These hard-to-find nylon-coil zippers are perfect for bags and carriers.

Here's why we prefer them:

• Dress and skirt zippers carried by most local stores are too small. The #4.5 size is just the right size for purses, bags, and totes.

• The wide zipper tape makes insertion easy.

• Unlike zippers with chunky, molded polyester teeth, these handbag zippers are soft and flexible, making them easy to sew through. (No more broken needles!)

• The nylon coil is strong and durable zip after zip.

• The double slide lets you open your bag from either end.

• The double slide also enables you to make two single-slide zippers.