Drysuit Zip Issue

[Bantam]

I've a 6 year old Poseidon unisuit with the self-donning over the shoulder zip that's had a fair few dives, but today whilst packing the kit in the car, I've noticed that, well, what looks like cotton within the rubber on the edge of the zip seems to be coming out of the edge of the zip, and getting caught up in the zip itself, making it more difficult to close.

It's not the nylon on the neoprene - more a light beige coloured rough hemp type stuff which seems to be coming from the zip itself.

Is there anything I can do to the 'fluff' that's coming out of the zip rubber (should I use a lighter very gently and burn it off) or does anyone have some better advice.

And does it mean my zip's on the way out? It's still watertight, but this 'fluff' worries me!

I use a combination of the Poseidon Zip Wax (comes in like a lipstick) and the Beaver Painty-on zip stuff - could that be knackering the zip?

It's the first drysuit I've had in 20 years that this is happening to so it seems a bit strange.

[tom]

Originally Posted by Bantam

should I use a lighter very gently and burn it off

that's what I do, on a fairly regular basis. should singe off pretty much instantly.

it doesn't mean there's anything wrong with the zip AFAIK, it's just a bit of material fraying - however if you don't get rid of it then it can get tangled in the zip teeth and that will cause problems.

[Bantam]

Originally Posted by tom

that's what I do, on a fairly regular basis. should singe off pretty much instantly.

it doesn't mean there's anything wrong with the zip AFAIK, it's just a bit of material fraying - however if you don't get rid of it then it can get tangled in the zip teeth and that will cause problems.

Ooh. Cheers Tom. Will give it a go tomorrow night whilst down in Costa Del Somerset!

[Darren555]

Originally Posted by Bantam

I use a combination of the Poseidon Zip Wax (comes in like a lipstick) and the Beaver Painty-on zip stuff - could that be knackering the zip?

I think the general concensus it that you use wax or lube but not a combination of both.

[drysuit repair dave]

Originally Posted by Darren555

I think the general concensus it that you use wax or lube but not a combination of both.

Why?
All of the various zip waxes and lubes use basically the same stuff to lubricate, what varies is the "carrier" used to deliver it

Solid zipwax is just plain wax
"lipstick" wax is a mixture of wax, air and water
paint on ziplube is particles of wax in a spirit carrier that evaporates leaving the wax behind

The big advantage of the paint on lube is that it gets into all the nooks and crannys of the zip


The threads showing on the zip are the backing material showing through. Normally a sign the zip has had a fair bit of use, but not necessarily a sign of impending failure. As stated earlier, just (carefully!) burn or trim the threads so they cant get caught in the teeth

cheers
dave
drysuitrepair.co.uk

[Scuttler]

Originally Posted by Darren555

I think the general concensus it that you use wax or lube but not a combination of both.

O3 recommend that you use beeswax on the outside and zipslip inside

[Bantam]

Originally Posted by drysuit repair dave

Why?
All of the various zip waxes and lubes use basically the same stuff to lubricate, what varies is the "carrier" used to deliver it

Solid zipwax is just plain wax
"lipstick" wax is a mixture of wax, air and water
paint on ziplube is particles of wax in a spirit carrier that evaporates leaving the wax behind

The big advantage of the paint on lube is that it gets into all the nooks and crannys of the zip


The threads showing on the zip are the backing material showing through. Normally a sign the zip has had a fair bit of use, but not necessarily a sign of impending failure. As stated earlier, just (carefully!) burn or trim the threads so they cant get caught in the teeth

cheers
dave
drysuitrepair.co.uk

Cool. Cheers Dave.

[tom]

I'm glad you posted Dave. Now if something goes horribly wrong and Bantam's suit goes up in flames, it's not just my fault!

[daveb0000]

Well my zip has finally given up the ghost so its in o three's work shop now, so its no diving for me for a few weeks

[Scuttler]

Originally Posted by daveb0000

Well my zip has finally given up the ghost so its in o three's work shop now, so its no diving for me for a few weeks

They not got one they can loan you?