Zipper Terminology
Zipper terminology refers to the specific vocabulary and terms associated with zippers, which are fastening devices used in clothing, bags, and other items to join two pieces of fabric together. Understanding these terms can be helpful when discussing, purchasing, or working with zippers in various applications.
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
