DIY zip seals

[Frogman82]

I think I read a post on here a while ago where someone had installed their own zip seal system. It was said that one could turn the standard seal type zip ring inside out and glue it to the suit, and that would connect to the normal zip seal. This seems interesting, anyone tried this?

 

[swimlikethefish]

That post was mine. I did exactly what you said. Yes, it worked. Have over 30 dives on it now. I'll send photos when I'm home from work.

 

[Frogman82]

Great, thanks! If I can get hold of some old rings I may give this a try

 

[swimlikethefish]

Try to find someone that uses the silicone ones. Chances are when they rip one they just buy new. Most people that use the latex ones just glue new over the old.

If you give me a few days I will post my findings on gluing new silicone seals on as well. I have found a primer and adhesive that bonds to the silicone. So people should now be able to replace silicone seals with glue.

 

[Frogman82]

Good point on the silicone seals, I’ll keep an eye out for scrapped ones.

 

[swimlikethefish]

The pictures below are the same exact zip portion. The first is the side you would glue a seal to. The second is the side you would glue to your suit. I used drysuit glue on one, and neoprene cement on the other. They both held equally as well. You could also use aquaseal if you prefer.

 

[swimlikethefish]

Here are some more pictures. One is of the same zip portion pictured above. The other is the end of a sleeve that was cut off a suit. I attached them to each other. As you can see, it doesn't matter which way you flip them. They will both still attach and hold. They in fact are the same exact thing. Dui probably doesn't want you to know that though.

 

[Frogman82]

Thanks for taking the time to upload these photos, really helpful to see it and how it works.

 

[sea_ledford]

Here are some more pictures. One is of the same zip portion pictured above. The other is the end of a sleeve that was cut off a suit. I attached them to each other. As you can see, it doesn't matter which way you flip them. They will both still attach and hold. They in fact are the same exact thing. Dui probably doesn't want you to know that though.

So you can attach glove to glove? Or do you need to find a set of suit side rings to use as a base?

Also interested in your silicone gluing options.

-Chris

 

[Frogman82]

You can take your damaged zip seals and remove the wrist rings and simply turn them inside out. Now you have the rings that goes on the suit sleeve.