Drysuit zipper repair?

[Brandon]

I managed to put a nick or two in the sealing surface of my drysuit zipper, which is now causing a small leak over my left shoulder. The nicks aren't huge or anything, and are confined to maybe 1/2". Nothing too deep, just through the rubber of the sealing surface but not the backing.

Is there any chance I might be able to repair it, or am I going to need to replace the zipper? If you've repaired something like this before, how did you go about doing it?

Thanks!

-B

 

[300bar]

[bearing bad news] Sorry but you'll have to replace it.:depressed:[/bearing bad news]

 

[Brandon]

Dammit.

-B

 

[300bar]

You'll just have to ask your self the question if the suit is worth it.

IMO a suit 6-7years old is NOT worth it(when used regularly)
suits younger just might be.

 

[tfsails]

You might try filling the cuts with some sort of sealing compound like caulk. No guarantee it'll work but if the cuts are small enough, it just might work.

Besides, what have you got to lose?

 

[Teamcasa]

Is it just a small scratch?

If it is, you might try rubbing some PB-300 glue to fill it. It may take several applications before it builds up enough to seal properly. Be sure to let it dry well before zipping it up!

 

[300bar]

Is it just a small scratch?

If it is, you might try rubbing some PB-300 glue to fill it. It may take several applications before it builds up enough to seal properly. Be sure to let it dry well before zipping it up!

Well the OP mentioned "a nick or two".

IMO not likely to be a small scratch.

 

[Teamcasa]

Maybe, but like tfsails said,

Besides, what have you got to lose?

I'd sure as heck try it before I replaced the zipper!

 

[300bar]

Maybe, but like tfsails said,



I'd sure as heck try it before I replaced the zipper!

Nah,I would buy a new drysuit,better for the economic situation.


STOP FIXING STUFF,BUY NEW, SUPPORT THE ECONOMY

 

[dave4868]

In addition to trying the repairs suggested, try putting a small cotton terrycloth towel under the source of the leak. That will absorb and contain the leak. Change the towel between dives. You can even put a plastic bag under the towel, but it's not necessary, since the cotton really holds the water.

My zipper was leaking about two cups per hour.

I used a towel under the leak for over a year until I finally got around to replacing my own zipper (DIY).

It'll work fine until you decide what you want to do.

Dave C