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The zips on my backpack have become really difficult to pull.
Does anyone have a suggestion on what to lube them with (keep it clean)?
I’ve tried WD40, vaseline and even soap - but none last very long.
Thanks!
candle wax. Rub an candle along the zip, should last longer than soap.
Candle wax. Just rub it in.
Candle wax.
Pencil lead.
And try some zip ties or string / chords through the end of the pull tabs. The extra leverage can make all the difference.
Wax is used on my dry suit zip, works well!
Wax. Graphite. Vaseline.
Graphite
You can get specific zipper lube by e.g. McNett which might be the easiest if not the cheapest method. I give my tent zip a blast each year. As others have said, a loop of cord larksfooted through the zip puller makes it easier to use.
If they get really nasty clean with brake cleaner spray, then lube with ZipSlip 👍 has a nice brush to apply and actually hangs around. Candle wax falls off IME
Silicone spray, the same sort you would use for bike fork seals or shining up a latex gimp suit. Apparently.
Not tried it, but if you have any Putoline chain wax knocking around that might do the trick. Wax and graphite.
Are they string pulls on the zips (i.e. string completely replacing the normal zip handle)? The zips on my osprey pack can be a pain to pull but it only seems to happen when the stupid string pulls have tightened on the wrong side of the slider. This causes drag on the slider when pulling. If you loosen and relocate the string they slide nicely. Keep meaning to fit mini keyrings to stop it happening.
Might be OTT but as above you can get special zip lubricant. Also worth checking for any frayed thread on the seam inside the zip that might be getting caught, or wash and brush to remove any muck build up.
http://www.pennineoutdoor.co.uk/zipper-lubricant
The zips on the hip belt pockets on my hydration pack had completely rusted up and weren’t moving at all.
A liberal application of gt85 and much much wiggling got them moving. I then chucked in the washer to get the gt85 out.
Any oil will probably do - just give it time to penetrate. Then keep gently working it with a bit more oil until the corrosion is worn away. Then wash it and a bit of candle wax. I resurrected a load of zips on one of my packs like this recently. Don't lose your rag with it!
And whilst all the zip boffins are assembled, how to fix a zip that won't do up? You can run the zip up and down but the sides won't mesh together.
how to fix a zip that won’t do up? You can run the zip up and down but the sides won’t mesh together.
New slider. You can get a replacement from eBay
Good suggestions here! Thanks all 👍🏼
Squeeze the slider with pliers, it has probably opened a bit and just doesn't push the zip teeth together.
Squeeze the slider with pliers, it has probably opened a bit and just doesn’t push the zip teeth together.
I can't believe there were so many other replies before the correct answer ^^^.
I can’t believe there were so many other replies before the correct answer
That's because it was different question until the last 3 posts.
@zeesaffa - the best lubricant depends on the zip tooth material. Metal zips tend to be better with wax, plastic zips are better with silicone.