Zipper Service - Scuba Tech Tip: S08E13

[@alaind831]

I've been using that product on my drysuit nylon zipper. Works well - much better than the household wax I was using on my previous metal zipper which left little pieces everywhere. I use the brush to apply the liquid (though that was it's for :). I also clean the teeth when open as it's easier to make sand and other small parts fall this way - seems like they could get stuck otherwise.

[@LarsSveen]

What's a diving season, lol. JK... Here in So Cal, the water is always cold and diving is about the same year round. The only difference is that trips get cancelled a little more often during the winter due to occasional rough seas.

[@alaind831]

yep same thing in N Cal - just bit colder. actually summer are not good diving as water tends to be green. Will be in So Cal this wkd (lobster season)

[@LarsSveen]

@@alaind831 Yeah, it gets pretty green here too. Also, the beaches are super crowded and it's hot as hell. Hope your trip goes well! I got my lobster card but haven't gone yet. I was out of town on opening weekend.

[@markstengel7680]

Hi Alec, Thanks for zipper care for wet suites

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I hope it saves you some aggravation. It's annoying as heck when a $2 zipper fails and basically runs a $300 wetsuit. Take care. Alec

[@aquasenju]

Scuba 4ever

[@iranicus]

Cheers Alec, I was looking for something to treat my Otter dry suit zips, will grab a bottle :> I was recommended to use talcum powder too on the latex and neoprene parts to help break them in so they slide on easier.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Talcum makes them slippery all right. It can also dry out anything that is real rubber so try using some water based silicon to keep them soft too. Alec

[@chiranagheorghitaeugeniuth98]

Sexwax soft is perfect for metal zips. Silicone grease or even beeswax is perfect for nylon dry or wet zippers. Just keep them very clean before lubricating.

[@rimotivri]

diving stuff are welcome. Cool.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Very welcome. Alec

[@Atrinax]

Thanks for the video, Alec! I wonder if you have a video on how to properly glue the holes in a neoprene wetsuit.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Not yet! Try Googling it as i'm sure there are videos out there. Probably not as good or funny as mine would be but get ideas to fix it. Added this to my ideas list.

[@Atrinax]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter I know such videos do exist but I prefer high quality content ;)

[@koniak8584]

Could you do a Tech Tip about Backplate Wings? What are the advantages and disadvantages? How do I know which Backplate is the best for me? How do I place Led in these Wings?

[@Slick85]

Backplates and Wings (BPWs) are all about getting back to basics. They dont have any extra frills unless you decide to pay for those pieces specifically. You want a pocket, you buy a pocket, you want more D rings, shoulder pads, clips, you buy more and install them. BPWs are meant to be strictly a utility item, however you can make it anyway you want. Now if you want to get into tech diving with well established tech institutes such that practice the DIR standards then you cannot deviate at all from what they allow with your diving gear (reasoning: if everyone has the exact same set up, you can blindly navigate your gear, and your buddies gear in an emergency). Back to PBWs, they are meant to modular so you can swap out the old or broken with the new. The backplates are offered in different lengths, thicknesses and materials, Kydex (plastic), steel, aluminum, and fabric, it all depends what you want to use it for. Most companies that sell backplates sell only one length, which is fine, I now own 4 (not necessary) A good way to start because this topic can be really overwhelming is buy a kit that includes everything. Its not currently open right now due to a relocation but I bought mine from Deep Sea Supply, they do sell different lengths based on height, but you can still dive any length comfortably.. As I learned more I ended up piecing together 3 more, just because I could. I found good deals on BPs and good deals on wings so I figured why not. For weighting and lead placement there are special "spine" pockets that you can add a couple pounds to, but mostly youre just wearing a regular weight belt. Like I said its all customizable if youre planning to just be a recreactional diver, you could install quick release weight pockets. Its up to you and what you want to spend. If youre planning on colder water diving where you need more weight, Id probably buy a heavier backplate,, and a larger wing (you need more lift with more weight), for tropical diving, something lighter. For me the biggest advantages are the freedom of not having anything in front of you, no big pockets and cummerbund, no sterum strap and I know I can move things to where I want them. Disadvantages, its overwhelming in the beginning to figure out what you need. If youre not used to back inflate BCDs then it may take a couple of dives to get used to it.

[@bermudezhg]

There used to be people in Italy, Spain, Chile, Mexico and New York City.....WHO DID ZIPPER CHANGES....when it broke or became detached..... Here in NYC all SCUBA Stores disappeared though and I no longer know anybody with the right type of sewing machine. I know how to sew in a new zipper by hand with an owl though

[@rickkinney2544]

What is the disadvantage of using a silicone spray? I have a new wetsuit and want to do what's best for it. Just curious about the silicone though.

[@sanderkik9639]

Somebody heard to use silicone. Next year it was stuck. "What did you use at the end of last season" was asked. His answer; silicone kit 🤔🤣

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Well that's one idea not to repeat! Thanks Sander.

[@scubasteveandunderwaterroc3547]

I personally but my wetsuit barley used for 25$ and it's been working fine 😂

[@in2scuba2]

Alec, did you have a falling out with Scuba 2000?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Not that I know of. It's been 2 years since we sold Scuba 2000 and I have been back several times, for some Tech Tips and other reasons too. I'm sure I'm still welcome but I'm just a customer now. Alec

[@in2scuba2]

Are you still doing 2 hose reg classes anywhere?

[@csillalaskai747]

I was told that beeswax is good as well, is that true? Thank you :)

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

A long time ago wax was suggested but can't recall how effective it was. Defog is so cheap and easy to get now that there's little reason to experiment. Alec

[@aquasenju]

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