Leak testing my drysuit, myself....

[wgw04024]

Thanks for the replies. I went into the local pond, up to my neck seal for 5 minutes, and no leaks. Before hand I brushed out the zipper and waxed just the end tip. Hopefully that's all it was.

Just for understanding, is not waxing the full zipper recommended as the wax will trap sand/debris in the zipper space?

 

[macado]

Thanks for the replies. I went into the local pond, up to my neck seal for 5 minutes, and no leaks. Before hand I brushed out the zipper and waxed just the end tip. Hopefully that's all it was.

Just for understanding, is not waxing the full zipper recommended as the wax will trap sand/debris in the zipper space?

Depends on type of zipper. For plastic zippers you only need to lubricate the sealing end/docking end, not the entire zipper. For brass zippers you should wax the teeth.

Both types of zippers should be kept clean of sand, dirt, grit.

Plastic zipper should be stored closed to avoid damage to the zipper's thin sealing strip. For brass zippers I prefer to store them open as every time you open and close the you are putting another cycle and wear/tear on the zipper itself.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Plastic zippers do not benefit from wax. I used to carry a 20cc syringe with silicone grease and just squirt some in the sealing end. It will lubricate itself with that. Wax will clog them up and be difficult to remove.
And yes, store it closed if you plan to roll the suit. When I hung mine, I'd just close the zipper cover until the suit was dry.
For metal zippers, I bought a block of pharmaceutical-grade beeswax. A 1lb block lasted over 10 years and close to 500 dives through 2 suits with brass zippers. On top of giving it away to students with brass suit zippers. I still have some here somewhere.