Sliders provide the easy mechanism for opening and closing zippers. They are made in a range of materials and sizes to match the specific zipper they are intended to be used with, the gauge of a slider is used to match its size to a specific zipper chain. Sliders also have specific variations in functionality and this can change the applications they are suited for. Besides the functionality of a slider, there are also many aesthetic options to choose from.

Slider Functionality

Name Image Characteristics Applications
Non-Lock  
  •  Non-locking function
  • Free to open and close zipper easily.
 Luggage / Bags
Auto-Lock  
  •  Auto locking function
  • The Slider will automatically lock onto the zipper
 Jackets / Dresses / Trousers / Jeans / Pants
Pin-lock  
  •  Manual locking function
  • When there is a lifting force on the puller, the slider could open and close the zipper.
 Furniture / Trousers / Dresses / Jeans
Double Puller  
  •  There are two pullers assembled into one body.
  • Available as either auto-lock and non-lock.
 Tents / Sleeping bags
Reversible  
  •  There is one puller that can be moved to either the front or back of the body.
  • Available as either auto-lock and non-lock.
 Outerwear / Jackets / Sportswear

Standard Slider Gauges vs Material

 

It is always important to match sliders with the zippers they will be used on. Specifically, material of construction and zipper gauge. The following table identifies the standard gauges and materials that sliders are available in.

Slider Gauge Polyester (suitable for nylon/spiral zippers) Plastic Injection Molded (suitable for Chunky zippers) Metal (suitable for metal zippers – Brass, Antique Brass, Nickel, Die Cast Zinc Alloy) Concealable (suitable for Invisible zippers)
#3
#4
#5
#7
#8
#10

Standard Slider Functionality vs Gauge

 

Suitable for Zip Gauge Auto-Lock Non-Lock Pin-Lock
#3
#4
#5
#7
#8
#10