Everyone at least once faced the issue of a stuck backpack zipper. It's an extremely common problem in the world of backpacking. Your backpack comes with two zippers in order for you to open up your bag and access whatever it is inside.
However, there are certain reasons why these things may get stuck or not work properly. If you have tried everything imaginable to remove the zipper from its place, yet all of your efforts have failed, this article will help you understand what you can do. Follow the quick steps below to learn how to fix a backpack zipper that won't move properly!
Why does your backpack zipper stick?
There are a number of reasons as to why this may happen. Here is a couple of them:
- Your backpack was not well taken care of – When backpacks are not used properly, the zippers tend to get stuck at different points along their path. You need to understand that zippers were created for you to be able to open your bag and access whatever it is inside. If all you do with your backpack is merely put things inside, then this piece of equipment will soon become useless because its working condition won't be so good anymore!
- Dirt accumulates over time – No matter how careful and orderly we try and keep ourselves or other people we know dirt always finds a way in and is left unnoticed. This means that dirt is also present on your backpack zipper and maybe the reason why it's not working properly.
- Your bag keeps getting exposed to rain – Using a backpack when you're out for hiking, biking or backpacking usually means that you're out in nature with all its elements! If these elements are wind, water, heat or any other possible thing that could affect your bag then it's important to realize that they can ruin certain things inside of it with time, especially if you keep exposing your bag to the weather matters every time you go outside. Unfortunately, this includes ruining your backpack zippers as well so make sure you take extra good care of them!
How to get a backpack zipper unstuck?
Luckily, fixing your backpack zipper that won't move properly is easier than you would expect. Follow these quick steps below to learn how to do the following.
Make sure the teeth of your backpack zippers are wide open – This is very important because it will allow you to easily pull out the stuck material in order for you to remove it. You can do this by using either some kind of tool or just by your own hands if they happen to be strong enough!
Take off the piece of material stuck inside one of the two zippers on your backpack – Sometimes there can be more than one thing stuck between them so make sure not only you remove the big chunks but also take out whatever smaller pieces may be present as well.
After you're done doing that, zip and unzip your backpack a couple of times – Doing this will allow to properly clean the teeth of the zipper and remove any remaining material so that nothing else gets stuck there!
Fixing your backpack zipper should not take too long to complete if you know how to do it properly. If you stick to these easy steps, you'll manage just fine! Do what needs to be done now to get rid of that problem once and for all .
How can you do it with a pencil?
In case you can not zip and unzip your backpack because it has stuck too much, don't worry. You can easily get rid of the stuck material by using a pencil. This is one of the simplest ways to remove something from a backpack zipper, and you should definitely try it out! In this case you will need a normal HB pencil (no.2).
Keep in mind that even though we recommend this method we take no responsibility for any damage or injury caused by following the methods described below!
Here's what you have to do:
Take an eraser and rub it against your backpack zipper so it gets dirty and sticky. Don't press too hard so you don't scratch the teeth of your backpack zipper with your pencil! Now just use your pencil or pen to pull all that dirt between the teeth out.
And voilà! Your backpack zipper is free now and it should work as well as new. If not, try the steps one more time to make sure you've done everything right. Remember, having a stuck backpack zipper is not what you want so if that happens again repeat the process until it does get unstuck!
By following these simple steps you can easily remove whatever material may be stuck in your backpack zippers. In order to prevent this from happening again, remember to always clean your zippers after use by wiping them with a wet cloth or other similar products made especially for cleaning your bag's materials. This way you'll ensure a longer life for your bag and many enjoyable times without problems whatsoever!
How can you unstick the backpack zipper with soap or other lubricants?
It's important to realize that in some cases you may need help from other people in order for your backpack zippers to work properly again. This is especially the case when they get stuck together and won't budge, no matter how much you try! So if this happens to you, don't panic! There are many things you can do before having to resort to professional measures such as asking a friend or family member who knows more about fixing backpacks than you.
Using soap or any other lubricant will allow you to unzip whatever is stuck in there and remove whatever material may be blocking the zipper from moving. If you can't get your backpack unzipped this way, don't worry! You can always ask for help and we're sure whoever's with you won't mind helping you fix that problem once and for all.
