Zipper lube

I've got a kokotat suit that I wear.  I rinse it with the hose every time I use it, but the zipper is getting tough to pull.  Any suggestions on a lubricant to help with this?  Salt and freshwater use?

Pick up a can of silicone spray lube from a local dive shop.  S stuff works GREAT!

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ZIPPER INFORMATION AND CARE
 

Broken zippers cannot be repaired but can be replaced. This work may be performed only by Kokatat at our factory; if you feel your zipper has been damaged, please contact Customer Service to obtain a Return Authorization Number (RA#).

Kokatat’s TROPOS dry suits are supplied with TiZip® entry and relief zippers. This watersports zipper is effectively waterproof for surface watersports. All GORE-TEX® dry suits are supplied with a metal tooth Optiseal zipper, which has larger teeth and is factory tested to be completely waterproof to 20 feet.

The zipper is one of the most sensitive component of your dry suit. Avoid aggressive pulling, and NEVER force a jammed zipper. Keep sand and dirt out of the zipper teeth and the closing end. Clean it occasionally with mild soap, water and a toothbrush. Lubricate the zipper with a light coat of paraffin, beeswax or a zipper lube product. A dab of Vaseline in the closing end improves sealing. Make sure you read the instructions on your garment's hangtag before use!

Pick up a can of silicone spray lube from a local dive shop.  S stuff works GREAT!

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What's a "local" dive shop?  I'm not sure we even have one in the whole state.

If you can't find a diving shop, WD-40 Silicone lubrication spray works nearly as well.

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Sweet

Paraffin wax has been my choice for years.  I carry some in my "parts kit" and always apply after I wash up afterwards.  It's inexpensive, doesn't spill or get "old", and can be applied pretty much anywhere. 

Ed.  Oh yeah, it doesn't freeze!

I use a paste form that basically looks like gigantic chap stick. I got it at a dive shop and apply it every 3 or 4 uses. It lives in my tub of gear so I have it if the zipper is getting sticky at the launch.



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That kinda looks like my bow string wax.....think I could use that?

I've used chap stik,seems to work well,your in alasaka /try bear grease.

That kinda looks like my bow string wax.....think I could use that?

   Of course you can..........and you already have it handy.And it'll work great.

I'd avoid using any oily product on my drysuit.  I use a product that looks like snot.   It's called McNett Zip Care.  It is water soluble, because the built-in  brush is easy to clean with just water, but it seems to work well.  I apply it a few times a season.  Also, I'm ANAL about rinsing off the drysuit with freshwater.

As a backup I like the chapstick idea.

What's a "local" dive shop?  I'm not sure we even have one in the whole state.

Try Joe's mining and diving.  They should be fairly close to you.

I tried some stuff that was marketed as zipper lube, came in a small bottle with bristles.  Gummed my zipper up all nasty and collected debris.  The silicone diving lube worked infinitely better.

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I tried some stuff that was marketed as zipper lube, came in a small bottle with bristles.  Gummed my zipper up all nasty and collected debris.  The silicone diving lube worked infinitely better.

That sounds like Zip Care, but I've never had the problem you describe.  A solid stick would be more convenient and could be applied on the water.