Unstick a zipper with a pencil

Rub pencil lead along the teeth and the zipper slides again.

Home & DIYTakes 1 minuteFree

Updated October 24, 2026

How to do it

0 of 3 steps done

Tap each step as you finish it.

1Check that no fabric or thread is caught in the zipper. Pull it free first if so.
2Rub the tip of a regular graphite pencil along the zipper teeth on both sides, near the slider.
3Gently wiggle the slider back and forth until it moves.

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