For a number of reasons, cheap or old zip hooks may fall off and cannot be put back on. The first method below won't damage your fabric, but it may damage the zipper; while the second way will keep the zipper working, but the fabric can be damaged.
Step
Method 1 of 6: Using Pliers
Step 1. Align the two sides of the zipper as much as you can
The best way to do this is to spread it out on a flat surface.
Step 2. Insert the teeth of the loose zipper as deep as possible into the hook
Step 3. Use the pliers from above (so that the inside of the pliers will touch the outside of the hook), and snap the loose side into the hook
By now most of this side should be inside the hook.
Step 4. Raise and lower the hook to see if the zipper will snap back on itself
If not, then pull the hook as close to one end of the zipper as possible. You can choose the beginning of the ending.
Step 5. Use the pliers so that the inside touches the top and bottom of the hook
Squeeze the pliers until the side of the zipper slips back in.
Step 6. You may have to alternately use the pliers on both sides of the zipper until the zipper that comes off is reattached
Step 7. Once you're done, you won't be able to unzip any further than the point where you forced the zipper back into the hook, as you'll damage some of the zipper teeth on that side
Method 2 of 6: Using Scissors
Step 1. Check your broken zipper
One side still has a hook, while the other side doesn't. There is an "up" direction (when you move the zipper to close it), and a "down" direction.
Step 2. Using sharp scissors, cut the side of the zipper that doesn't have a hook, at the same height as the bottom of the hook when it's at its lowest
Make a cut between the two zipper teeth.
Step 3. Insert the free side of the zipper into the top end of the hook at the position where you made the cut
Step 4. Pull the hook up until you can't move it anymore
The cut side might get some resistance (if you can move it…)
Step 5. Separate the two sides of the zipper so you will have two loose sheets under the hook
Step 6. Pull the side of the zipper that you have cut so that the cut part comes off
You may have to pull it hard.
Step 7. Apply glue over the piece, and on the zipper at the bottom of the piece so that the two stick together
You won't be able to pull the zipper any further past that point.
Method 3 of 6: Using Safety Pins
Step 1. Use safety pins to connect the two separate zipper halves
Method 4 of 6: Using a Screwdriver
Step 1. If you are using a flat-blade screwdriver, insert this screwdriver into the side of the zipper where the hook stops
Step 2. Place it on a hard surface and lightly hit the top of the screwdriver so that the zipper opens slightly (this will only work on metal zippers)
Step 3. Place the hook over the zipper, and, with a little force, insert the zipper into the hook
Step 4. Using pliers, squeeze the hook closed
Do not press too hard so that the hook is not damaged.
Method 5 of 6: By Making Adjustments
If the hook falls off the zipper when it's closed, you can put it back on at the expense of the zipper.
Step 1. Slightly unscrew the zipper
Do as much as 5-6 teeth. You can adjust the angle of the teeth to fit back together if you remove too much.
Step 2. If you can get the right tool, take one side of the open zipper and cut the 5 or 6 teeth you separated
The end of the zipper will now not be able to close.
Step 3. Grasp the two ends of the zipper and bring them together again while inserting the hook backwards
So, these two joined ends will be inserted into the narrow part of the hook.
Step 4. Continue pulling the zipper until the zipper separates on its own in the hook because you've cut some of the teeth
Step 5. If you keep pulling, the hook will move to the part of the zipper where it fits and is able to separate the two sides
Step 6. Use safety pins or the zipper/fabric fix to stop the hook when you pull it closed next time
Method 6 of 6: Fixing Zippers in Small Bags or Wallets (Accessories)
If the zipper just opens, with no problems at the ends (for example, the zipper slips out of the way), try this method.
Step 1. Reinsert the zipper in the reverse direction
Step 2. Pull the latch closed
Step 3. Sew the zipper behind the hook, to prevent the hook from coming back
Tips
You may damage your zipper when you pull it to avoid getting cut off. You can also cut (in step 2) at the top point of the hook, so you'll minimize the risk
Warning
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Method 1:
- Using pliers can damage the hook beyond repair.
- Using pliers to force the detached side of the zipper back into the hook will damage the teeth on that side. You will not be able to unzip beyond this point after reinstallation.
- Method 3 may cause injury to the hand if the screwdriver slides out of the hook.
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Method 2:
- Only do this if you don't want to damage the fabric. If this fabric is too valuable to risk, replace your zipper.
- This method will not work for zippers that must be opened/separated completely, such as on a jacket. After all, hooks like this should come off at the bottom, so you really shouldn't be reading this article.
