How to Replace a Zipper on a Purse or Handbag

Your favourite purse and handbag has been with you through everything for many years as a reliable support — until one day, the zipper decides to call it quits.

But before considering an otherwise perfectly good bag “retired” over a small issue with the zipper, consider that this could be the right time to tackle a little zipper replacement project.

Best of all, this can be done quickly and easily from home, often without even needing any sewing!

With a zipper repair kit from a company Clip & Zip, you’re ready to bring your purse back from the brink. Simply read on to see how easy this can be!

Why Fixing Your Purse’s Zipper Is Totally Worth It

After a lot of regular use, the zipper on a purse or handbag can wear out in a small but crucial area: the slider.

If the slider stops gripping, the teeth stop joining, and suddenly the whole zipper feels “broken.”

Luckily, Clip & Zip offers clip-on replacement sliders designed specifically to fix this exact scenario.

Taking on a DIY zipper repair job yourself makes a lot of sense because:

• It’s far cheaper than purse repair shops
• You can often fix it in under 15 minutes
• No stitching or seam-ripping is required
• You get to keep the reliable bag you actually like instead of buying something new

On top of all that, it also feels pretty great to fix something yourself.

What You’ll Need (All Easily Found at Clip & Zip)

To get started on your repair job, you’ll need the following:

Replacement Clip-On Slider

Make sure to carefully inspect the zipper on your purse and then choose a replacement that matches your zipper type. This is usually a coil/nylon zipper for most purses and handbags. Clip & Zip sells sliders in various sizes (commonly #3 or #5 for bags).

Zipper Repair Kit (Optional but Handy)

These kits include multiple sliders, so you have backups and options in case the repair job takes a little more effort than first expected.

Pliers

Small needle-nose pliers work best for removing old stops or tightening loose metal parts.

New Zipper Stops (Optional)

If the old stop breaks or falls apart, you can add a fresh one to keep your new slider from sliding off.

And that’s really all you need! Now it’s time to get going on the repairs…

Step-by-Step: How to Replace a Purse Zipper

1. Figure Out What’s Actually Wrong

Before getting too far ahead of yourself, take the time to look closely and inspect the bag:

• Does the zipper almost close, but opens again behind the slider?
• Did the pull break off?
• Did the slider fall off one side?
• Are the teeth still intact and evenly aligned?
• If the zipper tape is ripped or the teeth are missing chunks, that’s a bigger job.

But if everything looks fine except the slider or pull, then congratulations because you’re in the “easy fix” category!

2. Remove the Old Slider

Depending on your purse’s construction, one of the top stops might need to come off.

• Use pliers to gently pinch or lift the metal stop at the end of the zipper
• Slide the old, worn-out slider off the track

Take a bit of time to do this right because ripping fabric is the only real thing you need to avoid during this step. If the fabric rips, it’s going to take extra time and effort to complete the repairs!

3. Clip On the New Slider

Now you’re ready to clip on the new slider and this is where Clip & Zip’s design really shines.

• Match the slider to the correct side and zipper orientation
• Clip the new slider onto both sides of the track
• Close it gently to make sure it grips both sides evenly

If it zips smoothly and actually holds the zipper teeth together, you’ve done everything right.

4. Add or Reattach the Zipper Stop

Now that the slider is in place, you need something to prevent it from escaping.

• Clip or crimp on a new top stop or
• Add a few tight stitches at the end of the zipper tape if the original was sewn

It doesn’t necessarily need to look pretty — it just needs to keep the slider from flying off again.

5. Test, Test, Test

Run the zipper up and down on the purse a few times:

• Does it move smoothly?
• Do the teeth connect all the way?
• Does the stop hold?

If everything checks out, then you’re done! Your purse has a second chance to carry on and accompany you on the next evening out or urban adventure.

Troubleshooting: What to do if you run into a snag

If you encounter any of these issues during the repair, here’s what could be causing the problem:

• Zipper splits open again: Your choice of slider size may be incorrect. Try using one size up or down to see if that fixes the problem.
• Slider is stiff: Lightly clean lint from the zipper coils. This kind of build up can make it so the slider doesn’t slide so easily.
• Zipper tracks won’t align: Make sure both sides are seated evenly when attaching the slider. If there’s a misalignment, it will cause issues until it is fixed.
• Tape keeps pulling away from the bag: That’s a stitching issue. You’ll need to sew it back down or get it repaired professionally.

When It’s Time to Call In a Pro

We believe strongly in the power of DIY repair — but if your purse is leather, designer, or employs some kind of complicated hidden zipper construction (some luxury brands really overdo this), it might be time to consider visiting a repair shop.

Likewise, if the entire zipper tape is damaged, you’ll need to replace the whole zipper, which means sewing.

But for the majority of everyday purses? Well, then replacing the slider is a fast win you can do at home with a little help from Clip & Zip.

Ready to Get Started?

You don’t need to say goodbye to a great purse over a stubborn zipper. With the right replacement slider from Clip & Zip, plus a few simple tools, you can fix most zipper issues at home — no sewing machine, no hours of fiddling, no stress.