Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Every slider for a moulded zip is chosen by three criteria: it must match the size and line of the chain exactly (for example Vislon No. 5), it must have the right mechanism – auto-lock, non-locking, reversible or two-way – and it must have a puller that is practical for the specific product. With YKK Vislon, sliders are not interchangeable with those for nylon coil or metal zips.
The buyer rarely notices the chain, but holds the puller every day. That is why the slider and puller are among the details that most strongly influence the perceived quality of a jacket or backpack. A well-chosen slider runs quietly, locks securely and is easy to grip – even with cold hands or a glove.
How a moulded zip slider works
The slider has a Y-shaped channel. Moving up, it brings together the teeth of the two tapes and locks them into each other; moving down, it separates them. The precision of the channel is critical: if the slider is loose or unsuitable, the teeth do not engage tightly and the zip splits open behind it. That is why the slider must always be of the same line and the same size as the chain.
Types of moulded zip sliders by mechanism
Auto-lock
A small spring-loaded pin system blocks the slider when the puller is lowered. The zip does not open by itself. Standard for jackets, overalls and workwear.
Non-locking
The slider moves freely. Suitable for pockets, cases and compartments that are opened often and carry no load.
Semi-auto lock
Holds its position with less resistance – a convenient compromise for bags and backpacks.
Reversible
The puller rotates 180 degrees and can be used from both sides. It is needed on reversible jackets and on zips that are opened from the inside.
Two-way sets
Two-way zips have two sliders – on open-end jackets the lower one is reversed and acts as the box, while on closed-end luggage zips the two sliders meet.
Types of pullers
| Puller | Advantages | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard metal | strong, classic look | city jackets, backpacks |
| Metal with logo | branding | mid- and high-end brands |
| Plastic in the zip colour | light, tone-on-tone | sports and children’s products |
| Rubberised | warm and pleasant to the touch, non-slip | ski and outdoor clothing |
| Fabric loop or cord | light, quiet, easy with a glove | outdoor, backpacks, technical clothing |
| Large glove-friendly puller | comfort in the cold | ski, workwear |
| Puller with padlock hole | security | luggage and travel backpacks |
Glove-friendly pullers
On winter and work products, the puller must be easy to grip with a thick glove. Good solutions are an extended puller, a cord loop with an aglet or a large rubberised puller with a textured surface. A cord with an aglet can also carry branding. You will find suitable aglets in our general range, as well as cords in many colours.
Pullers with a logo
The puller is the most visible part of the zip and a natural place for the brand logo. Options:
- metal puller with an embossed or engraved logo;
- rubberised puller with a logo – in a colour of your choice;
- fabric loop with a woven or printed label;
- cord with a branded aglet.
For original YKK zips, the options for a logo puller depend on the line, quantity and lead times and are clarified on inquiry. An alternative is a standard YKK slider to which a loop or cord with your branded aglet is added.
Slider finish
Metal sliders and pullers are available in various finishes – nickel colour (nickel free), dark oxidised tones, matte finishes. Plastic and rubberised ones come in various colours. Coordinate the finish with the other trims of the product: eyelets, buckles, cord stoppers, metal labels.
How to choose the slider – steps
- Confirm the line and size of the chain.
- Choose the mechanism – locking or non-locking, reversible, two-way.
- Choose the type of puller according to the product and conditions of use.
- Decide on the finish or colour.
- Decide whether branding is needed and how.
- Test the sample with a glove if the product is for winter or work.
Common mistakes when choosing a slider and puller
- A non-locking slider on the main zip of a jacket – the zip opens with movement.
- A small metal puller on a ski jacket – it cannot be gripped with a glove and gets cold.
- Different slider finishes on one product – the main zip and pockets look as if they come from different styles.
- An ordinary slider on a reversible jacket – on one side the puller is out of reach.
- Ordering a slider by number only, without specifying that the chain is moulded.
- A heavy metal puller on a light windbreaker – the zip opens by itself and the puller knocks during movement.
Spare sliders
For brands with a repair service and for ateliers, it is useful to keep a small stock of spare sliders in the most used sizes. Replacing a worn slider often saves a product that would otherwise be returned. The spare slider must be of the same line and size.
YKK sliders and pullers through Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer of accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags. YKK is a third-party brand – we supply original YKK Vislon moulded zips with the appropriate sliders and pullers, and an overview of all lines is in YKK zips. Send an inquiry with the chain size, the product and the puller you want.
