Repair Tool Gets Your Zippers Up and Running

The TLDR Version: A simple replacement zipper slider that repairs zippers without tools or sewing. It works great for some applications, but not all. Buy the 3-pack ($24.99). It’s the best deal and will cover all the zipper types and sizes, increasing the likelihood of having the right sized tool for the job.

Functionality ★★★
The FixnZip™ is an easy-to-use replacement zipper slider that fits a range of zipper sizes and works with teeth and coil zippers that are either metal or nylon. The FixnZip slider comes in three sizes: small, medium and large. The patented spring plate design consists of two slider plates (zipper), a thumbscrew, and spring. The slider parts are made of zinc die cast and the spring and thumbscrew of stainless steel.

The slider easily slides over a range of zipper types (open, closed or hidden-invisible) . It works on any kind of zipper, and can be used on open-ended (jackets, pants or a sleeping bag) or closed ended zippers (tent, duffel, suitcase, wet suits).
The single adjustment (the clamp), however, by default offers no width adjustment, so the only way to match the width of the zipper is to try different sizes. If you don’t have the right size, it’s difficult to pull up and keep on track, requiring patience and often repeat attempts. The idea is to eliminate slack that might cause it to slip off. Because the size assortment is limited to small, medium and large, it can be a challenge to find the correct FixnZip for your particular gear item.

It can be started anywhere on the zipper to help close a split zipper or to replace an existing slider. If the zipper is missing some teeth, the FixnZip glides over these areas and realigns the remaining teeth, which does restore the overall functionality of the zipper. When it works, it can fix most items within minutes.
I tested the FixnZip product and found it to be a very easy-to-use for broken and/or missing zipper sliders, but not so much the zipper coils on my tent. I could not get them to align so that the replacement zipper operated correctly to close them. I believe it was a sizing issue.

Design and Aesthetic ★★★
FixnZip is ideal for on-the-go repairs of malfunctioning or broken zippers. It’s light and compact, making it easy to take one or more of these repair kits on the trail. The instructions are easy to follow and the tool is easy-to-use.
The FixnZip™ comes in two colors: nickle (silver) and graphite (dark grey). It employs a patented spring plate design, and all parts of it are apparently designed and manufactured in the U.S. It could also be considered a sustainable product in that it lets you reuse gear you might have otherwise sent to the trash. The FixnZip can be used for unlimited repairs.

Durability ★★★★★
The replacement zipper and clamp unit are extremely sturdy and durable. You’d have to try to break this thing. It is available in nickel or graphite, depending on where you buy it. The graphite is presumably stronger.

Value ★★★
The way to go is to buy all three sizes. You’ll save a couple bucks, but have the option to try different sizes when the one they’ve indicated should work for your particular zipper size doesn’t actually work.