Stuck Zipper - HELP!!

[JD5652]

Believe it or not... never had a zipper get stuck that I couldn't get unstuck....

I'm one notch away from breaking somehting..... Suggestions??... it won't budge....

 

[Hat52MY]

I have found Chapstick works wonders to keep the zippers gliding along. I would try and work in some Chapstick (with a toothbrush) to help loosen things up and work into the area.

Best of luck!

 

[Captain Ralph]

With small pliers, grab the flat part of the zipper main part, not the floppy finger tag. Don't apply to much enough pressure yo get a grip and just wiggle that main part clockwise, counter clock wise (as your looking at it) a few times. After a couple of wiggles, apply a little side pressure to un-zip as you continue to wiggle. Not much pressure with the pliers, not to much pressure in the un-zip

I found this will move the dust or salt and get it working again. Rinse it all with lots of water and a tooth brush to get the dust and salt out of the mechanism and zipper teeth.

I used to rub an old candle on the zippers, That is up to you.
I decided against anything long ago. IMO, Wax and oils just hold more dust and salt. Frequent use and fresh water rinses is my game plan.

 

[zigzag930]

Zipper stuck, LOL Makes me think of that movie "There's something about Mary".

I've had this happen a few times over time and found that you must use patience to get it to free up and not a lot of force. The zipper lubes generally are used to prevent these problems, but don't help get a stuck zipper free.

I'd try some CRC or other spray lubricant that you can aim inside the zipper to blow out any salt or corrosion that might be inhibiting the zipper. Some of the zippers have a locking system that prevents them from moving when the handle is down. If your other zippers are all the same manufacturer you can see if that's the case or not. If you have the locking type, you will need to pull up on the part that the handle attaches to with a need nose or other device so that you can jiggle it while working the zipper.

Usually they will come free with patience, lubricant and time. Best of luck

 

[madhatter1]

What Capt Ralph said. I always have linesman pliers with me and those give a great complete grip on the flat part. Only other thing I would add is spray it good with water first to clean anything out as well as add some lube. Then wiggle them with light side pressure.

 

[SEVEN]

Zipper lube at west marine.

 

[Bob Quinn]

I agree with zipper lube. But can you get it in were it needs to be?
I guess thats why people are suggesting spray lubricant... should get it to where it will help.
Maybe consider a spray silicone lubricant? Just shooting in the dark here.

Would heat help here? I don't know - maybe it would make something expand or loosen up?
i.e. hair dryer or heat gun. No experience with this, just throwing out ideas.

 

[SEVEN]

I just put the zipper lube on the tip of my finger and then run it as far down as it goes. It absorbs right into the crevices, I do both sides of the zipper and it works beautifully.

 

[JD5652]

Thanks everyone for the input... I do use Zipper lube on them... these are the two BIG SMILIES on my aft deck.... one of them works just fine... They haven't been opened in months... that's likely the real root cause... salt or something has gotten in there and binding up the mechanism... I'll keep you posted... gonna try Capt Ralphs procedure... I'll try the lineman pliers and then needle nose...

 

[JD5652]

With small pliers, grab the flat part of the zipper main part, not the floppy finger tag. Don't apply to much enough pressure yo get a grip and just wiggle that main part clockwise, counter clock wise (as your looking at it) a few times. After a couple of wiggles, apply a little side pressure to un-zip as you continue to wiggle. Not much pressure with the pliers, not to much pressure in the un-zip

I found this will move the dust or salt and get it working again. Rinse it all with lots of water and a tooth brush to get the dust and salt out of the mechanism and zipper teeth.

I used to rub an old candle on the zippers, That is up to you.
I decided against anything long ago. IMO, Wax and oils just hold more dust and salt. Frequent use and fresh water rinses is my game plan.

Winner!..Winner! ...chicken dinner!!

I did relube the zippers... I do understand the point about the possibility of them holding additional dust and salt... almost a be damned if you do.... be damned if you don't...

Anyway...thanks for the EXCELLENT advice!

I used Window cleaner as my "lubricant" to expel the dust and salt.... it has a little soap in it and I was thinking the alcohol in it would help "melt" any salt.... seemed to work....

The lineman's pliers were an excellent tool as well.... allowed me to grab the flat part of the zipper body well and apply rotational motion as well as "zipping/unzipping" motion at the same time...

Thanks to everyone again!

 

[zigzag930]

Now we need the moderators to move this the the "TIPS A TRICKS" section of the forum!

 

[Bob Quinn]

Glad you got it! sometime little wins are the best!