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Post by gadabout on Sept 22, 2024 22:08:15 GMT -5
I’ve always had issues with zippers on packs, flats boots, and other things that I use in salty environments. At some point, the zipper just locks up and won’t move, until I grab the zipper pull with a pair of pliers. Even then, it takes a lot of wrangling to get it free.
Right now I’ve got a stuck zipper on the inside of a Fishpond chest pack. It just refuses to budge. Being on the inside, this zipper has never been in direct contact with salt water.
Anybody got any good tips on dealing with these issues, as well as preventive maintenance?
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Post by richm on Sept 23, 2024 5:35:14 GMT -5
They sell zipper stuff in the boat stuff isle at Walmart - it is a silicon grease you put on the zippers to keep em lubed up. I use it on my boat bag and fish bag cooler. Can use bar soap for the same thing.
I also refuse to buy stuff with metal zippers these days - have some $100 raincoats with metal zippers, one trip to the salt and they are junk.
Maybe a shot of WD-40 will free up the zipper?
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Post by lemaymiami on Sept 23, 2024 6:07:46 GMT -5
That last part... is the only way to go. After struggling with every zipper that had been anywhere near the salt - I simply will not buy anything except trousers - that have zippers.. Then, of course, I'm given something by friends or family with a zipper and then end up back where I started...
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Post by gadabout on Sept 23, 2024 9:05:34 GMT -5
Thanks guys. I will look for that stuff in Walmart.
I had already tried the WD40 on the Fishpond zipper, but no success.
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Post by jcbcpa on Sept 23, 2024 15:55:13 GMT -5
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Post by conchydong on Sept 23, 2024 17:47:43 GMT -5
Once you free them up I used to use surfboard wax on them to keep them to keep them from corroding again.
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Post by richm on Sept 23, 2024 19:40:17 GMT -5
Thanks guys. I will look for that stuff in Walmart. I had already tried the WD40 on the Fishpond zipper, but no success. It is a squeeze tube in plastic on cardboard. Tube is 3-4 inches long, says zipper on it. Goos before the zipper fails. |
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Post by gadabout on Sept 24, 2024 6:58:10 GMT -5
Thanks guys. I will look for that stuff in Walmart. I had already tried the WD40 on the Fishpond zipper, but no success. It is a squeeze tube in plastic on cardboard. Tube is 3-4 inches long, says zipper on it. Goos before the zipper fails. Thanks! Very helpful. |
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Post by richm on Sept 24, 2024 7:26:44 GMT -5
It is a squeeze tube in plastic on cardboard. Tube is 3-4 inches long, says zipper on it. Goos before the zipper fails. Thanks! Very helpful. |
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Post by gandy on Sept 24, 2024 10:49:14 GMT -5
Maintenance is key.
Many moons ago Walker Holcomb turned me on to boeshield T9 it has saved a few zippers that were previously frozen. Spritz a little on the locked zipper and wait, patience is very helpful. Jiggle a little spray and wait...repeat.
1st trick Walker showed me was refinishing some used shimano tld reels that had whitewashed out to a chalky finish. He said soak them with T9 a few times and they will regain the original look.
Low and behold, he was right.
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Post by Pressure Point on Sept 25, 2024 17:11:56 GMT -5
I usually soak my frozen zippers in fresh water, at least overnight. Or put the item in the washer for a cycle. Then spray with WD and try to break free and loosen, I've salvaged many tackle bags like this. Once free, I use chap stick to lube
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Post by gadabout on Sept 25, 2024 20:00:07 GMT -5
I eventually got the Fishpond zipper unstuck. I’m going to look for the stiff richm suggested to treat all my zippers.
Another annoying problem is the side zippers on my flats boots. Since they are in the water, they tend to get sand in them. That can also cause them to jam up.
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