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Vol.3 The hidden lock

Welcome to YKK
  1. 1.
    Student: Zippers move easily when you want to open or close them, but they don't open on their own. Why is that? YKK employee: That's because there's a lock hidden in the slider!
  2. 2.
    For example, the slider for a pair of jeans (pictured) has a lock pin that catches on the elements when the pull tab is folded down (such as when the jeans are being worn). This prevents the zipper from opening or closing. * A side view of the zipper
  3. 3.
    But if you raise the pull tab to a 90° angle, the lock pin lifts up and unlocks, so you can open and close the zipper.
  4. 4.
    YKK employee: Also, there is a type called the automatic slider where pulling lightly on the pull tab will unlock it, even if you don't raise it to a 90° angle. If you don't hold the pull tab, it stays locked. Student: How does that work?
  5. 5.
    YKK employee: For example with this type, the upper cover on the slider acts like a spring. Holding the pull tab raises the entire thing and unlocks the zipper. Student: You're right! I never noticed that! * There are other types of sliders as well.
  6. 6.
    Originally, zippers didn't have locks. But this could lead to big problems when wearing clothes, so zippers with locks were developed. Student: Wow, I thought all zippers were the same!
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