zipper sizes

[lugnut]

i'm trying to decide on a coil size for a partially zippered footbox for my top quilt. DIY supply has #5 and #3. They are currently out of the #3 so #5 is all that is available. What kind of size difference is there between the two of them?

Anyone got a side by side comparison of the two??

[Ramblinrev]

coil zippers are sized by the width across the closed teeth in mm. So a #3 is 3 mm across and #5 is 5 mm across.

[lugnut]

then a #5 works out to what I need…thanks for the help

[Banjoman]

Thanks guys. I was curious about this as well.

[xxl_hanger]

A #5 zipper is easier to handle, has a better stability and most likely a longer life. The #3 zipper saves weight and is less visible.

[lugnut]

Good info, thanks xxl_hanger

[Ramblinrev]

A #5 zipper is easier to handle, has a better stability and most likely a longer life. The #3 zipper saves weight and is less visible.

This may be a bit of an oversimplification. A #3 will have a much smaller turn radius if you need to go around corners. Trying to force a #5 around a tight turn or short radius arc will stress it it badly and ultimately lead to failure. So consider the application when deciding what size to use. The larger the zipper the more likely it is to snag fabric and jam. Lots to consider besides weight.

[xxl_hanger]

I know what you mean. But I like my #5 zipper and I avoid to have a small turn radius on all my hammocks. When I hang my hammock first it will also not happen that the zipper snags with fabric. It happened only once when I installed my zipper. Under same condition it could happen with a #3 zipper too with most likely bigger problems.

[Ramblinrev]

I know what you mean. But I like my #5 zipper and I avoid to have a small turn radius on all my hammocks. When I hang my hammock first it will also not happen that the zipper snags with fabric. It happened only once when I installed my zipper. Under same condition it could happen with a #3 zipper too with most likely bigger problems.

xxl_ My comment was not intended to suggest you should be doing something else. Simply a matter of adding information that _others_ might find useful or helpful. I like #5 as well and this is my own preferred size but it also depends on the project I am doing.