How to lubricate and maintain a drysuit zip correctly

www.simplyscub...
In this video we look at how to lubricate and maintain a drysuit zip correctly. If you have ever wondered how to expand the life of your drysuit zip then this is the video to watch!

[@ralfep]

Great explanation & demonstration video - I have a Gates VSN Pro 1100 Drysuit which i purchased in 1997! I have always done exactly as described & recommended by the manufacturer & in this video - my zip & suit are still going strong - it works... Great tips

[@DelPhillips89]

Great video. 1 point though. The plastic zipper must also be cleaned regularly. Debris within the elements can cause damage to the elements and even abrasion damage to the slider... which in turn will cause the zipper to burst/disengage.

[@raymondkarlsen9995]

What do I do if the zipper is stuck in open position?

[@greatwhitesharky3261]

He says the zips go on without needing replacing for 3,4,5 years or a life time. Now which is it if you look after the zips properly, 3-5 yrs or a lifetime?

[@haxx0r1337]

One point to make is that you really should not be too liberal when lubricating, particulates tend adhere to lubricates, which then is actually harder to remove. I think Simply Scuba makes a good point when just putting on a small amount of wax on the gate. I would not recommend making a habit of running wax past all the teeth though, but that's my view. Lubricating is one of those "can't live with it, can't live with it" and it really comes down to how well you take care of your suit when donning and doffing and how dirty/sandy your surroundings are when doing so.

[@mikenolzeynolan4635]

Gday mate , is lip balm ok ?

[@salvor1]

another video shows to lube the mating parts of the zip also (the inside seal contact area). So?

[@martin.feuchtwanger]

I've just bought a silicone-based lubricant for another purpose. Would it be any good on a drysuit zipper? (it's a spray on.) Cheers.

[@haxx0r1337]

No, it will make repairs on your drysuit harder (glue will not adhere).

[@jamespuliin2847]

Hi, thanks for the advice. If I have a drysuit (Mares Neoprene drysuit, standard rear-entry zip) with a brass dryzip, can it be replaced with a plastic zip? If so, how much do Simply Scuba charge for this?

[@simplyscuba]

james puliin drysuit zips can be swapped over to the newer plastic zips. Simply Scuba doesn't offer this service unfortunately but your local dive centre should be able to help or contact the manufacturer who should be able to point you in the right direction. As far as price it will most likely be in the region of £150. Safe Diving, Mark

[@iamthearmul]

Thanks. I actually do not know anything about diving, but I searched how to maintain YKK Aquaseal Zipper I have on my shell jacket, because it is getting stiff, especially the at the horse shoe end. I also have TIZIP on my Ortlieb duffle bag, so this video was very informational. Thanks.Lubricant you used is only beeswax? I can't find what YKK Recommends.

[@DelPhillips89]

No problem. I believe beeswax works well as does parathin wax. I would not recommend silicone based products. If silicone based lubricants are used then it should be in small amounts to the seal.

[@martin.feuchtwanger]

Care to explain why you don't silicone-based lubricants?

[@ionspy1639]

Do we have to lubricate the internal side of the zipper; Thank you !

[@Danodoobie]

Just lubed my zipper for the first time, I waxed all of it..inside, outside, in the teeth, and then ran the zipper up and down a couple times.

[@ionspy1639]

@@Danodoobie Thank you !!! I will follow your example !!!

[@Richard1976]

Is WD40 good for both type of zippers?

[@greatwhitesharky3261]

Not sure. But you can buy the wax off eBay for a fraction of the price than what dive centres charge.

[@wormhole331]

No way. Petroleum products will deteriorate the rubber faster. Use wax or silicone grease might be ok.

[@jamesguralski5156]

Hi what type of drysuit do you recommend for kayaking

[@henrycrick4426]

Wrong channel buddy

[@Ben-ie1ht]

Look at seaskin. Uk they make great dry suits for diving and other water sports

[@Calatinus]

How tf can you spend a fortune on a drysuit and not follow these simple instructions is just mind-baffling to me ...

[@user-oe1mb9hu9i]

Ooops. Slip of the tongue there. Zipper is the MOST expensive piece on the dry suit. THANKS for that. The rest is simply glueing and stitching together PU or polyester. to make a suit out of the correct materials. And then at the end you mention that you won't have to have a zip replaced after 5 years of use ..... I suppose you sell that to all of your users: "Must replace the zipper after 5 years; ooooh, better safe than sorry!" Salesmen: LOL.