CHAIN: The continuous piece that is formed when both halves of a zipper are meshed together
TEETH: The individual elements that make up the chain
MATERIAL: Refers to the type of chain that is used in the construction of the zipper, such as metal chain, molded plastic chain or coil chain
GAUGE: Refers to the specific size of the elements
STYLE: Refers to the manner in which the zipper is assembled for a particular application
SLIDER: The device that moves up and down the chain to open or close the zipper
PULL TAB: The part of the slider that you hold to move the slider up or down the chain
TAPE: The fabric part of the zipper
TAPE WIDTH: Refers to the width of the fabric on one side only, of the zipper chain
TAPE ENDS: The fabric part of the zipper that extends beyond the teeth, at the top and bottom of the zipper
TOP STOP: Two devices affixed to each side adjacent to the tooth at the top end of the zipper
BOTTOM STOP: A device affixed to the bottom of the chain to prevent the slider from coming off
PIN: A component used on a separating (open end) zipper that is inserted into the slider
BOX: A component used on a separating (open end) zipper that correctly aligns the pin
HEAT SEAL PATCH: The laminated material fused to the bottom end of a separating zipper, used to reinforce the tape to accommodate the pin and box components
CONTINUOUS CHAIN: Any zipper material or gauge that is continuously spooled without sliders or stops
CUT-TO-LENGTH ZIPPERS: Any zipper that is finished to a specific length with all components attached
HEAT WELDABLE ZIPPERS: Any zipper that has a strip of plastic fused to each half of the zipper tape to allow a manufacturer to electronically "weld" the zipper onto the garment or item that is being made, without the need of sewing or stitching