use. This guide will help you determine the right slider to order from our zipper pulls and sliders offerings.

Determine type of material your zipper teeth have. Common types include:

Determine the gauge of your zipper. A gauge is a number which describes the thickness of the zipper teeth.

The number of the gauge corresponds to the width of the zipper teeth, in millimeters, when the zipper is zipped. You can also double the width of one tooth if the zipper will no longer zip (this is an approximation that might overstate the gauge slightly depending how much the zipper teeth overlap in the center when zipped). The larger the number, the more heavy duty the zipper. The most common gauges include #5 (5mm) for a medium weight jacket zipper and #10 (10mm) for heavy duty jacket zippers.

Autolock sliders disengage when you pull directly down on them. If you pull them from the side, they will not move. Autolock sliders are typically found on jackets and pants, and other garments. Nonlock sliders can be moved from any direction. They are commonly found on bags and tents.