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  1. #1
    Senior Member Rusty Shackelford's Avatar
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    Zipper Maintenance?

    Just wondering if any of y'all do any maintenance on your zippers or if it's even required, I've received other gear for fishing and whatnot that recommended keeping them waxed. I tried doing a search for this but could only find threads on repair/replacements for the most part.

  2. #2
    cmc4free's Avatar
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    Rarely have ever had the need, but the one time I recall doing this, I cleaned the zipper track with soapy water and a toothbrush, and then applied some Sentry TUF GLIDE. Paraffin (candle) wax is purported to work as well.

    btw, I highly recommend TUF GLIDE or TUF CLOTH as a dry film rust inhibitor, cleaner, and lubricant for all sorts of tools and implements.

  3. #3
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    I have a tube of silicone zipper lubricant that I use on everything. I use it mostly on my jackets but I don't bother unless the zipper isn't sliding smoothly. This stuff is the consistency of lip balm and you just rub it over the zipper track and run the zipper up and down a few times to spread it around. Can make a world of difference.

  4. #4
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    Dirt is a real zipper killer- especially if it is blowing around. Wash your gear often if you find yourself in a dusty environment.

  5. #5
    New Member Fiddler's Avatar
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    Say, I wonder if archery bowstring wax would work?

  6. #6
    Senior Member mistone's Avatar
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    Never thought about keeping my zippers Clean and rust free mite have to try that went to the coast few years back and when I came home and hung the hammock up the zipper was rusted!
    Its a good day to be out in the woods no matter the weather.Mist One..

  7. #7
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    You need something that won't attract dirt. One thing I've seen recommended is to rub a pencil over the zip, I'm assuming one of the soft 'B' type, and the graphite will help lubricate it dryly. The other thing is not to over-stress the zip, using it to pull fabric together for example.
    Better weight than wisdom, a traveller cannot carry - Viking proverb

  8. #8
    cougarmeat's Avatar
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    Zippers are important for kayaking Drysuits. There is a lubricant for them that come in a rub on tube and it appears to be some formula of wax. I apply it after every forth or fifth saltwater exposure. But that’s because the salt water will leave particles once the water evaporates. I’ve never used lubricate on hammock or bug net zipper as they are not exposed to the same kind of harshness. Same for jackets and sleeping bags. Decades and decades of use and no maintenace needed on the zipper.

    But if I felt is was sticking, sure - a cleaning and some lube.
    In order to see what few have seen, you must go where few have gone. And DO what few have done.

  9. #9
    Senior Member Rusty Shackelford's Avatar
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    Thanks for all the helpful replies guys, just wanted to make sure I'm taking proper care of my equipment

  10. #10
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    Frequency of cleaning for me is completely based on where the zipper has been. If I'm in a dusty or sandy environment, I'll probably brush & lube at the end of the trip. If I've been in clean environments, I am may go a year without any kind of cleaning.

    For me the main rule of thumb is fairly obvious, which is just to never force a zipper. If it doesn't wanna go, it needs to be brushed & or lubed.

    Personally, I've never needed to replace a zipper on any of my gear!

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