What Makes Zipper Sliders Different from Each Other?

In the same way that zippers have different styles, there are also key differences when it comes to zipper sliders that you should know, especially if you need zipper slider replacement.

Zipper sliders are known by many names including “zipper car”, “pully thingy”, “pullers”, “teeth joiners”, and more. The official term used in the industry, however, is “sliders”.

Identifying the main difference between every zipper slider is a must since each of them is specifically made for the specific zipper that the slider is applied to. Some people have tried using a metal slider to a nylon coil zipper only to complain that the zipper doesn’t function properly.

Here is a quick overview of the differences between zipper sliders.

Metal Zippers

For every type of metal zipper, you will surely notice that the teeth tend to extend away from the zipper tape on the two sides of the zipper, back and front alike.

Since the teeth extend away from the zipper tape on either side, you will see that the mouth of the slider is cast with the upside-down letter “U” with a right side up “U” that slides along the zipper teeth.

When you attempt to use a metal slider on a nylon coil zipper, for instance, the slider will not engage correctly, and the teeth might not even close.

A good tip to remember here is that plastic molded sliders are cast exactly the same as metal zippers. You also have to take note that when it comes to the plastic molded slider, the same gauge size as that of a metal zipper will also work just fine. But a metal slider will never work on a plastic molded zipper even if they have the same gauge.

Nylon Coil Zippers

As far as nylon coil zippers are concerned, the zipper sliders are totally different from the plastic molded and metal zippers. As you will notice, this slider has one flat side. The flat side is because of the fact that the nylon coil zipper doesn’t feature any teeth on its back.

It is important to keep in when trying to replace the zipper sliders. Many people have tried replacing the slider only to find out that it didn’t function properly since they had the wrong type of slider. This is where the rule that one size definitely doesn’t fit all is applicable.

There you have it. These are the main differences between zipper sliders that can help guide you through your different zipper needs. These may seem like small and trivial details that most people don’t really notice or pay attention to but are actually some of the biggest and most common causes of headaches.

So, the next time you notice that there is something wrong with your zipper slider, don’t just get the first slider that you can find. Never forget that they always have key differences, not just in terms of materials but also when it comes to the design and overall functionality.