Coil zipper—also known as nylon coil zipper—is a type of

zipper A zipper, zip, fly, or zip fastener, formerly known as a clasp locker, is a commonly used device for binding together two edges of fabric or other flexible material. Used in clothing (e.g. jackets and jeans), luggage and other bags, camping g ...

whose teeth/elements are made from coiled

monofilament A monofilament may refer to: * Monofilament fishing line, a type of thread * A monofilament as used in a monofilament test in a neurological examination * Monomolecular wire Monomolecular wire is a type of wire consisting of a single strand of s ...

that is traditionally

nylon Nylon is a generic designation for a family of synthetic polymers composed of polyamides ( repeating units linked by amide links).The polyamides may be aliphatic or semi-aromatic. Nylon is a silk-like thermoplastic, generally made from petr ...

. The coil is sewn to a zipper tape to make the final product. The final zipper product is completed when the nylon coiled teeth are sewn onto the zipper tape. Nylon coil zippers have a continuous coil chain made from nylon. When this coil is positioned on the back of the zipper and not in the front, this kind of zipper is called invisible zipper.

Design

Nylon zippers are highly flexible and are available in a wide range of sizes. The high compatibility of the coil zippers is the main attribute for their huge number of applications in fashion wear, canvas goods, and bags. These types of zippers are also the top choice for the outdoor and

luggage Baggage or luggage consists of bags, cases, and containers which hold a traveler's personal articles while the traveler is in transit. A modern traveler can be expected to have packages containing clothing, toiletries, small possessions, trip ...

industries. Nylon coil zippers are most commonly found in

tent A tent () is a shelter consisting of sheets of fabric or other material draped over, attached to a frame of poles or a supporting rope. While smaller tents may be free-standing or attached to the ground, large tents are usually anchored using gu ...

suitcase A suitcase is a form of luggage. It is a rectangular container with a handle typically used to carry one's clothes and other belongings while traveling. The first suitcases appeared in the late 19th century due to the increased popularity of ma ...

backpack A backpack—also called knapsack, schoolbag, rucksack, rucksac, pack, sackpack, booksack, bookbag or backsack—is, in its simplest frameless form, a fabric sack carried on one's back and secured with two straps that go over the shoulders ...

s, and other

camping Camping is an outdoor activity involving overnight stays away from home, either without shelter or using basic shelter such as a tent, or a recreational vehicle. Typically, participants leave developed areas to spend time outdoors in more natur ...

apparels. Though nylon coil zippers are a popular choice for a large number of applications, the use of nylon is now being replaced with

polyester Polyester is a category of polymers that contain the ester functional group in every repeat unit of their main chain. As a specific material, it most commonly refers to a type called polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Polyesters include natural ...

. Polyester coil zippers are also becoming widespread. They are made in various gauge sizes and colors. This makes them well-suited to several use cases.

Benefits

Coil zippers offer higher horizontal strength . Coil zippers are also easier to repair; an out-of-alignment tooth can be realigned simply by zipping and unzipping past it. Another advantage of nylon zippers is its two-way functionality. The sliders can be fixed in either direction of the zipper chain and they will can still function smoothly. Nylon is lightweight, heat resistant and rustproof, making nylon coil zippers durable and reliable.

Manufacturing

The main elements required in the manufacturing process of coil zipper are a stringer, slider, and a tab. The stringer consists of a tape and teeth assembly. The tab is used to pull the slider up and down which opens and closes the zipper.

Applications

;Sports/Outdoor Apparel: Sports and outdoor apparel need a sturdy zipper that can withstand harsh use. Coil zippers are strong and therefore are commonly used for these kinds of outdoor apparel. ;Fashion/Apparel: Like all zippers, coil zippers are often used in general apparel. Zippers are often required in different designs or vibrant colors to match the garments. Coil zippers are easily produced in various colors and sizes and thus they are often used fashionable garments. ;Footwear: Shoes and boots that use zippers in their design need a zipper which is smooth in its operation and has high strength. Coil zippers use nylon that provides enough strength to these zippers that they function well even in high-end boots and shoes. ;Outdoor Gear: Outdoor gear such as camping equipment and backpacks often need to be robust or cover a longer length. Nylon coil zippers have high strength all across their length. They can be used in all the items which need long zippers.

References

{{Reflist Textile closures Fasteners American inventions 1913 introductions