Abstract: A side-entry fastener having first and second side strips with teeth, which can be connected to one another to close an opening, and each side strip defining two ends, a connecting block member at one location on one strip, the connecting block member being secured in position, and defining a recess and a connecting bar secured to said second of the side strips the connecting bar being adapted to be introduced into and removed from the recess in the connecting block and retainers for retaining the bar in the recess, and a slider being adapted to slide over the bar and abut against the block, thereby permitting the two side strips of the slide fastener to be connected together and separated from one another, by lateral movement of the block and the bar relative to one another.