superstriper Posted September 19 Report Share Posted September 19 so what do you use to free up a stuck dry suit zipper-have not used my suit in a few years zipper hercules himself could not open-I was going to just spay tons of wd40 on it-any suggestions? It is a very expensive suit just have not used for a few years. thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbjpb Posted September 19 Report Share Posted September 19 use a tooth brush to clean the zipper. Likely have some grit in it? Does it appear rusty ? Amazon would have some zipper cleaning products. After cleaning it is a good idea to wax the zipper. REI has some too. I don't think we are allowed to post links here ? I don't think wd-40 is a good idea ? Is the zipper plastic or metal ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hobobob Posted September 19 Report Share Posted September 19 It's the mineral deposit inside the zipper slider. Try wetting it with vinegar for a day or two. Once the cruds inside breaks free. wax the full zipper and exercise it for full coverage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gellfex Posted September 19 Report Share Posted September 19 I would sooner use silicone spray than WD. Perhaps calling the mfr would be a good plan. Also, take a good look at your gaskets, I bet they're not in great shape if they're that old. They're basically a slow consumable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superstriper Posted September 19 Author Report Share Posted September 19 thanks for your replies- it is a kokatat suit I paid a pretty penny for a few years back-used to wear it in the salt(I always washed it down) the zipper was always a bit temperamental but now it is just stuck..... getting back into kayaking this season-sold all of my stuff when I got my boat a few years back but missed it so I bought all new kayaks and grear again lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbjpb Posted September 19 Report Share Posted September 19 Kokatat makes a great product. The have a pretty good warranty too. It would not hurt to contact them. I had a suit replaced by them because it delaminated ? It sounds like you have a metal zipper. The replacement suit I got has a plastic zipper. I think the new ones are plastic? If you decide to send it back for service they require you to run it through the washing machine. Good luck with your decision. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Angler Posted September 19 Report Share Posted September 19 Zipper wax lube once working, but you might need a cleaning product first to free it up Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fitzy Posted September 21 Report Share Posted September 21 (edited) If it isn’t under warranty we, I’d use pb blaster to free up metal zippers. Once it’s free, wax it with hockey stick wax. The wax is great on ferrules and the joints of paddles too. Edited September 21 by Fitzy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superstriper Posted September 21 Author Report Share Posted September 21 an update for you I actually threw the dry suit in the wash as I was going to send to the manufacturer as they have a repair service after it came out of the wash the zipper actually had some movement-ordered a zipper lube online and put it on the zippers and opened and closed it a few times and all is good now-the zipper/tracks are metal so I definitely need to pay attention to keeping it clean and lubed.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kinghong1970 Posted September 29 Report Share Posted September 29 rub a candle on the zipper before storage... Yellow Eyed Devils There's no Sense in Nonsense! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreenLantern Posted October 29 Report Share Posted October 29 Agree - would avoid wd40. I’ve used silicone spray to free up dry suit zippers but just want to be careful not to get it all over the suit (ie use a straw). Basic paraffin wax from a candle or otherwise once free should keep it moving Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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