Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
There are four main ways to attach a zip puller to a slider: with a metal ring, an integrated hook, a cord loop, or directly as a removable handle replacing the factory one. The choice depends on whether the slider has a removable eye or a fixed handle, the eye size, and the puller’s weight. Proper attachment ensures the puller won’t get lost or interfere with locking.
Slider top construction
The slider body features a small bracket – an eye or bridge. On most garment sliders, the factory handle is attached to this eye. It’s important to know which of the two main types you have:
- Slider with removable (replaceable) handle – the eye is open or the handle is attached so it can be removed. This allows fitting your own puller.
- Slider with fixed handle – the handle is an integral part of the slider. A puller can only be attached to it as an extension.
For sliders with automatic locking, the handle is part of the mechanism: when lowered, a pin locks the slider. Therefore, the puller must not obstruct the handle’s free movement.
Four ways to attach a zip puller
1. Metal ring
A round or oval ring connects the puller’s hole to the slider’s eye. This is a universal solution for metal and rubber pullers. Diameter and wire thickness matter: the ring must pass through both the eye and puller hole but be thick enough not to open. A split ring is more secure than an open ring but takes longer to install. Suitable rings are chosen in the same plating as the puller.
2. Integrated hook
The metal puller has an open hook at its top, which passes through the eye and is closed with pliers or a press. This looks neat without extra parts and is standard for branded metal pullers. The drawback: if not closed properly, the hook may open under load.
3. Cord loop
A cord or ribbon passes through the eye and is tightened with a “frog knot” – the loop wraps around the eye. Used for cord pullers and rubber tips. No tools needed and allows easy replacement.
4. Puller as removable handle
Some sliders have a removable factory handle replaced by a branded puller that acts as the handle itself. This looks cleanest but requires exact matching of the puller’s eye shape to the slider’s construction. Suitable for serial production where pullers are mounted before or with sliders.
Compatibility with zip types
| Zip type | Slider features | Recommended attachment |
|---|---|---|
| Nylon coil | Light slider, often small eye | Cord loop, thin ring, light puller |
| Moulded (plastic) | Larger slider, sturdy eye | Ring, hook, loop |
| Metal | Strong metal slider | Ring or hook in matching plating |
| Invisible | Small teardrop handle, rarely removable | Pullers usually not attached |
The zip size (No. 3, 5, 8, 10) also determines the slider and eye size. A puller designed for slider No. 8 may not fit the eye of No. 3. When designing a logo puller, always specify the zip type and size from zips.
What to check on samples
- Fit through the eye – the ring or hook passes easily without scratching the plating.
- Free movement – the puller hangs freely and does not tilt.
- Locking – for automatic sliders, the zip locks when the puller is lowered.
- Durability – withstands repeated strong pulls without opening the ring or hook.
- Noise and abrasion – the puller does not hit the slider noisily or scratch the fabric.
- Washing – attachment remains intact after several washes.
Assembly in serial production
For large series, attachment must be quick and consistent. Experience shows:
- The integrated hook closed with a hand press gives the most uniform result.
- Cord loops are fast to assemble but must be tightened evenly.
- Open rings require care – each must be fully closed.
- If pullers are delivered pre-attached to sliders, assembly in the workshop is eliminated.
Attachment for leather, denim and outdoor gear
For leather jackets and bags, metal pullers are often attached with hooks for a clean look without extra colour. Denim and workwear prefer thicker rings that withstand rough use and industrial washing. Outdoor gear almost always uses cord loops – they don’t freeze or rattle and users can replace them easily in the field if broken.
Common issues and solutions
- Puller lost – ring is too thin or not closed. Solution: thicker or split ring.
- Zip does not lock – puller too heavy or presses against slider body. Solution: longer ring or lighter puller.
- Puller tilts – puller eye too tight for the ring.
- Scratches on slider – ring metal harder than plating. Solution: careful assembly and matching plating.
Standard models with various attachment methods are available in the zip pullers category.
Pullers and attachments by Polkom
Polkom manufactures pullers, rings, zips and sliders that can be selected as compatible sets. When ordering logo pullers, we match the attachment method to your slider and prepare samples. Send a photo of your slider or zip type via the contact page.
