Custom Open-End Zippers

Spec-Driven. Industry-Proven.

Open-end zippers are designed to fully separate when unzipped, making them the go-to closure for jackets, gear bags, tents, and any application that requires complete detachment between zipper halves. At Lenzip, we manufacture custom open-end zippers in a wide range of gauges, materials, and finishes—each tailored to meet your exact specifications. Whether you’re sourcing lightweight coil zippers for apparel or heavy-duty molded tooth zippers for industrial use, Lenzip delivers the precision, durability, and U.S.-based reliability that manufacturers count on.

What Can You Customize?

At Lenzip, every open-end zipper is made to order. Here’s what you can configure:

Length – Any size from 4” to virtually any length required
Chain Material – Coil (nylon or poly), Molded Plastic, or Metal
Gauge – Available in #2, #4.5, #5, #7, #8, #10, #12, #15, #20
End Style – Open-End, Tu-Way Open-End, Coverall, Bag Style, Bridge Top
Slider Type – Autolock, Reverse Bail, Double Pulls, Padlock, Pinlock, Stainless Steel, and more
Tape Color – Choose from our full standard chart or request a custom match
Special Features – Fire-resistant, Water-resistant, FR tape, Stainless Steel sliders
Minimum Order – Starting at just 25 units—ideal for sampling, pilot runs, or full-scale production

What Is an Open-End Zipper?

An open-end zipper (also known as a separating zipper) features a box and pin mechanism at the base, allowing the two sides of the chain to completely disconnect. This type of zipper is ideal for jackets, outerwear, tactical gear, tents, and any item that requires quick and full separation.

How it compares:

Closed-End Zipper: Bottom remains sealed; used for pants, pockets, bags
Tu-Way Open-End: Two sliders for top and bottom access; great for coats and outerwear
Coverall Style: One end open, one closed; used in overalls, protective suits, and industrial gear
Bag Style: Both ends closed; two sliders meet in the middle—ideal for duffel bags and storage cases
Bridge Top: Closed-end with one slider; often found in pockets or the interior of purses and handbags

Other Zipper Styles:

Open End

Typically used on the front of jackets, can also be used on any items that require the zipper halves to fully detach from each other.

Closed End

Use for pants, sleeves on leather jackets, purses, tents or any application where a single slider, one-way closed end zipper is needed.

Tu-Way Open End

This zipper style has two sliders and can be opened from the top and/or bottom. Great type of zipper for heavy winter coats where more leg room may be needed for driving the car, while still keeping the top slider zipped up.

Coverall

As the name implies, this zipper is used on coveralls (overalls). One end is open and one end is closed. This zipper may be used on the legs of coveralls or used as the front zipper in coveralls.

Bag Style

This zipper works well for bags or any application that would benefit from a zipper that is closed at each end but allows for quick access by having two sliders. When the zipper is closed, the sliders meet in the middle (or any point on the zipper).

Bridge Top

This style of zipper is typically used on pockets or inside of purses. Both ends of the zipper are closed and the zipper has one slider.

Zipper Chain Materials: Coil, Molded, and Metal Explained

The chain type refers to the material and structure of the interlocking teeth on a zipper. Common options include nylon coil, molded plastic, and metal chains. Coil chains are lightweight and flexible, molded chains offer durability and resistance to moisture, and metal chains provide strength and a classic appearance. Each chain type is suited to different applications, from jackets and bags to tents, uniforms, and industrial gear.

Coil

Nylon or Polyester

Flexible, lightweight, abrasion-resistant. Smooth operation with self-healing properties. Ideal for apparel, tents, bags, and luggage. Available Gauges: #2, #4.5, #5, #7, #8

Molded Plastic

Molded Tooth

Durable, chunky plastic teeth molded directly to the tape. Withstands dirt and moisture; ideal for outerwear and gear. Available Gauges: #5, #7, #10, #12, #15, #20

Metal

Brass, Antique, Black Oxidized

Classic finish, heavy-duty durability. Optional Fire Resistant (FR) variants. Preferred for leather goods, denim, safety wear. Available Gauges: #5, #10

Specialty Chains

Fire and Water Resistant

Fire Resistant: Designed to meet industrial and safety standards. Water Resistant: Engineered with laminated tape to repel water.

Slider Options

We offer a full range of high-quality zipper sliders designed to complement our custom open-end zippers across all chain types and gauges. Whether you’re building jackets, gear bags, industrial covers, or marine equipment, the right slider ensures smooth operation, secure closure, and long-term durability. Our Autolock sliders are ideal for most apparel and gear applications—locking automatically to prevent unwanted movement. Options like the Autolock Reverse Bail, Double Pulls, and Autolock Reverse Bail Sliders offer enhanced functionality, allowing users to operate the zipper from either side—perfect for jackets, tactical outerwear, and Tu-Way configurations.

For high-security applications, we offer Bank Bag Pinlock sliders and Padlock sliders, which allow external locking mechanisms to be added—ideal for secure bags, storage pouches, or tamper-evident packaging. Our Stainless Steel Nonlock Double Pull sliders are engineered for extreme environments, offering unmatched corrosion resistance and durability for industrial, marine, or outdoor use. Whether you need a plastic long pull for molded zippers or a heavy-duty metal slider for a #10 coil, Lenzip provides the right slider solution for your product’s technical and aesthetic needs.

Customization Options

We build each zipper to your specifications:

Lengths: From 4” to virtually any length required, in 0.5” increments
Gauge: Refer to the gauge chart below (varies by material type)
End Configuration: Open-End, Tu-Way, Coverall, Bag Style, Bridge Top
Tape Colors: Choose from our full standard color chart or request a custom match

Zipper Length:

The fabric at the ends of the zipper are never used in the length calculation. The length of a zipper is always considered to be the operating length, not the total length.

We can make any zipper length you need. Please call 847-368-9000 or Email for custom pricing.

Zipper Colors:

Black

White

Natural

Grey

Red

Pink

Sunbrite

Light Blue

Medium Blue

Navy

Army Green

Coffee

Gauge Chart

	2	4.5	5	7	8	10	12	15	20
Coil
Metal
Molded

- Fire Resistant Options Available

- Water Resistant Options Available

Why Choose Lenzip?

🧷 U.S.-Owned & Operated – Manufactured with precision at our Illinois facility
🧷 Low Minimums – Start with just 25 units per configuration
🧷 Full Customization – Length, color, slider, material—all tailored for you
🧷 OEM & Private Label Support – Trusted by top manufacturers
🧷 Fast Turnarounds – Get quotes, samples, and production fast
🧷 Industry Experience – Serving apparel, tactical, industrial, and marine sectors

FAQs

🧷 What’s the difference between open-end and closed-end zippers?
Open-end zippers fully separate, while closed-end zippers remain attached at the bottom.
🧷 Can I order fire-resistant or water-resistant open-end zippers?
Yes. We offer FR and water-resistant options across coil, molded, and metal zippers.
🧷 What gauge should I use for jackets or industrial gear?
For jackets: typically #5 or #10. For industrial or tactical use: #10 or higher. Our team can help guide you.
🧷 Do you offer bulk or wholesale pricing?
Absolutely. We serve manufacturers, designers, and OEM clients at every scale.

Custom Open-End Zippers

Spec-Driven. Industry-Proven.

What Can You Customize?

What Is an Open-End Zipper?