How to Fix a Zipper on a Backpack [4 Easy Solutions]

Most of us carry our belongings around in backpacks. They are convenient, easy to store and help keep everything organized. However, they also come with a few downsides: zippers can be difficult to open and close, and the backpack itself can be cumbersome and heavy. Sometimes the zippers of your favorite backpack can be completely broken or bent. What would you do then? Well, don’t worry. There is still hope that you can fix it yourself at home if you know how to fix a zipper on a backpack. If you don’t know the methods, don’t worry, we are here to help. People who use backpacks must have faced problems with zippers after a certain period. However, today we’re going to look at the most common problem that we see with zippers on backpacks. We’ll walk through 4 easy solutions that will fix the problem and make your backpack last longer.


How to Fix a Zipper on a Backpack

how to fix a zipper on a backpack

Can a backpack zipper be repaired? If yes, then how to fix a zipper that separates on a bag? These types of questions can come to mind of backpack users if they experience such issues with zippers.

Well, if you have a backpack, you probably know how frustrating it is when the zipper breaks or doesn’t work right. It can be really annoying, especially if you’re on the go and need to use the bag. Well, if you’re having trouble getting your backpack zipped up or down, this article is for you. In this article, we will teach you how to fix a zipper on a backpack, which is the most common type of backpack zipper problem.

If you have ever tried to fix a zipper on a backpack, then you know that it can be frustrating. When the zipper is broken, you may end up having to throw away your backpack and get a new one. The good news is that there are ways to fix a broken zipper on a backpack, so you don’t have to throw away your backpack. Now let’s see how to fix a zipper on a backpack.

We will discuss here different problems along with their solutions. Once we provide all the problems and solutions, you can question us then if you have any. So, how do you fix a zipper on a backpack that won’t close? Well, to know it let’s move on.


How to fix a backpack zipper if the Teeth are Bent

It happens to the most of us. When you put something in your bag, don’t be surprised when you have trouble zipping it back up.

Got your zipper teeth slightly misaligned? Well, then, how to re-align the zipper on a backpack?

Ughh. is the first thought that comes to your mind but don’t you worry. We have many options to fix it.

You can use some pliers specifically needle nose pliers if you want and have them, but not necessary. Most times, you don’t have to use any special tools, just your hands.

Now is the time you better get started fixing your backpack zippers.

So, what you need to do is grab the teeth of your bag and gently bend them until straight. If the teeth are hard to realign, well, try a few times more in a harder way, and eventually, you’ll get them to be straight. 

Once you are able to realign the teeth, the bent teeth are fixed. How easy it was!

You came here to see how to repair a backpack zipper, and you were surprised to learn it wasn’t that difficult.


How to fix a backpack zipper if the zipper is stuck (Using Lubricant) 

Siding off zipper

A zipper is an essential part of a backpack. It’s what keeps your backpack closed while you’re wearing it. It’s also a great way to keep your backpack organized and ready to go at a moment’s notice. But zippers can be pretty finicky. They can get stuck, they can break, and they can even get caught in a loop. So, the question is – how to fix a zipper on a backpack without tools or how to fix a zipper on a backpack that is stuck? So, let’s see, how to re-align the zipper on a backpack?

If your backpack zipper is acting up, or if it’s broken, there are a few simple solutions you can try to fix it. In this case, if you don’t have any zipper rescue kits, our simple intelligence and tactics can help you out.

The probable solutions are:

Using Graphite

In order to fix a backpack zipper in case it is stuck, our first method to try is using graphite. Don’t worry, finding graphite is not that hard. If you have pencils at your home, you have graphite because the pencils have graphite inside of them.

Now what you need to do is rub the area where the zipper is stuck and try again until it is fixed. Remember, excessive rubbing on the zipper teeth can damage the teeth permanently. In this case, if you see the zipper is not alright, you need to apply another method. 

Using Candle Wax/ Crayon

Well, if the graphite fails to work, you should try candle wax or crayon and it might work. Just find a candle stick or crayon around your home. If you find a birthday candle, it will do too. In addition, you can also use regular household wax if you have it. However, once you managed to collect the candle wax or crayon, you are set to do your job. What you need to do is melt the candle wax or don’t melt, doesn’t matter, just rub it where the zipper is stuck. Rub gently a few times and make sure the jam is relieved. Once you see the zipper is working smoothly it means you have been able to fix the zipper on your own. Congratulations! You have done a great job.

