Q: Which zipper holds up on workwear pants?
Workwear pants need a size 5 metal brass zipper or a size 8 vislon, closed-end, with a locking slider and a large pull that can be used in gloves. The waistband carries tools and the fly is opened and closed many times a shift, so a light coil is the wrong structure even though it feels smooth. A size 4.5 brass is acceptable on a lightweight service trouser, but the bottom stop must be bar-tacked and the top of the fly reinforced into the waistband seam.
- Size 5 brass or size 8 vislon, closed-end.
- Locking slider with an oversized pull.
- Bar-tacks at both ends; tape sewn with a double row of stitching.
Dust and grit are the usual cause of failure: fine coil jams, the operator forces the slider and the teeth spread. A second pitfall is an under-specified bottom stop, which pulls off when a loaded waistband is stretched. Choose metal or vislon, keep the slider clean and avoid a coil zip on any style that will be worn in a workshop.