Overview
EN ISO 10734:2016 - Footwear - Test method for slide fasteners - Strength of slide fastener pullers specifies laboratory procedures to assess the mechanical strength of pullers (zipper sliders) used in footwear. Prepared by CEN in collaboration with ISO TC 216, the standard applies to all types of footwear slide fasteners and defines two complementary test methods (tension and torsion) to quantify puller performance and failure modes.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Test methods
- Method 1 - Tension: Measures the force required to pull the puller off the slider parallel to the puller axis.
- Method 2 - Torsion: Measures the torque required to twist the puller off the slider about its longitudinal axis.
- Apparatus and measurement
- Tensile tester capable of measuring up to 1 kN with Class 2 accuracy (ISO 7500-1); jaw separation rate (100 ± 10) mm/min.
- Torsion device able to rotate at (9 ± 3)°/s and measure torque to 0.5 Nm resolution; protractor for angle to nearest 1°.
- Sample conditioning
- Condition specimens for at least 24 hours in standard atmosphere per ISO 18454 before testing.
- Sampling and repeatability
- Minimum samples: 3 fasteners for tension; 6 for torsion (three clockwise, three anticlockwise).
- Data and reporting
- Record maximum force (nearest 5 N) or torque (nearest 0.5 Nm), type of failure (puller or slider break, location), and twist if permanent deformation occurs.
- Test report must reference ISO 10734 and include a full description of samples, test date and measured results.
Applications and users
EN ISO 10734:2016 is relevant for:
- Footwear manufacturers conducting component qualification and end-product verification.
- Component suppliers (slider and puller producers) validating design and material choices.
- Third‑party test laboratories performing standardized mechanical tests for compliance, quality control, or supplier audits.
- R&D and product development teams optimizing puller geometry, materials, and attachment methods to improve durability and user experience.
Practical uses include supplier acceptance testing, batch verification, product development comparisons, and failure analysis when zippers fail in the field.
Related standards
- ISO 7500-1 - Calibration/verification of tensile testing machines (force measurement).
- ISO 18454 - Standard atmospheres for conditioning footwear and components.
- ISO 19952 - Footwear vocabulary (terms and definitions used).
Keywords: EN ISO 10734:2016, slide fastener puller strength, footwear test method, tension test, torsion test, zipper puller testing, component testing, quality control.