Zippers
fail for a variety of reasons. Most of the time there's
usually something that can be done in the field to make
them serviceable enough to finish a trip.
Dirt in
a zipper can cause it to jam. Washing the zipper with
some soapy water and scrubbing with a toothbrush can
often get rid of the dirt enough to let the zipper
operate smoothly.
Sometimes
the plastic components of zippers get enough grit in them
that the surfaces get marked up through abrasion and
don't close as well as they should. The zipper seems
stiff and hard to work. Often, this can be reduced by
rubbing the side of a candle along the teeth of the
zipper. The wax from the candle serves as a dry lubricant
that makes the zipper go more smoothly. Its not wise to
use an oily substance as that will gather dirt and
eventually make it harder to use the zipper.
Zippers
that pop open after being closed can often be repaired by
pinching the sides of the metal zipper closure together.
That forces the teeth of the zipper tighter inside each
other and can often prevent them from opening up again.
Zippers repaired with this technique can often function
well for several years afterwards, but on a trip, the
repaired zipper should be used slowly and cautiously to
prevent a relapse.
