Where to purchase heavy duty zippers?

[MWGemini 0]

I'm learning to sew, and one of my next projects will be a gear bag for my rig. I've found all the pieces that I need, with the exception of a good heavy duty zipper.

All the places I have looked seem to carry only lower quality zippers, or the sizes they carry are not what I need.

I'm looking for a black, coil, double slider zipper, that is relatively large (I'm thinking size 10, but I'm not sure- suggestions welcome), and in relatively large lengths (I have not made the pattern yet, but I'm thinking 36" should be enough for the long zippers). If I can find a roll of the zipper material and then buy the required number of sliders separately, and create my own lengths, that would be ideal, but I'm not sure if that would make sewing it much more difficult.

Any suggestions are welcome.

Thanks,

Mike

[AggieDave 6]

I just googled and found a crapload of sources.

Here's one:

http://www.seattlefabrics.com/zippers.html

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[MWGemini 0]

They were one of the places I was looking at, but I'm never worked with zippers before (as far as actually putting them together), so I don't know if that is all that I need.

Thanks,

Mike

[Cayce 0]

I've been doing the same reserch while planning to take up sewing for much the same reason. Although I haven't purchased from these guys they seem to be highly regarded in the community and they have what you’re looking for...
http://www.paragear.com/templates/parachutes.asp?group=347&level=2&parent=193

[riggerrob 643]

Any local shop that sells fabrics for tents or sleeping bags or luggage should have heavy-weight zippers in stock.
When sewing luggage (i.e. gear bags) the heavier the zipper the better.
As for installing zipper sliders ..... that is a trick that I can show you in person in 5 minutes, but is a three-handed job that is difficult to describe.
Hint, clamp the slider tab in a vice so you can use both hands to steer the toothed zipper sides.

[MWGemini 0]

Well, since you're nowhere near close enough to show me in person (unless you are planning on taking a road trip ), do I need any special equipment to install it? Also, will any zipper stock work with any slider? I think I've found the stuff I want, but I'm not sure that it will work together, especially since I want to put two sliders on back to back.

Thanks,

Mike

[marinho 0]

Hi Mike,
Gear bags is one of our products we make at our shop. We have zippers and sliders and I actually designed my gear bags.
I saw that you live in NC, so I'm pretty close to you. Why don't you come over and take a look how is done. I'll be glad to help you out!
Augusto Marinho
Rigging Solutions

Gus Marinho