How to Unjam a Sleeping-Bag Zipper

A jammed sleeping-bag zipper can make for a cold night. You can crawl into your friend's bag, or fix it yourself and stop shivering.

Things You'll Need

  • Knife
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Instructions

    • 1

      Arrange the bag so that you have access to both sides of the zipper. For example, if you're lying in the bag, move the zipper to the top.

    • 2

      Cut with a knife any frayed threads that are caught in the zipper and pull them free. Gently test the zipper to see if it moves.

    • 3

      Pull any caught material away from the zipper at a right angle. In other words, pull it to the side, not up and down. Test the zipper again.

    • 4

      If necessary, pull firmly on the zipper to force it over the caught material. Holding the zipper-pull by the body rather than by the handle piece will provide more power.