English
Français CA 
A few tips for choosing the right replacement slider
Many of you contact us because you can't find the right replacement slider for your broken zip.
This article will help you understand how to find a replacement slider and how to differentiate between the different zips.
Please take the time to read through to the end and look at the example images which show zips of all types (plastic, metal, nylon and invisible).
PREMIÈRE ÉTAPE : LE CURSEUR D'ORIGINE
The first thing you can do is take the item you have to repair (jacket, dress, trousers, shoes etc), and look at the broken zip. If you still have the original slider, even if it's broken, turn it over and look on the back for a number.
For example, you will find the inscription 5VS or YKK 8. The letters don't matter, just the number.
- sometimes there are no figures at all, in which case we'll have to measure,
- sometimes the figure doesn't match our own figures.
A size 7 on an old slider corresponds to a size 5. The other numbers you may find on old sliders will not be useful for finding a replacement slider.
Some sliders have two numbers, so you might be wondering which Zlideon to choose.
Usually the number indicating the size of the slider is surrounded by a circle, but not always.
If you have two registered figures and you're not sure, you need to measure the interlocked teeth.
As with the sliders, the number on the case indicates the size of the Clip Zip slider.
PRENDRE LES BONNES MESURES
Remember to measure the width of the teeth without taking into account the surrounding tissue. Closed teeth only!
If your zip can't close any more and you don't have a number on the slider, you need to measure the slider at the narrowest part, where the teeth go through.
This box, which stops the slider, is only used for separable zips (coats, jackets, waistcoats, etc.). So this technique cannot be used for zips on bags, trousers, shoes, etc.
RECONNAÎTRE LE TYPE DE FERMETURE
Once you've measured the zip and know the correct size, you need to identify the type of mesh and the material of the teeth of the zip!
There are 4 types of zip: plastic, metal, nylon and invisible (nylon sewn inside out).
For each type we have specific sliders, so it's important to differentiate between the different zips.
Here's an example of each type of knit that you might need to repair.
Plastic zips are easy to recognize!
You just have to look at the shape of the teeth: they have a very square base with a very rounded tip.
These are individual teeth, they're not sewn together. So you can remove one without damaging the rest of the zip (nylon is the opposite, the teeth are sewn together).
This type of zip is generally found in waistcoats, work overalls, overalls, anoraks, covers, etc.
Metal zips are generally yellow/gold/metal in colour.
Metal teeth are very straight. When they're closed, you can only see the right-hand side, but when they're open, you can see a small point at the end that allows them to engage.
These are also individual teeth, so you can cut one without damaging the rest of the zip.
Metal teeth can be found in the fly of many jeans, skirts and trousers, as well as in motorbike jackets, handbags and some heavy or winter coats.
The nylon toothed zips are a bit like fishing line, with very fine teeth that are tightly packed together in a slightly curved shape.
Be careful: these teeth are all sewn together by the same seam! So you can't cut a tooth without damaging the rest of the zip.
Nylon zips can be found on many covers (cushions, instruments), jackets, tents, sleeping bags, etc.
INVISIBLE ZIPS
Invisible zips are nylon zips that have been sewn inside out. So if you look at them from the outside, all you'll see is fabric covering the teeth. If you look at the inside, the teeth are visible and they are nylon teeth.
Invisible zips are often used on waterproof sportswear, sports jackets, hiking bags and some cushion covers.
We only offer TWO sliders for invisible zips, the 5C2 slider and the 4C2 slider.
Your zip may be a size 3! Unfortunately we don't yet have a size 3 slider for blinds.
In this case, the only solution, if you still want to use a Clip Zip slider, is to take the 3CB slider and clip it on upside down, i.e. with the tab on the inside.
As the 3CB slider is a nylon slider and invisible zips are made of nylon sewn inside out, this technique will work and you'll be able to close your zip again.
Some nylon zips have fabric that comes over the teeth when the zip is closed. Be careful not to confuse invisible with nylon in this case. Invisible zips have fabric over the teeth and this fabric is caught in the slider when the zip is pulled up or down (as in the photo above).
A nylon zip, on the other hand, may have fabric over the teeth, but this fabric is not caught in the slider when the zip is pulled up or down, so it's not an invisible zip!
BON A SAVOIR
- The original sliders marked 7 correspond to Zlideon size 5 sliders
- OPTI brand zips cannot be repaired with our Zlideon sliders because the teeth on this type of zip are not standard.
- Some evening gown zips or invisible pocket zips have an injected slider consisting solely of a jaw, which cannot be replaced by a Zlideon. These are very thin, very discreet zips. If in doubt, please contact us.
- For size 3 nylon zips we have two sliders: the 3C slider and the 3CB slider. Always use the 3CB, which is the standard size. The 3C is a little smaller than the standard, but can be used for very small zips.
- The 45C slider is a slider for nylon zips which is very flat. It is rare to need this slider, but it can repair the zips on Longchamps bags.
- TIZIP brand waterproof main zips don't fit any of the gauges we offer, so they can't be repaired with Clip Zip. However, TIZIP zips in the sleeves or neck, for example, are repairable. If in doubt, please contact us.
- Size 8 invisible zips don't fit any Zlideon sliders Due to the low demand for size 8 invisible zips, Zlideon has never made sliders for size 8 invisible zips.
- If one tooth is missing from your zip, a Zlideon slider will still be able to close the teeth. But if several teeth are missing in a row, it won't be possible to repair them because there will be too much space and the whole zip will have to be replaced.
If, despite all the above explanations, you are unsure or cannot find the right model, take photos of your zip (clear photos close enough to the teeth) and send us an e-mail to serviceclient@clip-zip.fr
Don't hesitate to tell us in the email the measurements of the zip and / or if there is a number written somewhere.
Finding the right Clip Zip slider for my broken zip