Most kits won’t come with pliers, which are useful for many aspects of camping. Pack a pair of adjustable pliers to help with your zipper repair. If your zipper is separating at one or both ends, has openings even after sealing, or comes undone after closing, it’s likely that the problem is the slider and not the track. You can use your repair kit to solve this. [2] X Research source If the zipper is getting stuck while closing or won’t close past a certain point, the problem is likely the track and won’t be solved by replacing the zipper.
You should only install the slider with the “nose” or the pointed part of the zipper first. Otherwise, your zipper won’t work.
If your kit comes with more than one slider of different sizes, try reinstalling a different one from the kit. You can tell that a slider is the right size because it will fit comfortably around the teeth and track of the zipper with little friction when closing Most tent zippers use a medium-sized zipper. If you have a few sliders of similar size, try sliding them on the track to test which one works best.
Normally, 15-20 stitches across a 1 inch (2. 5 cm) zipper will securely hold the track in place The sewing doesn’t have to be perfect, but be careful not to get any thread in the track or the slider. Make sure the track is secured to the tent by giving a gentle tug to the zipper once it’s sewn.
Make sure the zipper is open, not secured. You’ll need to be able to access the slider from both sides. Don’t squeeze too hard or you can jam or break the slider.
Be patient and pull slowly and firmly to remove the fabric. A needle might also help you to push the fabric through the teeth or slider. If the fabric won’t budge, make a small cut under the area that is stuck in the track. This will separate the stuck piece from the rest of the tent fabric and allow you to slide the zipper over the track.
Fixing or repairing the zipper is normally less expensive than replacing the tent. Ask the tailor how much it will be and compare the cost to that of a new tent.
