Two-Slider Zipper Damaged in One Place: A Fix

With two sliders and damage in only one spot, a stop can be pinched on at the damage so each slider works on its own side.

Published October 30, 2026 · 3 min read · Topic: Repairs, Zippers & Hardware · Repairs & hardware

Typical situation

Your backpack has two sliders and a few damaged teeth at one point along the zipper, and the sliders no longer meet.

Main answer · berabags Editorial Team · Repair view

If your item has two sliders and damaged teeth in only one location, pinching a stop on at the damage lets the zipper function normally, and you do not need to go searching for the sliders. Zipper Rescue describes this for backpacks, tents and suitcases.

What Zipper Rescue says

Teeth damaged in one location with two sliders: pinch on a top stop at the damage.
The zipper will then function normally, and the sliders no longer run off the damaged section.
Teeth damaged in two or more places mean a full zipper replacement, and it says there are no good alternative fixes.
Tools needed for installing stops are pliers and wire cutters, and needle-nose pliers are usually best.

What to do

Find the damaged section and note its position.
Move the sliders to opposite sides of the damage.
Place a stop of the right size on the teeth at the damage.
Crimp it with pliers, without squeezing the fabric.
Test both sliders for smooth movement.

What the repair changes

The part of the zipper at the damage cannot be used any more, so the opening is a little shorter or split in two parts. For a duffel or a backpack, that may be acceptable.

If the damaged spot is close to one end of the zipper, you may prefer to move the stop to the end of the zipper track instead, which leaves more of the bag usable. Whichever position you choose, test with the bag packed, since a full bag puts more strain on the repair than an empty one.

Keep a spare stop or two from the repair kit. If a stop slips or is crushed in use, you can replace it quickly, and you will not have to return to the shop for a small part.

Where this answer stops

This is general guidance from a repair supplier. A stop will not repair torn tape, and a bag with many damaged areas needs a new zipper.

Sources and further reading

Zipper Rescue: Zipper FAQ

Three more perspectives

berabags Editorial Team · Maintenance view

Find out exactly where the damage starts and ends. If it covers just a few teeth in one place, the repair is small, but two or more areas of damage change the answer.

berabags Editorial Team · Selection view

Think about how you use the bag. A stop at the damage means that each slider travels only to that point, so check that you can still reach everything you need.

berabags Editorial Team · Use view

Keep the sliders on opposite sides of the stop when you carry the bag, and avoid forcing them across the repair. The stop is there to stop them going further.

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