The Basics of Metal Zippers

Metal zippers are zippers, zips, zip fasteners, or flies with the binding edges composed of individual metal pieces molded into shape, set on zipper tape at regular intervals. Metal zippers are primarily made of aluminum, nickel, and brass. Considering their durability, these are mainly used in work-wear, jeans, heavy-duty garments, and heavy luggage that should withstand tough washing and high strength. Metal zippers are the oldest kind of workable zippers that were Gideon Sundback invented as an improved version of the Clasp Locker of Whitcomb Judson that mainly consisted of a hook and eye shoe fastener. 

Metal zippers are composed of two rows of metal-made protruding teeth. These metal teeth may be made of nickel, brass, or aluminum and these are meant to interlock similar to clasped hands that link the rows. This then creates the Continuous Clothing Closure like how Elias Howe would have called it.

To make it possible, the metal zipper is often fitted with slider usually made of metal. This slider is being manually operated and depending on its movement’s direction, the two rows of the protruding metal teeth either are separated or interlocked. It then allows a partial or full fastening of the zipper which depends on the preference of the user.

A metal zipper is most effective once used on thick or heavy weight materials like leather or denim, among other types of heavy-duty fabrics. The zippers can be commonly found in denim jackets and trousers, shoes, bags, heavy luggage, and leather outfits.

Metal zippers can also be found in a wide array of designs depending on their intended use, which includes two way closed-ended, two way open-ended, and open-ended designs, just to name a few. These designs are made through sewing one of the zipper’s ends, sewing the two ends together, or letting the ends fall apart respectively.

Metal zippers are not like plastic zippers in terms of durability and strength. However, they may also fail every now and then, rendering the bag or garment unusable.

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