Got a stuck zipper? Don't panic! With the simple "pencil method," you can unblock zippers on pants, jackets, and more in a flash. Just rub the pencil lead over the teeth; here's how.

Why do zippers often get stuck?

Zippers often jam due to dirt and debris buildup  between the teeth, wear from  frequent use, or a  damaged or loose slider .

Additionally, surrounding fabric may  get caught  in the zipper, preventing it from moving, or the teeth themselves may  not align properly , making it difficult to close or open the zipper.

These problems may seem serious, but in most cases, with a little patience and  a few simple tricks  (like using a pencil to lubricate the zipper teeth), you can fix them without having to replace the entire zipper.

How to Unlock a Zipper with a Pencil

As mentioned before, unzipping a zipper—especially when you're away from home—can seem like an impossible mission. Yet it only takes a few minutes of patience and a common item we all have in our bags: a  pencil .