Emergency Uses

#76 · Emergency zip pull replacement

Thread a chopstick through the zipper hole when the pull tab snaps off. Functional and strangely satisfying.

When the pull tab snaps off a zip, the slider is still perfectly functional - there is just nothing left to hold. A short piece of chopstick through the hole gives you the grip back in about ten seconds.

How to do it

1. Snap a chopstick to about 3cm and sand the broken ends smooth.
2. Feed it through the eyelet where the tab used to be.
3. Add a loop of ribbon or cord through the same hole if the bar alone is fiddly to grip.

Why it works

A zip slider works by camming the teeth together as it travels, and all the tab ever did was transmit your pull to it. Anything rigid through the eyelet does the same job, which is why a paperclip, a keyring or a bit of bamboo all work.

Tips & warnings

• A fresh bamboo break is sharp. Sand it, especially on clothing.
• Replacement zip pulls cost a couple of pounds for a pack and take a minute to fit properly.