One of the first decisions when specifying a zipper is whether it should be open-end or closed-end. The two types look similar at a glance, but they behave very differently in use — and choosing the wrong one can mean a product that is awkward to open, hard to manufacture, or simply does not work.
This guide explains how each type works, where each fits best, and how to choose.
What Is an Open-End Zipper?
An open-end zipper separates completely at the bottom. One side carries a metal pin; the other carries a box (sometimes called a retainer). To close the zipper, you slide the pin into the box, then pull the slider up. To open it fully, you pull the slider all the way down and pull the two sides apart.
Our 8# TPU waterproof zipper is an open-end design, with a metal pin and square box, a TPU-moulded top stop, and a single non-locking slider. Because the two sides part completely, open-end zippers are the standard choice wherever the opening needs to come apart — the front of a jacket, the full opening of a cover, or any closure that is removed and refitted.
What Is a Closed-End Zipper?
A closed-end zipper is permanently joined at the bottom. The two sides of tape are fixed together by a bottom stop, so the zipper can open from the top but never separates into two pieces. Think of a bag pocket or a pouch: the zipper opens for access but stays attached at the base.
Closed-end zippers are simpler and often less expensive to produce, and they are the right choice when the opening never needs to come apart.
Open End vs Closed End Zipper: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Open-end zipper | Closed-end zipper |
|---|---|---|
| Separates at the bottom | Yes — pin and box part completely | No — joined by a bottom stop |
| Typical uses | Jackets, covers, bags, tents, full openings | Pockets, pouches, access openings |
| Ease of removal | The whole closure can come apart | Stays attached to the product |
| Hardware | Pin, box, top stop | Bottom stop, top stop |
| Best when | The product opens fully or comes apart | The opening is for access only |
Which Type Fits Your Product?
Choose open-end when:
- The product needs to open fully, like a protective cover or a jacket front
- The closure is fitted and removed repeatedly
- Two separate panels need to join and part, such as a cover and its base
- The opening is long — open-end zippers are routinely made in lengths from 10 cm to 5000 cm
Choose closed-end when:
- The zipper is a pocket or an access opening
- The two sides should never separate
- Simplicity and cost matter more than full separation
If you are still unsure, describe how the product is used and a manufacturer can recommend the right type. The wrong choice is usually obvious once the use case is clear.
Open-End Zippers and Waterproofing
Open-end construction works well with waterproof designs. Our 8# TPU waterproof zipper combines an open-end metal pin and box with a polyester tape laminated with TPU on the slider side. The TPU film (0.2 mm standard, 70A softness) makes the tape water-resistant and dust-resistant, while the exposed nylon coil keeps the action smooth.
One important detail: TPU tape must be attached by hot welding (RF technology), never by sewing. Stitching punctures the TPU film and breaks the waterproof seal. This applies to both open-end and closed-end TPU zippers.
For products that need a higher level of sealing, we also produce watertight and airtight grades. The airtight grade withstands approximately 30 kPa, and is the only grade that carries an IPX7 rating.
Customization Options
Both open-end and closed-end zippers can be customized. Lengths are available from 10 cm to 5000 cm, with 1 m, 2 m and 2.5 m as common standard lengths. Colors are black as standard, with custom colors on request. Sliders are available in metal or plastic, with round or T-shaped pullers, and tape widths can be adjusted to suit the product — the usual total width for our 8# zipper is 36, 38 or 40 mm closed, and other widths can be customized.
How to Order
Send the zipper type (open-end or closed-end), size, length, tape width, color, slider type and quantity. Samples are normally ready in 3 days, so you can check the action, fit and finish before bulk production, which takes 7–10 days after sample approval and payment. Small-batch custom orders are accepted.
Related product: 8# TPU Waterproof Zipper – Open End