Zip It Good: How to Handle Every Zipper Fiasco on the Fly

Ah, zippers—the small, seemingly insignificant fasteners that can turn into your worst nightmare on set. Whether you're a sound mixer trying to access your gear, a camera operator in a rush to set up, or a makeup artist fumbling through a crowded kit, zipper problems can strike at the worst possible moment. If you've ever found yourself cursing a stuck zipper right before a take, this guide is for you. Let's dive into how to fix every zipper issue that might mess with your day, and more importantly, your shoot.

When Your Gear Bag Zipper Gets Stuck

Picture this: the clock is ticking, and you need to swap out a mic or grab a fresh battery, but your gear bag zipper is stuck, refusing to budge. It feels like it’s caught on something, but you can't see where. Frustrating, right? Before you panic, grab a graphite pencil and rub the tip along the zipper teeth. If you don't have one handy, a shot of Windex or a swipe of lip balm can do the trick—just be careful not to overdo it. Start with the zipper fully closed, apply the lubricant, and inch the zipper down gradually. Repeat until it's back on track. Pro tip: Avoid oil-based lubricants as they can stain your gear and make things slippery in a bad way.

Zipper Teeth Won’t Stay Closed

There's nothing more annoying than a zipper that just won’t stay closed—especially when it’s on your favorite camera bag that holds your expensive gear. This problem often happens because the teeth aren’t aligning properly, or the slider isn’t doing its job. First, check if any fabric or thread is caught in the zipper. If that’s clear, grab a pair of pliers from your tool kit and straighten any bent teeth. Then, gently squeeze the slider with the pliers to tighten it. Trust me, it’s a quick fix that’s saved many shoots. Like that time our gaffer used his pliers to fix my bag right before we lost the light—saved the day and my gear.

Fixing Zippers on Heavy-Duty Crew Jeans

Let’s talk about the jeans situation. You're on set, and you notice your fly is down—again. But this time, it’s because the zipper refuses to stay up. If the zipper on your jeans is giving you grief, you might need to remove the metal stopper at the bottom and stitch it up yourself. If the bottom teeth are missing, this can work, but only if you can access the whole zipper. If not, you’re probably better off heading to a tailor. They can replace the zipper for around $10. In the meantime, try sliding a key ring through the zipper pull and looping it over your button. It’s a quick fix that’s kept many crew members out of embarrassing situations.

The Annoyance of a Zipper That Won’t Stay Up

Ah, the notorious falling zipper. We’ve all been there—bent over setting up a shot, only to have someone point out that your fly is down. This one’s not just inconvenient, it’s downright embarrassing. A quick and easy solution is to slide a key ring through the zipper pull and hook it over your pants button. If you’re in a rush and don’t have a key ring handy, a rubber band can do the trick. Loop it through the pull and around the button to keep that zipper in place. Just remember to check before someone else does!

Dealing with a Broken Zipper Slider

If your zipper slider breaks off completely, or it’s just not catching the teeth anymore, don’t despair—you can fix this with a little patience and some basic tools. First, use pliers to remove the old slider, then slide a new one onto the zipper teeth. It’s a straightforward process that takes just a couple of minutes but can save you from having to replace the entire zipper. This is especially handy when your camera case slider decides to give up on you in the middle of a shoot.

When the Zipper Pull Breaks Off

The pull tab breaking off is one of those things that seems minor until you actually try to use the zipper without it. Suddenly, zipping up your bag or jacket becomes a two-handed operation that’s more frustrating than it should be. Fortunately, the fix is easy. In a pinch, you can use a paperclip, key ring, or even a hairpin (thanks to our resourceful wardrobe crew for that tip) to create a makeshift zipper pull. Just loop it through the slider’s tab hole, and you’re back in business.

Preventative Measures: Keeping Zippers Healthy

The best way to avoid zipper problems on set is to take some preventative steps. Regularly check your gear and clothing zippers for signs of wear and tear. If you notice any issues, address them before they become a problem. Keep a small zipper repair kit in your bag—graphite pencils, pliers, and a few spare sliders can go a long way in keeping you prepared. And remember, a little maintenance can save you a lot of frustration when the pressure is on, and every second counts.

Zippers may be small, but their impact on your day (and your stress levels) can be huge. Hopefully these quick fixes will save you if you need saving. Keep some basic tools handy so you can avoid the hassle and embarrassment of a zipper malfunction on set. Remember, whether it's your gear bag, your jeans, or your jacket, there’s always a solution. Keep calm, fix that zipper, and get back to what you do best—visiting crafty.