What do the letters on a zipper mean?

Those letters stand for "Yoshida Kogyo Kabushikikaisha" which, from Japanese, roughly translates to "Yoshida Company Limited." It's a zipper manufacturer named after Tadao Yoshida, who founded it in 1934. By one estimate, the company makes half the zippers on Earth, which is more than 7 billion zippers each year.

What do the numbers on the back of a zipper mean?

Zipper Size

Zippers are sized with a number designation (e.g. #5, #10). These numbers are based on the approximate width of the zipper teeth in millimeters when the zipper is closed. So a #5 zipper's teeth measure approximately 5mm across, a #10 zipper's teeth measure approximately 10mm across, and so on.

What letters appear on zippers?

The answer is very simple: It's the insignia of the world's most prolific zipper manufacturer. YKK is the mark of YKK Group, once known as Yoshida Kōgyō Kabushikikaisha, or the Yoshida Manufacturing Corporation, after its founder, Tadao Yoshida.

How do I know what size zipper to buy?

To find the size of your zipper, measure the width of your zipper teeth when they are closed in millimeters (if possible). The measurement might not neatly line up with a zipper size, as the actual size of the zipper tape can vary, but it should roughly correlate.

What do YKK zipper numbers mean?

YKK Zipper Sizes and Styles: How to Read YKK Product Numbers

Item #280085, for example, is listed as YKK® VISLON® #8 Separating Zipper Automatic Lock Short Single Pull Metal Slider #VFUVOL-86 DA E 5/8” 60" Black. Here's what that means: #8 = chain size (8mm chain width) Separating = zipper has finished ends.

Why Do Most Zippers Say 'YKK' On The Pull-Tab?

What is a #3 or #5 zipper?

#3 zippers have teeth that are 3mm wide, and almost always have tape that is 1" wide. #5 zippers have teeth that are 5mm wide, and the tape is around 1.25" wide. #4.5 zippers have teeth that are 4.5mm wide, and the tape is around 1.25" wide, and they usually have a longer "purse pull."

What is a #8 zipper?

Description: #8 molded plastic separating zippers feature teeth that measure approximately 8mm (0.3 inches) wide when zipped. Often called sport zippers or parka zippers, #8 molded plastic separating zippers separate at the bottom, jacket-style. These are one-way zippers (they have one slider).

How do I know my zipper number?

To determine the replacement zipper slider size you need, start by checking the back of your broken zipper slider. Most zippers have a size number (1-10) embossed on the back of the slider.

Are all zippers YKK?

YKK, the Japanese zipper behemoth, makes roughly half of all the zippers on earth. More than 7 billion zippers each year. Those three capital letters are ubiquitous—no doubt you've seen them while zipping up your windbreaker or unzipping someone else's jeans. How did YKK come to dominate this quirky corner of industry?

How are zippers measured?

For a standard close ended zipper, the length is measured from the top end of the Zipper Slider to the tip of the Bottom Stop, exclusive of both the Forth Head Tape and Back Head Tape. You will be left with a shorter zipper if you mistakenly include either the Forth Head Tape or Back Head Tape.

What is special about YKK zippers?

Self lubricating zippers:

YKK Zippers are amazing, because they self-lubricate the more you use them. You'll notice that other brands of zippers become sticky and gritty over time. Not with YKK... They will feel more smooth, the more you use them.

Does YKK have a monopoly on zippers?

What is this? The YKK group was founded back in 1934, which gave them plenty of time to establish their clear dominance in the zipper market. Over the years, they've continued to prove the quality and reliability of their products, which is how they manage to retain the monopoly on zippers even today.

Is YKK still in business?

The initials YKK stand for Yoshida Kōgyō Kabushiki gaisha (吉田工業株式会社, lit. "Yoshida Manufacturing Corporation"), which was the name of the company from 1945 until 1994.

What are different zipper sizes?

The most common sizes are 3 mm, 5 mm, 7 mm, and 10 mm to match zipper-teeth widths. The number corresponds to the closed-teeth width in millimeters. A size 5 zipper, for example, has teeth that measure 5 mm wide when the zipper is zipped.

What is the strongest type of zipper?

The strongest is nickel, followed by antique brass and brass. Aluminum is a very lightweight metal so when the overall weight of an item needs to be minimized but you still need a heavy-duty zipper, it can be an excellent option. Zippers with molded plastic teeth are often used for boats and marine uses.

What are the names of zipper parts?

How can you tell if a zipper is YKK?

On the back of each slider, there should be a couple letters and numbers. For example, if your zipper says YKK 5CN, you have a YKK brand zipper in size 5 coil.

How do you date vintage zippers?

Zipper placements have changed throughout the decades. A zipper in the side seam indicates the dress was made between the 1930's and 1960's. Short center-back zippers were most common between 1930s-1940s and long center-back zippers indicate the garment dates to the late 1950's or later.

Does Louis Vuitton use YKK zippers?

Most modern Louis Vuitton bags do not have YKK or branded zippers. However, certain Louis Vuitton shoe models may have branded YKK zippers.

What is a YKK 5cn zipper?

YKK #5 CN Zipper Slider. These Sliders are Made for YKK CN Coil. CN Coil is a Continuous Extruded Coil of Zipper. ( Sold Separately) (Nickel Qty 10) : Arts, Crafts & Sewing. Arts, Crafts & Sewing.

What size is an all purpose zipper?

New all-purpose zippers are available in lengths from 4" to 24" at 2" intervals. They are available with polyester or metal teeth that match the color of the zipper tape the teeth are attached to.

Why do some zippers have two pulls?

What is the purpose of a 2-way zip? 2-way zips are designed to open from the bottom of the zip as well as from the top. This is to give you more room at the hem of the coat so you will be more comfortable when you are sitting down.

What size is a No 8 zip?

ZIPS HAVE A TEETH WIDTH OF 8mm WHEN CLOSED (Number 8 zip).

What size is a jacket zipper?

You need a SEPARATING zipper for jackets. Use a #3 for children's jackets, #5 for light weight adult jackets, #8 or #10 for leather jackets. 1-way SEPARATING opens just from the top. 2-way SEPARATING also opens from the bottom of the jacket so you can open up the bottom of the zipper to sit comfortably.