Symptoms
- Nothing to grip on the zipper slider
- Small metal loop remains but the tab is gone
- Slider still moves fine when pushed with a fingernail
- Zipper worked normally before the tab broke
Likely causes
- CommonMetal fatigue from repeated pullingThe tab is thin metal or plastic and wears out over time.
- PossibleTab snagged and torn offCatching the tab on something can rip it away.
- PossiblePlastic tab became brittle with ageSun and cold make plastic pulls crack.
What to do
- Check whether the small ring the tab attached to is still intact on the slider.
- If the ring remains, loop a paperclip, split key ring, or a short loop of paracord or leather cord through it.
- Crimp or knot the loop so it can't slip out on its own.
- If the ring itself broke off, you'll need a replacement slider instead of just a new pull.
- Test by using the new pull to zip up and down several times.
- For a neater look, zipper-pull replacement charms are sold cheaply online and clip on the same way.
Tools and parts
- Pliers
- Paperclip, keyring, or cord
Zipper pull replacementsSearch: “zipper pull tab replacement pack”
When to call a pro
If the slider's attachment ring is also broken, a tailor can replace the whole slider rather than just the pull.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.