Drysuit Zipper

[Veritably337]

I just purchased a used Bare Trilam from a friend. It has been meticulously cared for and in the past 30 or so dives it has been completely dry. The zipper shows some where in the fabric (the brass looks new). It has about 350 dives on it.

Should I replace it? Or wait for it to begin to show dampness.

I have the money to get a new one, but don't want to mess with it if it isn't broken. Then again I wouldn't want it to fail on me at 100' in cold water.

Thanks for your comments.

VC




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[Storker]

I'm partial to the "If it works, don't fix it" principle. Especially if it feels decently nice and tight when you open and close it.

Although I'm sure it might happen if Murphy were working overtime, I've never heard of a catastrophic zipper failure at depth. Everyone I've talked to have had those topside, when opening or closing it. And it doesn't happen often; I'd worry more about ripping the neck seal

 

[JahJahwarrior]

I had a zipper fail at depth, but only after it was clearly leaking a lot and I tried to paint glue on the sealing surface.

Burn any strands of fabric with a lighter and keep it clean and lubed and it could last another hundred dives!

 

[divad]

don't want to mess with it if it isn't broken.

that's the answer.

 

[spectrum]

Veritably337

I believe the others are spot on but could you elaborate on the fabric wear you mentioned?

Pete

 

[Veritably337]

Here is what it looks like. Dove yesterday. Absolutely dry.

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[Doby45]

Live and let live..

 

[Diver0001]

Here is what it looks like. Dove yesterday. Absolutely dry.

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That's normal wear and does not indicate that the zipper needs replacing. Just burn those threads off with a lighter (be careful not to burn the rubber). In my experience you'll be able to get 500 dives on a zipper before it starts to leak. I had one that went for 750 dives. If it starts to leak at all or any of the teeth get displaced then you'll need to replace it.

R..

 

[spectrum]

That's the fabric I hopped you were talking about. Singe and dive.

Pete

 

[Veritably337]

Awesome. Thanks for all your help.


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