Got a stuck zipper? Don’t panic! With the simple “pencil method,” you can unblock zippers on pants, jackets, and more in a flash. Just rub the pencil lead over the teeth; here’s how.

You’re out and about, perhaps at the office or at an important event, and suddenly the  zipper on your trousers or jacket gets stuck .

An  annoying situation , which can turn into a real nightmare, especially if you don’t have a change of clothes available.

Often, when faced with a stuck zipper, we are tempted to think that the skill of an expert tailor is needed or, even worse, that the garment should be thrown away .

However, the  solution  could be much  simpler  than you think: you don’t need complicated tools or expert hands, just a simple pencil.

So let’s see how to unzip and  save your clothes , without stress and without having to run to the tailor.

Why do zippers often get stuck?

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Zippers often jam due to dirt and debris buildup  between the teeth, wear from  frequent use, or a  damaged or loose slider .

Additionally, surrounding fabric may  get caught  in the zipper, preventing it from moving, or the teeth themselves may  not align properly , making it difficult to close or open the zipper.

These problems may seem serious, but in most cases, with a little patience and  a few simple tricks  (like using a pencil to lubricate the zipper teeth), you can fix them without having to replace the entire zipper.

How to Unlock a Zipper with a Pencil

As mentioned before, unzipping a zipper—especially when you’re away from home—can seem like an impossible mission. Yet it only takes a few minutes of patience and a common item we all have in our bags: a  pencil .