Friendly Zipper

Friendly Zipper - open-source assistive technology product by the Milbat community

About this project

Friendly Zipper is an attachment that enlarges a zipper, making it easier to grasp and control. This design was made as part of Milbat, IKEA, TOM, and Access Israel's ThisAbles project. To learn more, please visit their website at https://www.milbat.org.il/en/thisables/

The challenge

Friendly Zipper is a ThisAbles project designed to make using zippers easier. Many people require assistance while using zippers because the action requires specific, precise finger movements and control.

ThisAbles is a joint project of Ikea-Israel, Milbat organization and Access Israel organization. In the framework of the project, a team of Milbat product designers and occupational therapists developed a variety of special devices and add-ons that enable people with disabilities to use and enjoy Ikea products.

Who it helps

Our design makes using zippers infinitely easier. The product is specifically designed for people who may need extra help gripping or holding onto zippers. The original design is perfect for zippers on sheets or pillows, but it can be adapted for clothing zippers and more!

How it works

This product is accessible to the public thanks to TOM's partnership with Poalim for the Community.

ThisAbles Friendly Zipper was designed to allow people with special needs to enjoy the quality of life provided by IKEA products. This design is targeted at those who struggle with gripping and using zippers.

The beauty of our project is that it allows people with different abilities to use mainstream products, so we aim to make our design as accessible as possible. Therefore, our design is readily available on our open-source website, and it is easy to download and print independently using a 3D printer.

As part of IKEA’s mission to “create a better everyday life for as many people as possible,” Milbat & Access Israel joined forces to develop a new, revolutionary line of products to bridge the gap and enable more people to enjoy IKEA products.

Tools Needed:

3D Printer

Bill of Materials:

Please see BOM and printing models in the downloadable product file.

Estimated Time to Make:

1 hour of 3D-printing time

1 minute of assembly time

Project details

The build files for Friendly Zipper are free to download from this page - open source, shared by TOM: Tikkun Olam Makers.

Related projects

Browse all TOM projects · Search projects · TOM communities · Makeathons and events