kelabar
Senior Member
Posts: 399
Likes: 469
|
Post by kelabar on Jan 21, 2020 21:52:54 GMT 10
I commonly have the door zips wear out on my tents. It takes a while and the rest of the tent is usually pretty ragged by this stage and the flys are degraded by sunlight but I often just use the inner with a tarp over the top to allow better ventilation. So having the zips last longer would be handy.
Does anyone lubricate zips on tents? If so what do you use and how often? I've heard of soap and candle wax and I think there are a couple of commercial lubricants available. All feedback appreciated. TIA. |
|
|
|
Post by Joey on Jan 22, 2020 8:21:50 GMT 10
Silicon spray. Candle wax is alright for normal plain zips but can get gummy for the auto locking style zips after a while 15yrs working with zips in manufacturing learns you a few little tricks here and there  |
|
kelabar
Senior Member
Posts: 399
Likes: 469
|
Post by kelabar on Jan 22, 2020 10:47:35 GMT 10
Thanks, mate. Much appreciated.
|
|
tomatoes
Senior Member
Posts: 1,065 
Likes: 1,089
|
Post by tomatoes on Jan 22, 2020 11:42:48 GMT 10
Silicon spray. Candle wax is alright for normal plain zips but can get gummy for the auto locking style zips after a while 15yrs working with zips in manufacturing learns you a few little tricks here and there We have a small (pretty) backpack here with a zip that opens after it’s zipped up. I’d rather not have to change the zip if possible. I’ve tried squeezing together the zipper pull a little bit it’s a really thick strong pull so I’m not making much difference. Do you think it would be worth my while to try silicon spray for that - smoother running may help the teeth join better? Is it just something I buy from Bunnings? |
|
|
|
Post by Joey on Jan 22, 2020 13:45:47 GMT 10
Silicon spray can be bought at most shops like bunnings and super cheap/repco.
Do you have a picture of the zip you can post up so I can see how its splitting? as depending on how its coming apart will decide the next step
|
|
ml8300
Senior Member
Posts: 191 
Likes: 214
|
Post by ml8300 on Jan 22, 2020 23:28:29 GMT 10
Talking about zips, zips on work boots. Just wondering if I use a wet lubricant, will the sand get stuck in it more.
|
|
|
|
Post by Joey on Jan 23, 2020 9:19:44 GMT 10
Anything that leaves a sticky residue behind will prob get the sand/bulldust into it. Maybe for that purpose just squirt a little directly into the zip runner itself and let it dry overnight sort of thing
|
|
tomatoes
Senior Member
Posts: 1,065
Likes: 1,089
|
Post by tomatoes on Jan 23, 2020 9:33:44 GMT 10
Anything that leaves a sticky residue behind will prob get the sand/bulldust into it. Maybe for that purpose just squirt a little directly into the zip runner itself and let it dry overnight sort of thing I wondered about powdered graphite for something like this. What do you think Joey? Is the completely irrelevant for zips or worth a try in the case of boots? I just remember reading to use it instead of oil for locks. |
|
tomatoes
Senior Member
Posts: 1,065
Likes: 1,089
|
Post by tomatoes on Jan 23, 2020 9:35:37 GMT 10
Silicon spray can be bought at most shops like bunnings and super cheap/repco. Do you have a picture of the zip you can post up so I can see how its splitting? as depending on how its coming apart will decide the next step Thanks. I’ll have to search out the bag again. I put it temporarily in my “too hard” basket while I thought about it. Unfortunately, the too hard basket can be many different places. |
|
|
|
Post by Joey on Jan 23, 2020 13:13:44 GMT 10
Graphite power might to the trick. But generally with boots, I find the rest of the boot wears out before the zips do.
|
|
|
|
Post by herbgarden on Jan 23, 2020 17:34:17 GMT 10
We always kept the little bits of taper candles that burned down to about 2-3cm of candle stub left in the candle holder, this got chucked in sewing kits and the odd bag specifically for lubricating stubborn zippers, also for sewing needle tips when they needed encouragement to go through tougher materials. The candle wax also helped as somewhat of a water repellant when rubbed along the side of say a the jacket or shoe zipper, would take ages on a tent though.
In a pinch I have used beewax chapstick but it can stain as well as rubbing a bar of soap. Graphite spray might do the trick. Silicone spray probably the best bet, not sure on stainage factor.
|
|
ml8300
Senior Member
Posts: 191
Likes: 214
|
Post by ml8300 on Jan 23, 2020 23:24:50 GMT 10
Graphite power might to the trick. But generally with boots, I find the rest of the boot wears out before the zips do. I just find if my boots even remotely see sand they jam up, not good when your digging trenches. |
|
Tim Horton
Senior Member
Posts: 1,945
Likes: 1,996
|
Post by Tim Horton on Jan 24, 2020 11:07:36 GMT 10
On a jacket zipper I used what I had at hand at the moment when it threatened to jam up.
The product I had at the moment was dialectic grease, meant for electrical connections... It seemed to work well enough to try on several other coats with equal success. It only requires a small amount it seems..
|
|
|
|
Post by Ausprep on Jan 24, 2020 12:35:05 GMT 10
Most camping stores carry a wax stick that is used for zips and the likes. I have one in with my camping gear.
|
|
kelabar
Senior Member
Posts: 399
Likes: 469
|
Post by kelabar on Mar 20, 2020 21:54:39 GMT 10
Thank you. It works great. The zips just about do themselves up now instead of having to fight for every inch. Nice one. |
|
