Honestly - It's like so many other things we do...practice...practice...practice. I started out using a fork secured in a small table top vice but now I don't use anything. There are lots (and LOTS) of videos and gadgets to help you along...but truthfully...like I said...it's mostly practice. Keep trying different methods and one will work eventually. The number 5 zippers are easier to start with (they're larger) but once you get it you can even change the pulls on small skirt zippers to suit your fancy. Sometimes I take the zipper pulls off and put 2 different color zippers together with an entirely different zipper pull color. Have fun...don't get discouraged. You'll get it.