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It is impossible to imagine life without the zip. The forerunner of the zip was invented at the end of the 19th century by the American Whitcomb L. Judson. However, it was Gideon Sundback who really made the zip practical, improving it significantly from 1913 onwards and thus creating the basis for today's model.
The "zip" owes its name to the characteristic sound it makes when opening and closing. From the 1930s, it found its way into the fashion world and increasingly replaced buttons and hooks. Today, the zip is an inconspicuous but indispensable component - and fortunately can be repaired in many cases.
Most common defect: The slider runs but no longer closes. Result: The jacket opens again below the slider. The solution: Use a pair of pliers to carefully squeeze the side of the slider slightly. Test whether the teeth engage properly again.
Proceed step by step - too much pressure can destroy the slider. You can find the instructions below. If the tape is torn or several teeth are missing, you can also have the entire zip replaced. You don't have to throw away a jacket because of this.
DYI: How to repair the most common zip defect yourself
You need flat-nose pliers, a light and a sure instinct. This is how it works.
Interview with Christiane Gawlik: "Everything from a forty-year-old retro rucksack to an almost brand-new item."
BIKE: Christiane, you have workshops in 18 branches. People can bring in or send in products of any brand here. What are the most common defects?
CHRISTIANE GAWLIK: Broken zips or tears are the most common issues that end up on our desk. Then there are classic service jobs such as washing and waterproofing functional clothing and hiking boots. More than 45,000 repairs in 2025 alone - and the curve is still pointing upwards.
There is a price list on your website - but the prices are still set individually. Why is that?
Quite simply: not all defects are the same. A broken zip slider can be replaced quickly. However, if the teeth are damaged, the entire zip has to be removed - which is much more time-consuming. It starts at around 13 euros, return shipping is already included for returned products. For two-way zips and more complex defects, the cost is significantly higher.
The situation is similar for seams: Some can be repaired quickly, others are technically demanding. We do not take any risks with safety-relevant products such as climbing equipment or shoe soles - we always send these to the manufacturer.
Is repairing now an economic factor for you or above all a sustainability issue?
The costs must of course be covered. However, our focus is clearly on sustainability and responsibility - including towards our own products. The aim is to give them as long a life as possible. And: We give a two-year warranty on every repair.
How old are the products that end up on your repair table?
The range is huge. From forty-year-old retro rucksacks to almost brand new items, everything is included. One unforgettable item is an ancient walking stick that - according to the customer's note - had been nibbled on by a donkey. Or a high-quality tent that the owner had erected in the garden as a test and had forgotten the robotic lawnmower. The corners had been badly chipped - but in the end we were able to make the tent fully functional again.
When is the best time to send in products?
Shortly before and after the summer season, experience shows that it gets crowded because many people check their outdoor equipment then. Simple repairs such as a faulty zip can usually be repaired on site - if you are there, you can often take the item back with you straight away. At peak times, however, it can take a week or longer to process the repair.
Repair services at a glance
These companies offer repair services. For their own products but also for other people's clothes.
Patagonia
The California brand is considered a pioneer when it comes to sustainability. Only its own products are repaired, but often free of charge, e.g. in Munich and Berlin. Can also be sent in. Products from other manufacturers are also repaired on the Worn Wear Tour with a mobile workshop.
Vaude
The manufacturer from Lake Constance also offers a repair service for third-party products - individual cost estimates are often provided here. Vaude also cooperates with Globetrotter branches.
Deuter
Deuter repaired Only our own products. If the defect is not due to material or manufacturing faults, a cost estimate will be drawn up.
Decathlon
The outdoor discount giant also offers Repairs - also for third-party products. Due to the large number of branches, it makes sense to visit us on site, where the price can be agreed.
>> Decathlon launches offensive to repair sporting goods
Laurin Lehner
Editor
