Backpacks go through a lot of wear and tear. It’s not unusual for zippers to be damaged over time. But don’t despair, often a broken backpack zipper is an easy repair. We’ll walk you through steps to repair:
- Stuck zippers
- Bent zipper teeth
- Broken zip pull or slider
- Replacing the entire backpack zipper
But why do zippers break? Sometimes, it’s just a matter of the zipper degrading over time. Other times, it can be rough handling. And, of course, it can indicate lower quality manufacturing.
But one of the main reasons zippers break is because a backpack is being overloaded. So, to avoid this in the future, make sure you’re not overpacking your backpack.
But for now, let’s deal with the matter at hand and fix that broken backpack zipper!
How to Fix a Backpack Zipper: Stuck Zippers
If your zipper is regularly stiff or sticking, it might be that the zipper teeth have become misaligned (in which case, move on to the next section).
However, it’s more often the case that your zipper is getting stuck because it’s gummed up with dirt and grime. Or, it could be that your zipper needs a little lubrication.
Here’s how to fix it:
1. Clean Your Backpack’s Zipper
You can read a more detailed article about how to wash your backpack here. But if your backpack is caked in dirt and grime, it will be no surprise that your zipper is struggling.
Good news: You may not have to wash your backpack to clean off this dirt. First, take a dry nail brush or toothbrush and gently brush away the dirt and dust. Be careful not to scrub so hard that you damage the zipper teeth.
Once you’ve cleaned your zip, you can see if any of the teeth are damaged or misaligned. If not, and it’s still getting stuck, try using a little laundry detergent.
2. Use Laundry Detergent for a Stuck Backpack Zipper
Taking things to the next level, mix a little laundry detergent in some warm water. Now, grab some Q-Tips and dip them in the water. Patiently, and with care, clean all along the zipper with the cotton swabs.
The detergent will hopefully break down any grease or oil that’s causing the zipper to get stuck. If you notice any areas that are particularly “gummy” go over them multiple times.
3. Lubricate Your Backpack Zipper with Graphite
By now you should be sure that your zip is clean. If it’s still sticking, you might simply want to add a little lubrication. One easy hack for this is to use a graphite pencil.
Just rub a Number 2 pencil along the zipper and you should notice a difference. Obviously, the downside of this method is that it can be messy and leave a residue, but if you have one spot that needs lubrication, this is a nifty spot treatment.
4. Lubricate Your Backpack Zipper with Crayon or Wax
If the pencil doesn’t work, you can take things up a notch. Household wax (such as beeswax for cleaning furniture) should help. You can even try a little candle wax or a crayon.
Pro-tip: If you use a crayon, use a colour that matches the backpack!
All you do is rub the wax all along the zip and try sliding the zipper. If may take a few tries to get the zipper sliding perfectly smoothly, but this one should always work as long as your zipper is undamaged!
How to Fix a Backpack Zipper: Bent Zipper Teeth
Sometimes a zipper is sticking because the “teeth” of the zipper have become misaligned and are snagging on the zip slider. In a case like this, lubrication won’t help. Here’s how to fix it. You’ll simply need a pliers.
Use a Pliers to Fix Bent Zipper Teeth on Your Backpack
Examine your zipper closely and locate the teeth that have become bent. Use a pliers to gently shape the teeth back to their normal position. Do this in many, gradual steps rather than one dramatic “pull”.
This work requires a delicate hand and works better on metal zippers. Plastic teeth that have become bent out of position are more likely to break using this technique. If teeth break, you’ll probably have to replace the entire zipper.
How to Fix a Backpack Zipper: A Broken Zip Pull or Slider
If it’s just the zip slider or pull that’s broken, you’re in luck. This is actually quite a simple repair!
You can use a pliers and flat head screwdriver to remove the existing zip slide. Once it’s removed, you can attach a new slider by simply sliding it onto the zip.
If the slider is okay and it’s just the pull that has come off, you can use many makeshift solutions, such as a paperclip, to replace the slider until you have time to replace it.
Replacing an Entire Backpack Zipper
Okay, we’ve walked through all the simple repairs. But sometimes, you might have to replace the entire zipper. Obviously, this is a bigger job and will require:
- Sewing skills
- Time
- Materials
Note: This kind of repair should be covered by a warranty and completing the repair yourself might void the warranty. This will be especially important for packs that are waterproof as the zip requires special treatment to uphold this claim.
Our recommendation? See if the backpack is covered by warranty and the manufacturer will make this repair for you.
Even if there’s not a warranty for this repair, you may still want to get your backpack repaired. But if you’re not confident making this repair – and we wouldn’t at all blame you – take the backpack to any shoe repair store. They should be able to replace the zipper for you!
Conclusion
There are some quick and easy hacks for some of the more common problems you might encounter with your backpack zipper. Give them a go!
If you have bigger problems, check with the manufacturer. Many reputable backpack brands will cover this repair for you. Plue, you’ll rest assured the repair was done correctly.
A little maintenance goes a long way too: Make sure you’re keeping your backpack free of dirt and grime. And above all, avoid overpacking your backpack, which can put a lot of stress on zips.
Whatever the repair, a broken zipper should not spell the death of a beloved backpack!
