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Zippers are probably one of the most basic but groundbreaking inventions. They radically changed both the fabric and fashion industries. Elias Howe, the inventor of the sewing machine, owned the patent in 1851 for the very first prototype of the zipper.
The standard modern zippers are durable, weather-resistant, and available in a wide range of colors, sizes, and materials. Zippers are also used on a variety of items including clothing, handbags, bookbags, vehicle covers, and more.
How Does a Zipper Work?
Each side of the zipper track features a row of teeth. These teeth all have a hollow and a hook. The slide is the one that moves down and up the zipper track. The slide also pushes the teeth together for the zipper track to close.
A high-quality zipper offers a very strong bond that is not that easy to break without moving the slide in the other direction to disperse the teeth. Zippers need all of the teeth to have the same size so that the mechanism works correctly.
How to Choose the Right Zipper
You can use zippers just about anywhere and anything. These fasteners have already found their way into apparel, cushions, recreational gear, patio enclosures, and boat covers. With all these different variants, it can be a bit tricky to decide which specific type is the best option for a specific job.
To help make your decision-making easier, read the short explanation below of the most common zipper types and the specific zipper components you need to be familiar with.
Standard Parts of a Zipper
- Bottom and top extensions refer to the fabric pieces found at both ends of the zipper unit.
- bottom and top stops refer to the little pieces of plastic or metal placed at both ends of the zipper to ensure that the slider doesn’t fall off the zipper chain.
- The elements or the zipper chain” pertain to the coil or teeth or that interlock with one another and run along the center of the zipper.
- The insertion pin is the tiny and straight piece of plastic or metal where the slider gets led into the chain. Meanwhile, the retainer box is a piece shaped like a square that stops the slider and holds it in place at the end of the chain.
- The slider refers to the pulling mechanism that closes and opens the interlocking elements.
- The zipper tape is the piece of fabric attached to both sides of the elements.
Types of Zippers
- Metal zippers are usually used in applications wherein weather capability is not required.
- Concealed zippers, also known as “invisible zippers,” are made in a way that the elements are concealed by the tape.
- VISLON® zippers feature a closure structure that resembles “teeth.” These are made of plastic teeth injected into the tape. These are stiffer than coil zippers and classically work better for straight applications.
- ZIPLON® zippers are usually called “coil” zippers due to their closing structure where the teeth look like “coiled” plastic. The coiling structure lets the zipper bend well around curves. It makes them ideal for “smile” curtains, cushions, boat covers, or the U-shaped openings in the boat enclosures.
The best wholesale zipper seller can assure you that you will be getting your hands on top-quality zippers perfect for your sewing project.
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