Zipper problems on new Rainbow Country

[hungapotamus]

I purchased a new jacket from Japan a month ago the Rainbow Country Highwayman and the zipper is malfunctioning already. I've taken pics to illustrate the problem:

I've lubricated the teeth with Vaseline and clamped down on the zipper head with pliers tooth by tooth as I move the head up the zipper. The separation starts early so I "think" it's because the edge of the zipper insert is set too deep between the leather panels? I'm not sure.

I was going to try DIY installing a new zipper head but will that even work if the zipper insert is set too deep between the leather?

If I go this route will I be able to use a bigger and robust zipper head like a #8 if this zipper is a #5 (I'm guessing the size, not sure).

I've spent a lot on the jacket so I'd like to avoid going to a leather jacket shop to get the work done.

 

[MrProper]

In the second picture, it looks as if the right/rear pin is bent. Try to straighten it out.
I had the same problem with a zip with the same fault pattern. Straightening it helped.

 

[photo2u]

Use a pencil to remove all the baseline. Teeth need friction to stay engage. The pin might not be the problem. How about a short video demonstrating the problems?

 

[hungapotamus]

Well it looks like I made the problem a hell of a lot worse. I tried straightening the right rear pin. The zipper pull was already bent.

 

[photo2u]

Pull or slider are not big deal. I think your male pin in not going down enough in the female box. Plenty of talon #5 sliders/pull in ebay. If you can not find one, I can send for free a 1950s NOS slider/pull. You pay shipping.

 

[hungapotamus]

I couldn't upload the video to this website I keep getting an error. Here it is on another website. I basically broke the zipper pull off of the head trying to pull it up. I think I need to replace the zipper head - I'd like to use a size bigger than #5, will #8 will that work on this jacket?

https://streamable.com/hlcbdn

 

[photo2u]

I couldn't upload the video to this website I keep getting an error. Here it is on another website. I basically broke the zipper pull off of the head trying to pull it up. I think I need to replace the zipper head - I'd like to use a size bigger than #5, will #8 will that work on this jacket?

https://streamable.com/hlcbdn

It looks to me, the male pin in not seating properly. Try just pulling the male section down. That should allow the teeth to seat properly on top of each other.

 

[photo2u]

Please stop pulling so hard. You will be going to create more damage to the zipper tape. I already notice one of the teeth pulling up too much from the tape chain. First, carefully push the mentioned teeth down. Second, when you insert the male pin to the female box, pull the slider slowly. It should slide normally. If it does not, the zipper male in not down enough for smooth teeth to teeth engagement. That is the key. Your teeth are not seating correctly. Try and try, Until this happens. Zippers always work when they seat properly.

 

[Bennarion]

The teeth on the zipper should be staggered

 

[hungapotamus]

Please stop pulling so hard. You will be going to create more damage to the zipper tape. I already notice one of the teeth pulling up too much from the tape chain. First, carefully push the mentioned teeth down. Second, when you insert the male pin to the female box, pull the slider slowly. It should slide normally. If it does not, the zipper male in not down enough for smooth teeth to teeth engagement. That is the key. Your teeth are not seating correctly. Try and try, Until this happens. Zippers always work when they seat properly.

I think you're right the teeth aren't catching or aligned correctly.

First , it requires some force to "stuff" the male pin into the zipper head so I think I may have clamped the zipper head too hard with pliers.

Second, the zipper head does not easily zip up it requires some force. I make sure the male pin is fully seated in the female slot but the first few teeth fail to connect properly.

I'm also a little worried about the male insert being warped, possibly frayed from pulling too hard Also the first set of teeth are they supposed to be this close to the male pin?

 

[Bennarion]

It looks to me, the male pin in not seating properly. Try just pulling the male section down. That should allow the teeth to seat properly on top of each other.

It needs to be inserted to the end