Drysuit Zip...

DGR · 19 July 2007, 16:36

Does anyone know what to do with a 'sticky' or stiff drysuit zip?

It's on a storage bag rather than a drysuit, but I'd like to know if there is anything I can do with the zip to free it up.

Any advice greatly appreciated - thanks!!

D...

John Kennett · 19 July 2007, 16:40

The advice that I was given is to rub a candle on it. Don't know if it's the best solution, but it works for me!

John

RAD · 19 July 2007, 16:46

As John said, candle wax is best, normally once its freed, Vasaline also does a similar job.

If its currently stuck, then try WD40 as it gets into gaps easier.

DGR · 19 July 2007, 17:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Kennett

The advice that I was given is to rub a candle on it. Don't know if it's the best solution, but it works for me!

John

Ok - I'll try that.

But what about the drysuit zip?

Oh - I see.........

D...

Limey Linda · 19 July 2007, 17:18

Candle wax is good but beeswax is better. Also you can go to Halfords and buy a "lube stick" intended for auto door seals. These work OK too.

Pete7 · 19 July 2007, 20:20

Nip into your local dive shop, they sell beeswax for diver drysuits, only a couple of quid for a small block.

There is also a liquid for us to lube the zip before using it, comes in a bottle with a small brush on the end to apply it. Works well once you have worked it in to the zips teeth.

Pete

jyasaki · 20 July 2007, 01:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by RAD

As John said, candle wax is best, normally once its freed, Vasaline also does a similar job.

If its currently stuck, then try WD40 as it gets into gaps easier.

I'd stay away from vaseline or WD40, as they are both petroleum compounds (or at least have those compounds), which is notoriously harsh on most types of rubber.

Diving drysuits get a lube of candle wax; there are some silicone zipper lubes that will work well, but are not suggested for use on drysuits (primarily because if the stuff gets into the fabric, it'll be impossible to glue a new zipper on.)

jky

Forgot to add: sometimes cleaning the teeth with a semi-soft nylon brush (think toothbrush) helps quite a bit, too.

David G · 20 July 2007, 08:58

If the zip is crudded up from saltwater exposure then warm/hot water will help redisolve it.
Others have suggested future lubricants.

As a diver I can confirm that we use Beeswax on zips and the stuff with a brush in a bottle is called Zip Slip.

If you do use these products it is also worth, periodically, sitting down with an old toothbrush and clearing off all the old was residue and then reapplying new.

Hope this helps.

Orve.

Simon B · 22 July 2007, 10:11

As said by Orville, if its really bad dont force it open get some just bolied water i.e. still fairly hot and pour it along the zip. Do this with the zip shut! Then when it is still warm you get the beeswax onit really well.