How to Replace a Zipper Pull

Co-authored by Korri Burton-Universe

Last Updated: December 29, 2022 References

A zipper pull is the tab that is attached to a zipper slider. You hold onto it in order to move the slider up and down the zipper coil or zipper teeth. Sometimes, these zipper pull tabs break off. Other times, they are plain and don't match the garment or bag. Fortunately, it is easy to install a new pull tab. If you can't get a replacement pull tab, then there are temporary solutions as well.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Replacing a Pull Tab

1
Buy a replacement zipper pull tab. You can find these online and in fabric stores. Some well-stocked craft stores may also carry them. They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, so buy a zipper pull tab that is proportionate to your zipper slider.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Korri Burton-Universe
Professional Tailor
Expert Interview. 12 January 2021.} If you have a large, heavy duty zipper, you should buy a large pull tab. If you have a smaller garment zipper, like what you would find on a dress, buy a small pull tab instead.
- You can also salvage a replacement pull tab from another zipper.
- If you don't know what size to get, bring the original pull tab or zipper into the store with you.
2
Pry off the loop on top of the slider, if needed. If the loop is closed from end-to-end, you will need to pry it off. Grab the loop by the base with a pair of pliers or metal snips, then pull the loop off. Be aware that this may damage some zipper sliders.^{[2]
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- Skip this step if the loop is open, like a hook. You may be able to fit the pull tab under the slit.
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3
Remove the old zipper pull tab, if needed. If you pulled the top part of the slider off, there is nothing holding the old pull tab in place. Simply lift it off of the zipper. If your zipper slider has a hook-type loop instead, grab the old zipper pull tab and wriggle it out. You made have to lift it up so that it is perpendicular to the zipper slider first.
- If you still can't get the old pull tab out of the hook-type loop, pry the hook open with a flat-head screw driver.
- You may have to use a pair of pliers to grab and twist broken pull tabs.
- For separating zippers, you can clip the first stop at the top of the zipper, and for non-separating zippers, you can remove the metal stop at the bottom of the zipper and take out the zipper pull.^{[3]
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  Expert Source
  
  Korri Burton-Universe
  Professional Tailor
  Expert Interview. 12 January 2021.}
4
Insert the replacement pull tab. After you have removed the loop, you'll notice 2 stubs on each side of the zipper slider; the loop was attached to these stubs. Position your replacement pull tab on top of the zipper slider.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Korri Burton-Universe
Professional Tailor
Expert Interview. 12 January 2021.} Make sure that one of the stubs is inside the loop at the top of the zipper pull tab.^{[5]
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- If you have a hook-type loop, slide the replacement pull tab under the slit. If the slit is too small, pry it open a little with a flat-head screwdriver.^{[6]
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5
Replace the loop and snap it shut. Place the loop back on top of the zipper slider, making sure to fit the teeth into the grooves. Press down on it with your finger. If you need to, use a block or the end of a marker to press it down.^{[7]
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- If you are working with a hook-type loop, you are set. If you are worried about the pull tab falling out, you can clamp the loop shut with pliers.^{[8]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using Makeshift Pull Tabs

