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How to Repair a Nebo Sleeping Bag Zipper

Nebo sleeping bags are available in featherloft, hollofil and mixed filling to provide warmth to campers in freezing temperatures. The bag features a two-way nylon zipper that is encased with a draft tube to prevent air from flowing in between the zipper teeth. Occasionally a zipper can wear out or become damaged from age, improper care or conditions on the camping trip. The zipper can be repaired while camping with a few supplies or significant repairs can be made at home between camping trips.

Things You'll Need

#2 pencil
Lubricant
Pliers
Zipper pull
Seam ripper
Needle
Matching thread
Replacement zipper
Scissors
Sewing machine

Instructions

- 1
  Rub a #2 pencil along the zipper if it is worn out. The graphite from the pencil lead will smooth over any rough spots that keep the zipper from gripping properly.
- 2
  Lubricate the zipper with a lightweight, non-greasy lubricant for a zipper that doesn't slide very well. One common lubricant is softened candle wax.
- 3
  Replace the slider on the zipper by removing the seams that hold the bottom edge of the zipper to the bag. Remove any metal stops at the base of the zipper using pliers. Use a seam ripper carefully to break each stitch individually, and then pull the loose threads out. Remove the old zipper foot by unzipping until it falls off. Install a new one by zipping it on. Stitch the zipper edges back into the sleeping bag, tying the thread at each end to secure.
- 4
  Replace a damaged zipper by first using a seam ripper to remove the existing zipper. Be cautious not to damage the bag itself. Alternatively, cut the old zipper off along the webbing, close to the seam, being careful not to cut the bag. Pin the new zipper in place and sew using a needle and thread or sewing machine. It is recommended to use the same stitch holes from the old zipper if possible.

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