Using Laundry Soap

If you have already tried all the lubrication using methods and if it still doesn’t work, you can use laundry soap to fix it. To do so, grab a bowl with water and mix some laundry soap. Mixture them properly. Now take a cotton swab and rub it gently where the zipper is stuck. Rub some time and see what happens. Well, if it works again perfectly without creating any issues, you fixed the defective zipper successfully.


How to Fix a Backpack Zipper If the Slider Is Broken

fixing a zipper using a needle nose plier

No problem. In order to fix a broken slider of a backpack zipper you need a needle nose plier. Besides, if you have zipper rescue kits, it would be great too. Luckily fixing the broken slider isn’t very difficult. Since the slider of the zipper has broken, it is of no use until you replace the slider. Once you place a new slider, the zipper of the backpack is all new again. So, how to fix a zipper that came off on one side?

So to get the slider fixed just cut off the slider. Now glide the new slider over the zipper teeth carefully. Did it already? Well, the slider is all new.

See, it wasn’t so difficult after all, was it?


How to fix a zipper on a backpack if the Pull is Broken

How do you reattach a zipper pull on a backpack?

If the pull of the zipper of your backpack is broken, well, we have a few options to help you.

When the zipper is open, put the other end of the paper clip through the Zipper Pull. What you need to do is get a paperclip and open it up. Once the paper clip is open, thread the end through the hole used for the Zipper Pull. In this case, if you don’t have the paperclip, think of something that even it can be any material that can be bent like a wire to use. Once you find the tool, you are good to go. 


How to fix a backpack zipper if completely destroyed

Re-aligning zipper with needle nose plier

If you find yourself in a situation where your zipper is completely broken, it is high time you replaced your backpack zipper wholly. If the zipper of your backpack is completely broken or destroyed, you will have no choice but to replace your zippers. It is true if you don’t want to throw the bag in the bin.

Now if you want to replace the zipper with a new one, you need some instruments and tools. Those are a needle-nose plier, scissors, needles, and threads. Let the work start.

First, you need to do is use a pair of needle-nose pliers or scissors to cut off the damaged zipper. Match up the center of both your zipper and the backpack.

Needle and thread are all you need to get it fixed. Start sewing at the center of the fabric, working outwards towards the edges. If you finished flip-flopping the backpack inside-out, you can now repeat the process.

Well, if you don’t have the confidence to get the work done, you can search on the internet writing, ‘backpack zipper repair near me’ or ‘backpack zipper repair shop’, and you will find professions. You find them and get the zipper fixed.

In this case, some people ask which brand of backpack zippers are good for a backpack. Well, you can use any quality zipper for your bag. YKK zippers are good enough though.


What if I can’t fix my backpack zipper if completely destroyed

This is disappointing if you can’t fix your backpack zipper by yourself. We know, without zippers especially the exterior zippers of the backpack, it’s useless. That’s why fixing a zipper on a backpack if broken is necessary. If you try all the methods and ways to fix it and you can’t, it seems it’s time for you to have a new backpack. But remember, if the zipper is completely broken and you can’t make it fixed, you can bring it to a professional. Well, in that case, if the repair cost is close to a new one, you should consider buying a new backpack.


How to Fix a Backpack Zipper with a Fork?

If the zipper of your favorite backpack comes off on one side or the zipper is stuck, you need to fix it. The question may arise – how to fix a zipper on a backpack that came off one side? Well, this is a very common problem and you can fix it easily.

If you are not a DIY person, it is natural that you might not have any tools. So, how to fix a zipper on a backpack without tools? Don’t worry. To fix this problem you need to have a needle-nose plier. If you don’t have the required tool, you must have forks at your home. Well, if you have forks it will do to fix the zipper. Know more.

Once you found the fork you need to get the work done. Now, remember, what would you do if you would use a plier? Just think of the fork like a plier, nothing else. Try making the zippers align and bring them in the slider. Tighten the zipper and try to compress it a little harder so that you can be able to realign the zipper that already got out of the slider. Once you could bring the zipper back in the zipper slider, the zipper should work as new. This is how you can get the job done.


Final Words

In this article, we have tried to focus on how to fix a zipper on a backpack and show different ways of fixing it. If you have a bag, you might have faced a few problems with it including a zipper on a backpack that is stuck, a zipper that came off on one side, a zipper that separates on a bag, and so on. The question is – how to re-align the zipper on a backpack? Oh yes, fortunately, you can fix all the problems by yourself without taking them to a professional. So, if you read the whole article we hope you have already gathered knowledge on how to fix a backpack zipper by now. If you can, find the best backpack for you. Well, if you have any questions, you can easily reach out to us anytime.


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