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Interlocking Slide Fastener Construction
Shortening an Interlocking Slide Fastener

Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 2 - Aviation theories and other practices
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239.309 Figure 10-20.-Slide fastener pull tabs. A brief inspection will determine whether a slider (or pull tab) is the locking or nonlocking type. Always be certain that the pull tab is lifted at right angles to the slider before attempting to remove the locking type. The relative positions of the pull tabs are shown in figure 10-20. Interlocking Slide Fastener Tools In addition to common tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, awls, knives, scissors, and needles, a well-equipped slide fastener kit should be included in the parachute loft equipment. The interlocking slide fastener kit (zipper repair kit) contains all the parts necessary to repair any size or type of interlocking slide fastener, plus the following special tools: end cutters, or nippers, used for removing stops and teeth; stop-closing pliers, specially designed to span over the slider and clamp the stops in position; and pull-up pliers, designed to close the slider without a pull tab. Another handy tool in slide fastener repair is an awl with a bent tip. This tool maybe used to close the chain by hand. Interlocking Slide Fastener Repair A torn or ripped interlocking slide fastener bead cannot be repaired, but should be replaced with a complete new interlocking slide fastener. If the bead is damaged near the top or bottom of the interlocking slide fastener, and the damaged ends can be cut off to shorten the interlocking slide fastener without hampering the usefulness of the garment, an effective repair can be made. Loose or missing teeth and stops can cause trouble. If teeth or stops are not tightened, they will eventually be lost and tear the bead. In repairing such damage, see that the loose stop is in position (almost touching teeth), and then set tightly with stop-closing pliers. Set any loose teeth parallel with the other teeth in the chain, and then apply pressure with the stop-closing pliers. Set any loose teeth parallel with the other teeth in the chain and apply pressure with the stop-closing pliers. If a replacement stop is not available in the repair kit, a soft wire or heavy thread may be used as a temporary stop. A missing tooth should be repaired by replacing the entire interlocking slide fastener. However, in the event that there are no spare fasteners available, a missing tooth may be replaced. This is done by carefully removing the stop from the top of the chain, taking off the top tooth, replacing the stop, and setting the tooth in place. (You should be careful not to damage the bead of the chain when resetting the tooth.) You may run into trouble in moving the slider on the chain. This is caused by the jaws of the slider being too tight, or a dirty chain maybe the trouble. To loosen the slider, insert a screwdriver between the jaws, and very gently pry them apart until they operate freely. Should the slider become jammed with fur, wool, or other material, carefully remove such matter with a pin or needle while gently pulling the slider until it is released. If it is so badly jammed that it resists all efforts, remove the slider by carefully bending the jaws apart and returning the jaws to their original position. Then replace the slider on the chain (described later). Most pull tabs have two small projections fitting into slots on each side of the slider. To remove the pull tab, use two pairs of pliers, one on each side, and twist in opposite directions. In 10-17







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