Tips for getting an old metal zip open?

Pinkcoke

Pinkcoke

Alumni
wrestling with a suede Hertford handbag here that doesn't appear to have been used since the 60's, as I've just found a period transport ticket in the front pocket, the internal pocket has a metal zip with a small ring ended chain pull and just does not want to move - I just want to check there's nothing else in there! It doesn't look rusted so I don't know what to do. :(
 
I use paraffin wax and rub both sides of a zipper. Since you can only get to one side, start with the parts of the zipper you can reach and pay special attention where it is stuck. Look carefully at the zipper to make sure there is no fabric or threads from stopping it from moving.
 
Thanks, I'm trying with the pencil as that's what I have to hand right now.
it sticks on the 3rd tooth from the beginning, when shut, so I can't actually get to the part of the zip its catching on as it's always covered by the zipper, if you see what I mean.
it appears to be the angle - the zipper tilts up and the zip is very flexible so it's not staying straight to pull along, I've tried to support it through the tiny hole I have at the end.
 
Maybe try and get whatever lubricant you are using inside the actual zipper head.

If you tip the bag up so the zipper head is vertical, try dropping something into it.

You can get graphite powder, or make some by scraping the graphite off a pencil, which you might be able to pour into the zipper head.

Or something liquid you can drop into it, 3in1 oil for instance, or even baby oil.

Or as sMarie suggests, WD40, which you can spray into the head - it usually comes with that narrow tube to attach to the spray head for exactly this kind of purpose.

But be very careful not to get oil or WD40 onto the suede!
 
that's why I always start with soap - it's hard to destroy an item, but get oil on it and you are doomed.
Actually - get a magnifying glass and look at each part VERY carefully. That always works for me to tell if the item has a chance.
 
Dang it I wish I read these before just getting a few dresses replaced with new zippers! Although I think in my case the zippers (all metal) had slightly rusted anyway. I'll have to try the graphite pencil and wax trick next time!
 
I agree with Susan on the sewing machine oil, or you used to be able to find sewing machine lubricant that was more like a grease. It's hard to put "too much" of either of these into or onto the area that needs unsticking due to the tiny opening on the end of the applicator.
 
Love these suggestions. I keep a bar of old-fashioned Ivory Soap handy for this purpose. Have never unstuck and really stuck zip, but does make a catchy one run smoothly.
 
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