Hookless Zippers Proper Method of Operation

[Skyhawk]

Hey guys, I thought I would post these tips on how to operate these antiquated zippers flawlessly without risking jamming or breaking teeth. In the past I have sent instructions with every Hookless jacket. It's a pretty simple method but there are pitfalls to look out for with these zips.

Generally, you have to wiggle the puller a little to find the right angle for it to seat against the box. Once you are sure that the puller is all the way down against the box, then you have to insert the feeder tooth all the way into the box, so that the tooth hits the bottom. Then hold down the left side as you zip, so the feeder tooth doesn't move up in the box while zipping. If you do these things, the zip will work flawlessly.

If you don't seat the zip all the way into the box, you can bend and break teeth, and jam the zipper. This is what happens in 99% of the cases of broken Hookless zippers. Also you need to remember to hold down the left side as you zip because the feeder tooth can slide up off the bottom if you don't.

 

[Micawber]

There's a definite knack to getting it right.

 

[Silver Surfer]

Good advice, jay. Also, if you do not seat the feeder tooth all the way, you may still be able to zip up the jacket. However, what often happens is that the feeder tooth loosens, and the zipper separates from the bottom up. Most peeps will man handle the zipper puller to try to get it back down. Big no, no. The best way to deal with this situation is to take the jacket off as you would a sweater (jumper), pulling the jacket up and over head. Set the jacket down, take few minutes to calm down, and begin to pull the puller down, one tooth at a time, while rocking it down to the left, and than to the right. When you get near to the area where the zipper has separated, you should be able to reseat the starter tooth (pin), and while holding it in place, proceed with bringing the puller down one tooth at a time. Tedious, but it beats wrecking the zipper and having to replace it. The most trouble proned are the ones made 10 or more years ago.

 

[denny@aero]

Good advice, jay. Also, if you do not seat the feeder tooth all the way, you may still be able to zip up the jacket. However, what often happens is that the feeder tooth loosens, and the zipper separates from the bottom up. Most peeps will man handle the zipper puller to try to get it back down. Big no, no. The best way to deal with this situation is to take the jacket off as you would a sweater (jumper), pulling the jacket up and over head. Set the jacket down, take few minutes to calm down, and begin to pull the puller down, one tooth at a time, while rocking it down to the left, and than to the right. When you get near to the area where the zipper has separated, you should be able to reseat the starter tooth (pin), and while holding it in place, proceed with bringing the puller down one tooth at a time. Tedious, but it beats wrecking the zipper and having to replace it. The most trouble proned are the ones made 10 or more years ago.

If you can get the jacket off over your head, even better than trying to work the zip back down which should be last resort is to remove the top stops and slide the slider all the way up and off the tracks , you can then easily separate zip and replace slidder.

The most common issue with "Hookless" zips is that people are too rough with them and force them. When they are rough with them they eventually open up the pre set gap in the slider body which causes the zip to separate beneath the slider. A separating zip ( all types) can usually be sorted by resetting / closing the gap in the slider body by gently ( very gently) using small pliers to squeeze closed. Or even better a slider swap .
Many of the Hookless zips of the past were made of a softer metal and tended to open up quite easily. More recent ones are better.
Even better now however we have discontinued using "hookless" branded sliders and now use a "waldes" slider that works so much better and smoother.

 

[Silver Surfer]

Even better than my solution, Denny.