Whether metal or plastic, zippers have changed the way we dress or store things. The zipper was invented in the mid-1800s, and since then it has been improved to a near-perfect closure like the one we have today.

The almost is certainly no accident. Although very useful, zippers can get stuck frequently, or they can lose “teeth,” making them difficult to close.

The reasons why a zipper stops working are many, and for each of them, below, we suggest a solution.

Zipper leaking from the rails

Hold the zipper rails firmly in place with pliers, and simultaneously open the side with a flathead screwdriver.

The opening you need to create should be small, just enough to make the spilled tooth retract.