Zippers are one of the most interesting and successful inventions of the 19th century (today's form patented in 1917 only). And they are so very useful in self bondage and fetish clothing! Unfortunately, zippers come in various qualities, and the ones, that you have to rely on most, will sooner or later break or fail to operate correctly. I had some trouble in the past and did some research. So first of all, I will summarize my knowledge:
Zipper-line openes underneath the position of the slider
Usually, the slider is too far open, it doesn't pull together both sides correctly. Use a pair of pliers and carefully squeeze the sides of the slider, where the zipper lines are lead together.
Zipper works, but has too much friction
Use a pencil (a real one, with carbonum based core) to lubricate the "teeth" of the zipper. Some people suggest a candle instead of the pencil, but i haven't tried it, might be a bit messy. Others claim, that using a candle creates more friction.
Zipper opens by itself
If there is a button at the end of the zipper, you can attach a short ring of string or rubber to the zipper and "button" it in. This is the quick-and-dirty solution.
Sometimes it helps to carefully squeeze the slider where it joins the two zipper lines.
If there are metal clamps at the upper side of the zipper, these might be too thick or too thin or in a bad position. I don't know exactly how this affects the self-opening behaviour, but I think, this is the part to change.
Slider came off
There are replacement sliders. You have to make sure to get the correct size (width and thickness) as well as the correct type. I think, there are three different types of zippers, which can be told by the type of teeth. Replacement sliders should come with an instruction.
But you can often put the original slider back on, or another one that you "borrow" from another zipper. If the zipper remained closed, you only have to open the first pair of teeth, perhaps several, then slide the slider back on. This is neither easy nor impossible. If the zipper has opened, you have to do it from the other side. If there is no metal clamp, this is the easiest way. If there is a metal clamp, you have to take it off and probably stitch toghethe the zipper there afterwards.
Zippers in self-bondage
Bad quality zippers can be hazardous in self-bondage. They can get stuck in the surrounding fabric, in hair or even in your skin. So, if your release relies on a zipper or if you want to operate a zipper while your hands are not available, you should be very careful. A zipper that simply opens, is not so bad, but will probably ruin the game. I think, the weakest part of a zipper, apart from the way it is attached to the garment, is the slider. A bad slider can be replaced and this can turn a horrible zipper into a mechanical wonder. Another bad feature is a flap over a zipper or a zipper that is sewn in so neatly, that the surrounding fabric joins on closing, or gets eaten by the slider. Especially soft fabrics, such as rubber, lycra or the outer "shell" of down jackets are prone to this. If possible, remove a flap. Better don't use such garments, if your safety relies on the zipper. Also be careful about anything you wear under a zippered garment, this could be caught in the zipper as well and make it impossible to open the zipper without violence.
Zipper-line openes underneath the position of the slider
Usually, the slider is too far open, it doesn't pull together both sides correctly. Use a pair of pliers and carefully squeeze the sides of the slider, where the zipper lines are lead together.
Zipper works, but has too much friction
Use a pencil (a real one, with carbonum based core) to lubricate the "teeth" of the zipper. Some people suggest a candle instead of the pencil, but i haven't tried it, might be a bit messy. Others claim, that using a candle creates more friction.
Zipper opens by itself
If there is a button at the end of the zipper, you can attach a short ring of string or rubber to the zipper and "button" it in. This is the quick-and-dirty solution.
Sometimes it helps to carefully squeeze the slider where it joins the two zipper lines.
If there are metal clamps at the upper side of the zipper, these might be too thick or too thin or in a bad position. I don't know exactly how this affects the self-opening behaviour, but I think, this is the part to change.
Slider came off
There are replacement sliders. You have to make sure to get the correct size (width and thickness) as well as the correct type. I think, there are three different types of zippers, which can be told by the type of teeth. Replacement sliders should come with an instruction.
But you can often put the original slider back on, or another one that you "borrow" from another zipper. If the zipper remained closed, you only have to open the first pair of teeth, perhaps several, then slide the slider back on. This is neither easy nor impossible. If the zipper has opened, you have to do it from the other side. If there is no metal clamp, this is the easiest way. If there is a metal clamp, you have to take it off and probably stitch toghethe the zipper there afterwards.
Zippers in self-bondage
Bad quality zippers can be hazardous in self-bondage. They can get stuck in the surrounding fabric, in hair or even in your skin. So, if your release relies on a zipper or if you want to operate a zipper while your hands are not available, you should be very careful. A zipper that simply opens, is not so bad, but will probably ruin the game. I think, the weakest part of a zipper, apart from the way it is attached to the garment, is the slider. A bad slider can be replaced and this can turn a horrible zipper into a mechanical wonder. Another bad feature is a flap over a zipper or a zipper that is sewn in so neatly, that the surrounding fabric joins on closing, or gets eaten by the slider. Especially soft fabrics, such as rubber, lycra or the outer "shell" of down jackets are prone to this. If possible, remove a flap. Better don't use such garments, if your safety relies on the zipper. Also be careful about anything you wear under a zippered garment, this could be caught in the zipper as well and make it impossible to open the zipper without violence.
