Your Best Plastic Zipper Supplier

Need Zippers? We’ve got you covered! John Howard Company is a leading plastic zipper supplier in the USA. We supply rolls and rolls of zipper chain and zippers to both the military and product manufacturers for use in backpacks, vests, tents, camping gear, outdoor equipment, luggage, and more.

When you need a ROLL OF ZIPPER you aren’t messing around! You are serious about zippers! We are too! Let’s roll…

How do You Cut Zippers on a Roll?

If you have questions about zippers…we’ve got answers!
Zippers can be cut off a roll of zipper tape using several different methods. The specific technique used may depend on the type of zipper tape, the tools available, and personal preference. Here are a few common methods for cutting zippers:

  • Scissors: One of the simplest ways to cut a zipper off a roll is by using a pair of sharp scissors. Lay the zipper tape flat on a cutting surface and carefully cut through the tape at the desired length. Ensure that the scissors are sharp to achieve clean and precise cuts.
  • Hot Knife: A hot knife or a heated blade can be used to cut through zipper tape with ease. The heat melts and seals the cut edges, preventing fraying. This method is particularly useful when working with synthetic zipper tapes, as they can be prone to fraying when cut with scissors.
  • Rotary Cutter: A rotary cutter, typically used in sewing and crafting, can also be employed to cut zipper tape. Place a cutting mat underneath the zipper tape, align a ruler to the desired length, and use the rotary cutter to slice through the tape along the ruler’s edge. This method offers precise and straight cuts.
  • Zipper Cutting Machine: For larger-scale operations or industrial settings, specialized zipper cutting machines may be utilized. These machines are designed to cut zipper tape efficiently and accurately. They often incorporate mechanisms for sealing or finishing the cut edges.
  • John Howard Company’s Cutting Service: The easiest way to cut lots of zippers off of a roll of zipper is to have US do it for you! Just tell us what type of zipper you need and how long you need it cut and we’ll do that dirty work for you!

Regardless of the method chosen, it is essential to measure and mark the desired length accurately before cutting to ensure the zipper is cut to the correct size. Seriously… if you have a zipper that is cut too short for your pants you’ve got a serious problem! Additionally, using proper safety precautions, such as wearing protective gloves and working in a well-lit area, is advisable when cutting zippers to avoid any accidents or injuries. If you think cutting zippers in a dark room or a closet is a good idea you should probably go back to working with buttons.

Zippers for the Military

John Howard Company is proud to be a leading zipper supplier for the US Military. We support our troops with zippers and Berry Compliant plastic hardware, webbing, straps, and connectors too! People often ask us…how do the military use your zippers? Zippers are super important but are often neglected until they break – right? You don’t want to be out on the battlefield and have your zipper break down right when you need it most. Anyway, let us inform you about how zippers can be used in the military.

Zippers have various applications in military settings, where they are used for functional and practical purposes. Here are a few examples of how zippers are utilized in the military:

  • Uniforms and Gear: Zippers are commonly found on military uniforms, allowing for easy donning and doffing of garments. (‘Donning and doffing’ aren’t words our military casually throws around but are fancy words that might help you with your next Scrabble game. You’re welcome!) Anyway…back to zippers! Zippers provide quick access and closure, enabling soldiers to put on or remove their uniforms efficiently. We won’t even mention how vital they are in the bathroom. But yes…Zippers are often found on tactical vests, pouches, backpacks, and other gear, facilitating access to equipment and supplies.
  • Protective Clothing: Specialized military clothing, such as combat jackets, pants, and boots, often incorporate zippers. These zippers are designed to be durable and resistant to harsh environmental conditions. They contribute to the overall functionality of the clothing, providing secure closures, ventilation options, or facilitating attachment of accessories.
  • Equipment and Vehicle Covers: Zippers are used on equipment and vehicle covers in military applications. They enable easy access to equipment, machinery, or vehicles for maintenance, repair, or loading and unloading of cargo. Zippers ensure a secure closure, protecting the contents from external elements.
  • Shelter Systems: Military tents, modular shelters, and bivouacs may feature zippers for entry and exit points. Zippers allow for quick setup and breakdown of temporary structures while providing a reliable closure to protect personnel and equipment from the elements. If its raining cats and dogs or in a blowing sandstorm you need quality zippers to help you out!
  • Body Armor and Tactical Gear: Some body armor systems and tactical gear employed by the military incorporate zippers. Zippers can be used to connect removable panels and attaching armor to vests, etc although critical closures often involve mechanisms such as hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro), buckles, snaps, or quick-release systems, which are favored for their reliability and ease of use in military applications. Of course if you need Hook and Loop John Howard Company has lots of that too!

Bottom line…our military would be a train wreck without zippers. Will zippers ever get the credit they deserve. Probably not. But those of use who work with zipper rolls …we know the truth. Buttons are losers…Zippers are King!

Zipper Humor

What would the world be like without a little zipper humor?
The short video below shows what happens when you buy zippers from one of our competitors!

Who needs rolls of plastic zipper?

When referring specifically to rolls of plastic zipper (continuous plastic zipper chain), here’s how the list of potential users or industries might look:

  • Apparel Manufacturers: Companies producing garments such as jackets, pants, skirts, and dresses often use plastic zipper rolls for their lightweight and versatile properties.
  • Luggage and Bag Manufacturers: Manufacturers of suitcases, backpacks, handbags, and other travel bags commonly utilize plastic zipper rolls due to their durability and resistance to corrosion.
  • Textile and Upholstery Industry: Plastic zipper rolls are used in textile manufacturing for items such as cushions, pillows, furniture covers, and curtains, offering flexibility and ease of customization.
  • Footwear Industry: Plastic zippers are integrated into various types of footwear, including boots, sneakers, and casual shoes, for their lightweight nature and ease of use.
  • Outdoor Gear and Sports Equipment: Plastic zippers are favored in the production of outdoor gear such as tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, and sporting equipment due to their resistance to moisture and environmental conditions.
  • Crafts and DIY Projects: Hobbyists and craft enthusiasts often purchase plastic zipper rolls for creating custom clothing, accessories, home decor items, and other DIY projects due to their affordability and ease of manipulation.
  • Medical and Healthcare Industry: Plastic zipper rolls find applications in medical equipment covers, bags, and specialized cases due to their hygienic properties and ease of cleaning.
  • Automotive and Aerospace: Plastic zippers are used in vehicle upholstery, covers, and specialty applications within the automotive and aerospace sectors, providing lightweight closure solutions.

The versatility and specific properties of plastic zippers make them suitable for a wide range of industries and applications where lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and customizable closure solutions are needed.

When you’re ready to buy your next Roll of Zipper Chain give John Howard Company a call!

Toll Free Phone: 888-564-6469

Disclaimer: The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.