How do I repair a slit in my dry suite?

Tim M · 21 July 2005, 20:03

I was swimming in the river the other day in my dry suite and foolishly didnt put any shoes on (mine just has thin latex socks). I stepped on something which has put a 2inch slit in one of the socks. I tried a temporary repair of duck tape but it just peeled off when it got wet. I now need to make a proper repair, and I need to do it tomorrow (Scott2 says Im going to need it for Saturday

So, what's the best course of action?

The sock is latex btw...

Richard B · 21 July 2005, 20:27

Bicycle puncture repair kit?

Tim M · 21 July 2005, 20:28

I hadn't thought of that. I shall go now and give it a try.....

Tim M · 21 July 2005, 20:47

OK just tried that. Didn't work. The glue dried, but then just peeled off....

Dodgy glue perhaps?

Tim M · 21 July 2005, 21:01

Trying silicone. It sticks everything else, so we shall know in the morning.........

Richard B · 21 July 2005, 21:03

Hmmm, dunno - maybe different material to inner tubes!

ADS · 21 July 2005, 21:23

I would just either order a new foot from these people who are excellent or order a drysuit repair kit. As a dinghy sailer Im always catching the seals on my drysuit, i have replaced every seal at some point on my Musto drysuit since i have had it and I have found trident most helpful.

http://www.trident-uk.com/shop/acata...placement.html

Cheers

Alex

Andy · 21 July 2005, 22:33

You need 2 part glue and dry suit tape - From a dive shop.

You will need to tape over the slit, inside and out.
Cut a strip of tape long enough to cover the slit
Clean all surfaces with solvent.
Mix some of the glue.
Do either the outside or inside first .. choose one.
Apply a thin coat of glue to the rubber, and another to the tape.
Allow to dry.
Repeat with another coat on both surfaces.
Allow to dry.
Repeat with another coat on both surfaces.
Allow to dry.
Press the tape to the ripped rubber to cover the slit ... you only get 1 chance at this the thing will stick as soon as each dry glue surface touches each other.
Once pressed together, use talc on the surplus glue to stop it sticking to anything else.
Now do the same on the other side.

Thats it!! Job done.

codprawn · 21 July 2005, 23:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim M

OK just tried that. Didn't work. The glue dried, but then just peeled off....

Dodgy glue perhaps?

Should have cleaned the surfaces first with solvent - should then work - sounds the same as the proper method!!!

Jon Brooks · 22 July 2005, 07:31

Failing that all working send it to Hammonds.
They do repairs or if needed could replace the sock for you

Regards

Andy · 22 July 2005, 09:29

The method I described will work, unless the rip is messy or very long, in this case its not worth fixing. I have fixed loads of suits like this, changed more socks, cuffs and necks than I can remember ... in fact did my own wrists last week. I dive, they never leak.

If the glue is peeling off, the surfaces are dirty, they must be clean as the bond is only as strong as the thing its glued to, and if thats dirt then the dirt will drop off, undermining the glue .. hence it comes off also.