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We love taking care of our gear and are always happy to help take care of yours. For tents with YKK #3 zippers, our new slider replacement is one of the most satisfying DIY fixes out there. No sewing, no special skills, just a few steps between you and a tent that works like new. Now you've got a trail-ready repair in your back pocket.
If your zippers are separating or running rough, it's time to replace your zipper sliders. Our repair center is always an option if you'd prefer to send your tent in, though keep in mind we replace sliders only and cannot replace a full zipper. If the teeth are visibly damaged, we may not be able to guarantee the repair.
For YKK #3 zippers, we have sliders available to order for at home or on trail use. Open a case with our team, specify that you're looking for a zipper slider replacement, and include your tent model. Once your sliders arrive, follow the steps below to replace them on your tent body or rainfly.
Tent Body:
Zipper is closed & CAN remove sliders
To replace the sliders on your tent body you will only need pliers to cut the old sliders off. If your zipper is not fully open and is still closed on one side:
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Remove the old sliders at their current location.
- Set the new sliders onto the zipper coil and position the slider diamonds so they are in contact with the first closed elements.
- Pivot the bottom of the sliders until you feel the mechanisms snap into place.
- Last, thread the zipper pull back onto the new sliders, you can use a seam ripper or other blunt object to help if needed.
Zipper is open & CAN remove sliders
To replace the sliders on your tent body you will only need pliers to cut the old sliders off. If your zipper is fully open:
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Remove the old sliders at their current location.
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Weave the teeth together in a section about 1/4” long to manually close each end of the coil for the new sliders.
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Set the new sliders onto the zipper coil and position the slider diamonds so they are in contact with the first closed elements.
- Pivot the bottom of the sliders until you feel the mechanism snap into place.
- Last, thread the zipper pull back onto the new sliders, you can use a seam ripper or other blunt object to help if needed.
Zipper is open or closed & CANNOT remove sliders
To replace the sliders on your tent body you will only need pliers to cut the old sliders off. If you don’t have access to the tool right now:
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Slide the old sliders to the end of the coil.
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Weave the teeth together in a section at least 1/4” long to manually close each end of the coil for the new sliders.
-
Set the new sliders onto the zipper coil and position the slider diamonds so they are in contact with the first closed elements.
-
Pivot the bottom of the sliders until you feel the mechanism snap into place. When you have access to pliers, cut off the old sliders so the zipper can fully close.
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Last, thread the zipper pull back onto the new sliders, you can use a seam ripper or other blunt object to help if needed.
Tent Rainfly (Zipper Sliders Opposing):
Zipper is aligned & CAN remove sliders
To replace the sliders on your tent rainfly first check the top of the zipper to make sure your coil is aligned. If your coil is aligned without any gaps:
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Remove the old sliders at their current location.
-
Set the new sliders onto the zipper coil and position the slider diamonds so they are in contact with the first closed elements.
-
Pivot the bottom of the sliders until you feel the mechanisms snap into place.
-
Last, thread the zipper pull back onto the new sliders, you can use a seam ripper or other blunt object to help if needed.
Zipper is misaligned & CAN remove sliders
To replace the sliders on your tent rainfly, first check to make sure your coil is aligned. If your coil is misaligned and has gaps:
-
Remove the old sliders at their current location.
-
Weave the teeth together in a section about 1/4” long to manually close the coil for the first slider.
-
Set the first new slider onto the zipper coil and position the slider diamond so it’s in contact with the first closed elements.
-
Pivot the bottom of the slider until you feel the mechanism snap into place.
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Slide the first slider down the coil so you have room at the end to attach the second.
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Press a blunt object like a nail or seam ripper against the coil to split it open.
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Attach the remaining slider by positioning the slider diamond so it’s in contact with the first closed elements in the opposite direction as the first.
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Pivot the bottom of the slider until you feel the mechanism snap into place.
-
Last, thread the zipper pull back onto the new sliders, you can use a seam ripper or other blunt object to help if needed.
If needed, you can skip attaching the second slider until you have access to a tool to separate the coil.
Zipper is aligned or misaligned & CANNOT remove sliders
To replace the sliders on your tent rainfly, you will need pliers to cut the old sliders off. If you don’t have access to the tool right now:
-
Slide the old sliders to the end of the coil.
-
Weave the teeth together in a section at least 1/4” long to manually close the coil for the first slider.
-
Set the first new slider onto the zipper coil and position the slider diamond so it’s in contact with the first closed elements.
-
Pivot the bottom of the slider until you feel the mechanism snaps into place.
-
Slide the first slider down the coil so you have room at the end to attach the second.
-
Press a blunt object like a nail or seam ripper against the coil to split it open.
-
Attach the remaining slider by positioning the slider diamond so it’s in contact with the first closed elements in the opposite direction as the first.
-
Pivot the bottom of the slider until you feel the mechanism snap into place.
-
Last, thread the zipper pull back onto the new sliders, you can use a seam ripper or other blunt object to help if needed.
If needed, you can skip attaching the second slider until you have access to a tool to separate the coil.
If you are interested in these sliders for an at home repair, please open a case. We can send these out to you if you are on trail, please provide a shipping address at least 7-10 business days ahead of you. We would rather have the parts waiting for you than ask you to wait for a package to arrive.
If the damage to your tent is not covered under warranty, we offer our repair services in exchange for a repair fee + shipping costs to return the item to you.
Call or reach out with any questions or concerns. You can reach us at 877.554.8975 Monday-Thursday 10am-4pm Mountain Standard Time.