Here's what you have to do:
First, take a look at your stuck zipper and figure out which side is causing the problem. This will make it easier later when you'll try to fix your backpack zippers!
Now grab some soap or lubricant of any kind (preferably one easy to wash off) and rub it where the zipper gets stuck together usually caused by something VERY sticky! Try not to use too much since it will just get everywhere and make a mess of your backpack. Now you should be able to unzip whatever is stuck in there and fix the problem with ease!
Remember, even though we recommend this method we take no responsibility for any damage or injury caused by following the methods described below!
Can you prevent the problem of a stuck backpack zipper?
It's true that this problem is not easy to prevent since it can happen after a long time of proper use. However, there are some things you can do to keep it from happening again!
First off make sure your backpack is clean and check it out before using it. This way you'll ensure a longer life for all the materials used in making your bag and also make sure everything works properly.
Next, try to fix any material stuck between the teeth before going on a trip with your backpack. If you don't know how to do this ask someone who knows more about fixing backpacks than you! Always remember to be gentle when zipping your bag so as not to damage its materials or zipper tracks!
Choose good zippers
To prevent this problem you have to pay attention to the backpack zippers before buying it. Good zippers are usually made of brass which is a metal alloy consisting mainly of copper and zinc. Such zippers will probably have fewer problems since they are sturdier.
Always make sure that the backpack has YKK zippers because this helps to prevent this problem. These are the leading zipper manufacturer in the world and their main purpose is to manufacture high-quality zippers.
The size of the zipper also matters. If you buy a big and small zipper and try to close the bag by using both, you create pressure and this can result in damage. Big zippers usually have bigger teeth and thus they work better than small ones. They will probably last longer and withstand more pressure, so it's a good idea to look for big backpack zippers if you want them to be durable.
Always select reliable brands!
Make sure you read the labels before buying your bag and check out what materials were used in making it because this can help you avoid problems with stuck zippers. That way you'll also save some money since poorly made backpacks tend to have many issues that come up after just a few uses.
The most popular manufacturers deal with high-quality products so they are usually the best choice when looking for new items. For example North Face, Oakley or Herschel Supply Co . are all great examples of companies that offer top-notch zippers and materials that will last a long time. So, what are you waiting for? Get your backpack now and enjoy its benefits!
Useful tips to remember
If you want to prevent any future problems with your zippers, you should also pay attention to how to properly use them. Before closing a zipper make sure the pull tab is inside to avoid breaking it off or even breaking the teeth on the zipper itself. Also, when opening a zipper hold down the other side's part with your hand so that there are no problems after using it. This will also save your time and effort because zippers were not designed for unzipping alone but unzipping and zipping back again as well, which takes time if you do everything manually without holding parts together with hands or anything similar.
You should also remember that many zipper problems are caused by metallic dust, hairspray or similar things stuck on the zipper itself. Therefore it is recommended to clean zippers regularly.
Can you repair a broken zipper?
If your belt's zipper broke off, then there is no need to panic, because it can be repaired by using ordinary household items. If there are metal pieces stuck to pull-tabs or jacket/bag body, use pliers with smooth jaws for removing them safely.
After removing the metal pieces clean the place where it was attached carefully with sandpaper taking care not to damage its surface. Soak an end of nylon cord in super glue or contact cement then slide it into one of the adjacent coils. The zipper is repaired.
Another possible variant of repairing the broken zipper is to use strong adhesive tape. Make sure it is waterproof and then cut the required length of the zipper according to its size, apply the adhesive tape on one side of it then attach it to a bag or jacket.
If the zipper still doesn't work after your repair attempt you will have to buy a new one.
Bottom line
Zippers are the most important part of a backpack, so knowing how to get a backpack zipper unstuck is essential knowledge. To get a backpack zipper unstuck you can either buy a new one or first try to clean and then repair it. Don't forget that the size and type of your zipper are very important as well because you want durable zippers for your backpack if you use them on a daily basis.
Keep in mind that there are many different types of backpacks, some with two-way zippers, some with reversed ones, and others with front-loading options available as well. These may require special attention during cleaning or repairing but there are always solutions to problems so don't give up before trying everything out! And always remember to check if the bag has YKK zippers before buying it because this way you will avoid any future issues related to breaking down the bags.