Choosing a tractor zipper

The zipper "tractor" was named so because of the similarity of its shape in closed form with the tread of the tractor tracks. A distinctive feature of this type of locks is the separately fixed teeth on the braid. Most often, such accessories are used for finishing dense outerwear (jackets, down jackets) due to its larger teeth and bulky appearance compared to other types of zippers.

The main distinguishing features of tractor locks are high wear resistance, resistance to breakage with repeated use. The teeth on such products are designed in a special way: they do not bend, deform and do not break, adhere firmly to the braid (provided that the product is of good quality). They are used in the manufacture of tents and sleeping bags. The zipper easily transfers loads and frequent use.

Due to their special design, the runners easily slide over tractor zippers, they rarely jam and fail. With correct and careful use, parts of clothing, lining or fur do not get stuck between the teeth, the appearance of the product is preserved. Even in the absence of several teeth on the tape, the zipper continues to work and perform its function.

The specially designed shape of the cloves (reminiscent of a small mushroom) provides a secure grip between them. The plastic teeth and metal runners are resistant to a variety of household chemical cleaners.

Tractor locks are often used when sewing shoes and bags (especially sports, travel backpacks and even suitcases).

Tractor zippers come in one of 3 main types:

• one-piece, when the canvases with teeth are fastened at the bottom;
• detachable when the tapes are not fastened;
• with two locks (two-lock), when there are two runners on the braid.

One-piece options are used when sewing skirts, trousers and other similar things. They can be found on the necks of sweaters and sweatshirts. The detachable single-lock tractor version is suitable for things that need to be fully unbuttoned, for example: for jackets or bomber jackets.

Two-lock options are optimal for long clothes (down jacket or long sweatshirt). Also, zippers with 2 tongues are often used for sewing bags and backpacks. Tractor locks, like all other types of products, are divided according to typology depending on the size of the teeth (the width of the links). The most common sizes are types 3, 5, 8 and 10. The numbers are the width of the links in millimeters. For example, type 12 means that the width of the tooth in the product is 12 mm.

The quality of the product as a whole will largely depend on the density of the braid. This parameter for the material is indicated in grams per square meter. The higher the indicator, the better and denser the braid. High-density swatches are more convenient to sew on to the garment, and the lock holds more firmly. The high density of the tape ensures easy sliding of the slider, the zipper remains even and straight, does not deform or become wavy when sewn to the product.

Zippers can be divided according to the type of "dog" used (slider). They are of 3 types:

• a haberdashery lock, on which the "dog" moves freely along the zipper and is not fixed on it;
• semi-automatic lock, where the "dog" is fastened with a zipper when the tongue is pulled down;
• automatic lock, on which the "dog" has a special mechanism for blocking the slider.

The type of lock is selected depending on the type of product. For skirts and trousers, semi-automatic varieties are suitable. And for special protective clothing (overalls), it is better to take the automatic option.

In haberdashery shops you can find tractor zippers of various types and purposes, for example: with reflective elements, a rocker lock, roll-up, split two-lock and many others. Reflective zippers are often used for tracksuits and children's jackets. These elements are applied to the braid along the entire length, along the teeth.

As for the color scheme, you can choose plain zippers or with a contrasting combination of colors (when the braid is white or black, and the teeth are in a bright contrasting color).

The length of the braid can be different, it all depends on your requirements. The size range of zippers is very large and varied. For outerwear, varieties with large teeth with a length of 65, 70, 80 or 110 cm are suitable.And for skirts, trousers or the design of pockets or necklines, zippers with smaller teeth (type 3, for example) up to 16-18 cm long are optimal.

When choosing a tractor zipper (and any other) for clothing or accessories, first of all, you need to pay attention to the quality of the product. At the time of buying:

• the braid should be evenly colored, dense and of decent quality;
• the zipper teeth must be the same size, made of solid and durable material;
• the teeth should be evenly spaced along the entire length;
• in the case of a detachable zipper, there should be bartacks at the ends of the tape so that the slider does not jump out;
• for a quality product, the slider slides along the canvas easily, effortlessly.