Zippers come in different lengths. Even thought the length of zippers is being measured from one part to another part, there are some slight differences in how different types of zippers are being measured.

Take a look at some of the methods that are frequently used to determine the right zipper length that covers both close ended and open ended zippers. Hopefully, these methods can help you determine and get the specific measurements of the zippers that you need for your upcoming projects. Don’t forget that you should fully zip up the zipper before you measure no matter what its type might be.

Close Ended Zippers

For the standard close ended zippers, their length is being measured from upper tip of the zipper slider down to the end of the bottom stop that doesn’t include the back head tape and the forth head tape. You will end up with a shorter zipper if you incorrectly include either the back head tape or the forth head tape.

Open Ended Zippers

For the standard open ended zipper, their length is being measured from the upper tip of the zipper slider to the end of the open part that doesn’t include the forth head tape. Once again, including the forth head tape by mistake will only make you end up with a zipper that is shorter than what you like or need.

Two Way Open Ended Zippers

For the standard two open ended zippers, their length should be measured from upper tip of the zipper slider down to the bottom tip of the reinforce tape then to the end of the open part that doesn’t include the forth head tape.

Two Way Close Ended Zippers

The two way close ended zippers can be further categorized into X shape and O shape. These two types both include the double zipper sliders. The only difference is that the latter features two bottom stops in which the sliders have been installed in the head to head relation. On the other hand, the former has two top stops wherein the sliders can be found I the bottom to bottom relation.

For the standard two way close ended zippers that come in O shape, their length should be measured starting from the end of one bottom stop to the end of the other. This shouldn’t include the back head tape and the forth head tape.

For the standard two way close ended zippers that are in X shape, you have to measure their length from the upper tip of one zipper slider to the upper tip of the other. Again, this is exclusive of the back head tape and forth head tape alike.

Allowable Tolerance

Zippers may display natural tolerance because of different factors like the involved techniques used, the operation speed of the machines as well as the tensility of the zipper chain throughout the manufacturing process. In general, the tolerance is proportional to the length of the zipper.

If you are not sure about the length of the zipper that you need, don’t worry because you can always buy zipper chain by the yard at www.zippershipper.com/zipper-chain-by-the-yard to make your work so much easier.