1
Take the old zipper pull tab out, if needed. If your zipper slider's loop is shaped like a hook, you may be able to simply wriggle the old pull tab out. If you can't, pry the hook open a little with a flat-head screw driver. Pinch the hook shut with pliers once you have the pull tab out.
- If your zipper slider's loop is solid and has no gap in it, click here to learn how to remove it.
2
Move the locking mechanism out of the way, if needed. Some types of zippers have a locking mechanism. You can see this mechanism if you look closely at the zipper from the side, then move it up and down. You'll notice a lock moving up and down inside the loop that the zipper pull was attached to.^{[9]
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- The locking mechanism needs to be out of the loop. If you can see the lock inside the loop, then move the zipper slider slowly until the loop is clear.
3
Thread a key ring onto the zipper slider for a sturdier option. Find a small key ring that is less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Pry open the end with your fingernail, a flat-head screwdriver, or a knife. Slide the end of the key ring into the loop. Feed the key ring through the loop until it is completely attached and closes by itself.^{[10]
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- A key ring is a great option for jean zippers that won't stay shut. Zipper up your jeans, slide the key ring over the button, then close the button.
- Avoid using key rings that are too large, or they will look clunky.
4
Use a thin cord if you need something quick and easy. Find some cord that is thick enough to fit through the loop on your zipper pull. Cut a short piece, then feed it through the loop. Tie the ends of the cord into an overhand knot, about ¹⁄₂ to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) away from the loop. Cut the rest of the string off.^{[11]
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- If you are using nylon cording, you can melt the cut ends with a lighter or a candle flame for a smoother finish.
- Match the color of the cording to the zipper, if possible.
5
Use a thin ribbon if you want a nicer touch. Choose satin or grosgrain ribbon thin enough to fit through the loop on your zipper pull. Cut it down to 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm), then feed it through the loop. Match up the ends of the ribbon to make sure that it is centered, then finish it in 1 of the following ways:^{[12]
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- Tie the ends together in an overhand knot to make a loop.
- Sew across the ends 2 to 3 times using a zigzag stitch to create a loop.
- Use hot glue or fabric glue to glue both ribbon halves together to form a single strip.
6
Slip a paper clip through the loop for a temporary option. Find the end on the outside of your paper clip. Feed it through the loop on your zipper. Rotate the paper clip so that both of the U-shaped loops are facing away from the zipper.^{[13]
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- A metal paper clip will work fine for this. You can also use a colored paper clip if you want the pull tab to match the zipper slider.
7
Twist a wire through the loop for something more like a pull tab. Cut a short piece of wire. Slip it through the loop on the zipper, then twist the ends together to form a stem. Leave some space between the twisted part and the loop so that you can move the pull tab up and down. Trim the excess wire off with wire cutters so that it is between ¹⁄₂ and 1 inch (1.3 and 2.5 cm) long.^{[14]
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- You can use pipe cleaners, unfolded paper clips, or even twist ties from garbage bags. If you want the pull tab to match the zipper slider, use a colored paper clip instead.
8
Use heavy-duty jump rings to attach charms if you want a fancy pull tab. Use a pair of pliers to open a heavy-duty jump ring. Slide 1 end of the jump ring through the loop on your charm. Slide the other end of the jump ring through the loop on the zipper slider. Use the pliers again to close the jump ring.^{[15]
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- Choose a jump ring that is between ¹⁄₄ and ¹⁄₂ inch (0.64 and 1.27 cm) wide, and made from thick wire.
- Use a charm that is easy to hold between your thumb and index finger.
- Hold each side of the jump ring with a pair of pliers. Pull the ends past each other to open the jump ring, and towards each other to close it, just like a door.
- Do not pull the ends of the jump ring away from each other like sliding open a drawer. This will distort the shape of the jump ring.

Expert Q&A

Question

Is it possible to replace a zipper pull?

Korri Burton-Universe
Professional Tailor
Korri Burton-Universe is a Professional Tailor and the Owner of Uncommon Closet, a custom clothing and tailor resource for the LGBTQIA+ community and those with body types often overlooked by major clothing chains and shops. Korri specializes in custom clothing, tailoring services, and wedding clothes for people of all identities, genders, races, and sizes. Uncommon Closet creates a safe space for people to find or make outfits that make them feel safe and powerful.

Korri Burton-Universe

Professional Tailor

Expert Answer

Yes, you can remove the broken zipper pull and put a new one. You can also use various items instead of the pull tab.
Question

How do you stop the zipper pull from sliding off the zipper?

Korri Burton-Universe
Professional Tailor
Korri Burton-Universe is a Professional Tailor and the Owner of Uncommon Closet, a custom clothing and tailor resource for the LGBTQIA+ community and those with body types often overlooked by major clothing chains and shops. Korri specializes in custom clothing, tailoring services, and wedding clothes for people of all identities, genders, races, and sizes. Uncommon Closet creates a safe space for people to find or make outfits that make them feel safe and powerful.

Korri Burton-Universe

Professional Tailor

Expert Answer

Put a metal stop to prevent the zipper pull from sliding off. Or make some stitches at the end of the zipper so that the zipper pull does not move out.
Question

What should I do to remove the zipper pull?

Korri Burton-Universe
Professional Tailor
Korri Burton-Universe is a Professional Tailor and the Owner of Uncommon Closet, a custom clothing and tailor resource for the LGBTQIA+ community and those with body types often overlooked by major clothing chains and shops. Korri specializes in custom clothing, tailoring services, and wedding clothes for people of all identities, genders, races, and sizes. Uncommon Closet creates a safe space for people to find or make outfits that make them feel safe and powerful.

Korri Burton-Universe

Professional Tailor

Expert Answer

For separating zippers, you can clip the first stop at the top of the zipper, and for non-separating zippers, you can remove the metal stop at the bottom of the zipper and take out the zipper pull.