What do zipper letters 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 letters appear on zippers?

So, what's the meaning behind them, anyway? 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.

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 is the difference between a #5 and a #3 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 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.

Everything You Need to Know About Zippers

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).

Are all #5 zippers the same?

The slider needs to match the zipper teeth in both size and type. For example, a #5 VISLON^® zipper needs a #5 VISLON Slider. A #5 metal zipper needs a corresponding metal slider, and so on.

What are the different grades of zippers?

There are three main types of zippers that you will come across – coil, stamped plastic, and stamped metal.

What are the 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.

Are YKK zippers good?

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.

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 zips measured?

Zippers are measured from metal to metal. When measuring a closed bottom zipper start at the top stop and measure down to the bottom stop. When measuring a separating zipper measure from the top stop to the bottom of the retainer box. The extra tape is not counted when measuring a zipper.

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.

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 size is a No 8 zip?

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

What are the most durable zippers?

Why are Riri zippers so expensive?

High quality is what Riri is known for, and is what sets them apart from any other zipper on the market. Customers note a smoother experience, as well as a higher quality and feel.

Who makes the best zipper?

Raccagni. Raccagni may be the most revered zipper brand, having secured its position producing some of the highest-end zippers in fashion today.

What is a YKK Vislon zipper?

The VISLON® zipper is made of injected plastic elements, such as polyacetal resin. It is lighter than metal zippers of the same size. Rich element color variations are created by formulating the color pigment during the injection process.

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.