Aluminum or Brass zippers

[Northmount]

They are both soft metals.  For hardness see https://www.tedpella.com/company_html/hardness.htm

Aluminum 2 to 2.9, Brass 3 to 4.  So supposedly, brass would wear better.  But rugged applications need wider zippers, regardless.

Tom

[johnv474]

The general view is that brass is the most durable of the zipper options.  I should say that this is the public's perception. The point is debatable, but it is a safe way to go. Due to the cost of brass, they are also more expensive.

 

I recommend YKK primarily. They are one of the biggest zipper manufacturers, and have a good reputation.

 

Nylon coil zippers have a few advantages: they slide smoothly, they are inexpensive, and in something like a dopp kit there is no chance of teeth rubbing against the hand when reaching in. One disadvantage is they don't look especially premium.

 

Vislon zippers have a few advantages: they are less expensive than metal, they are supposed to be self-cleaning and usable even when dirty, and they are supposed to be durable. They are used a lot in military gear. Disadvantage: very utilitarian-looking.

 

Metal tooth zippers have the perceived advantage of strength/durability. Aluminum looks dull compared to brass, and perhaps lower quality (looking, I mean). Nickel zippers look better, but are mostly available in short lengths.

 

All told, for durability as far as sheer strength, the larger the size of the zipper teeth or coil, the stronger it is. The main sizes are:

 

 3, used on skirts, small coin purses, etc.

5, used on jeans, jackets, etc. By far this is the most common size.

7, used on some coveralls, some coats, other gear intended to have rugged use.

10, used on zippered windows (eg Jeep), heavy coveralls, hockey bags, etc.

 

A dopp kit will get light use over a long tim.e. For that application I would probably choose a #5 metal zipper in brass or a 5 coil zipper in a color that matched the leather or stitching. You could use 7, as well.

 

[Colt W Knight]

Some good zipper info in this thread.

I really like using YKK zippers on my work when possible.