Zipper Bottom Stops

What Are Bottom Stops?

Bottom stops are the small pieces of metal hardware attached to the bottom portion of closed-ended zippers. Replacement bottom stops are shaped like a staple before before they are attached to a zipper. The prongs are then bent down to secure the stop to the zipper.

What Are Bottom Stops Used For?

Bottom stops are used at the bottom of a closed-ended zipper to create an endpoint and prevent the slider from going any further.

Bottom stops can be used when making closed-ended zippers by hand from zipper chain yardage. If you are starting with a piece of continuous zipper chain, you can attach a slider, bottom stops, and top stops to create a custom zipper length of your choosing.

What Kinds Of Bottom Stops Are Available?

The following types of bottom stops are currently stocked: antique brass (burnished gold color), brass (shiny gold color), and nickel (silver color). Bottom stops come in a variety of sizes: #3, #5, #7, and #10.

The gauge or size of the zipper corresponds to the gauge of the bottom stop that should be used. For example, if you are selecting a bottom stop to attach to #5 brass zipper chain, you would use a #5 bottom stop.

How Are Zipper Top Stops Offered?

Zipper bottom stops are available in each color and size individually or by the package of 10. We also sell an assortment packet of 100.  If you are repairing more than a few zippers, it is most economical to purchase an assortment pack of 100. However, if you are repairing just one or two zippers, you can order only what you need.

When Is A Bottom Stop Also A Top Stop?

Bear with us here, all the lingo can get a bit confusing, but when working with nylon coil zippers, bottom stops are actually used at the top as well. The bottom stop gets crimped onto the top portion of the zipper, with the prongs folded down between the coils, and creates a stopping point at the top of the zipper.

When using bottom stops at the top of nylon coil zippers, consider sizing down a gauge. For instance, if you are working with #5 nylon coil zippers, often a #3 bottom stop works best at the top of the zipper.