Zipper pull (quick, neat, practical)

I've had this cheap document bag (from some conference) for a few years. The zipper pull had a loop that broke off last week. I decided to try something new. The result is this zipper pull.

Remove these ads by Signing Up

Step 1: Tools and materials

The zipper pull is made of nylon cord with a sleeve of plastic tubing. I used 3mm accessory cord and plastic tubing used for oxygen masks. Any clear (or coloured for that matter) tubing should work. Most aquarium stockist or hardware store should have it. Make sure that the inner diameter of the tubing is close to the diameter of the cord. The fit should be snug but not too tight.

For tools you will need scissors (or a sharp knife), a lighter and a short length of nylon cord that can be pushed through the plastic tubing with ease. It should be longer than the length of tubing you will cut (see later step).

The lengths given here are what I used and worked well for my particular zipper and gives a loop through which a finger comfortably fits. You may want to experiment with different sizes.

mikecz says: Jun 2, 2013. 2:21 PM

Wear leather work gloves (or, at least one glove) while handling hot semi-molten nylon. It's MUCH safer & more comfortable than bare handed, so you get a better job done.

valkgurl says: Oct 11, 2012. 4:56 PM

Any fabric store (and most "Notions Counters" at department stores---sell a long very skinny and very flexible steel item with a wee hook and latch assembly on one end and a loop on the other. This is used for all sorts of fabric and craft things that need drawstrings or similar.

You grab a piece of the end of whatever string type material you are using and thread it thru---think of the drawstring on a stuff sack or sweat pants--and you gather the fabric along the thin metal as you go (allows you to place long strings and short) To thread the nylon rope thru the air line tubing in THIS Instructables you would not need a different thread--you would just pass the steel piece--I am sure this has an official "Name" that I just don't remember!-grab a piece of the rope in the little latch and pull smoothly thru. Then you can seal the two ends together.

Once you have one of these lil gadgets you will wonder HOW did you ever live with out it. Great for getting small thread pulls worked to the "wrong side" of fabric. Great for those shoe laces that have lost their ends and you don't have time rightthissecond to make a new end but need to wear the shoe. Or threading tight laces into shoe grommets. Also for lacing leather on ball gloves and mocs. Pulling up long back zips on dresses or side zips on skirts and pants. I am pretty sure you can also "de-gut" a paracord to make smaller areas to heat seal with this. Can also be used to hold the end of jewelry to get the clasp end onto the loop end. Pulling thru wig hair for costumes! Endless uses!

Don't be "fooled" by the plastic imitators of this that are pretty useless. They are---OK---for doing a waist band but useLESS for doing anything ELSE.

Pfarmkid says: Feb 4, 2012. 12:15 PM

That is the coolest freaking lighter i have ever seen

FrozenIce in reply to PfarmkidMar 8, 2012. 1:49 PM

is that what it is?? sweet!

hollasch says: Mar 31, 2009. 4:07 PM

Can you elaborate on the method you used to join the ends together? Did you open up the ends a bit and pseudo-weave the strands together before applying heat, or did you just melt both ends at the same time, mash them together, and smooth while warm?

evp (author) in reply to hollaschApr 1, 2009. 12:51 AM

Melt, mash, smooth is pretty much what I did. You would probably make a stronger bond if you sewed the ends together.

nicknack171 in reply to evpAug 1, 2011. 12:18 PM

licking your fingers when working with the hot melted cord works wonders to keep the molten plastic from burning you. just a helpful tip ive learned from making paracord things!

106

Mrballeng says: Apr 2, 2011. 12:44 AM

I like this. Good work.

minoverette says: May 15, 2009. 10:33 AM

You could also tie a piece of waxed dental floss to the end of the string to avoid burning anything. I think the floss will be stiff enough to be threaded through the tube.

evp (author) in reply to minoveretteMay 21, 2009. 1:47 PM

Good idea! I tried it. The floss goes through easily, but breaks :-( In my case the rope and tube are too tight. A combination with a little more play should work with the floss. Fishing line should also work, come to think of it.