Finding the right neck seal

[Evans]

I need to order a new neck seal, but I'm not sure what brands/types will mate to the suit I have. I need to ask a bunch of questions. I didn't want to bother people with this, thinking it would be basic stuff I could find out on my own, but it hasn't been.

1. Most sources don't even specify the size of the bottom of the seal (where it attaches). What do I need to know about matching it with the suit? Is it always 10 inches in diameter and flat so I don't have to worry?

2. Many sources sell them just as small, medium and large (or something similar. Does anyone know what neck circumferences these correspond to? How much smaller should the neck opening be than the circumference of the neck for a good fit?

3. I pretty much have figured out what kinds of tools and adhesives I'll need except for one thing. Do I need a support of some sort like a basket ball while I am attaching it?--or can I just do it flat and have it come out right?

4. I've heard good things about the Heavy-Duty Viking seals. Is that only a wrist seal thing, or neck seals as well? Where can they be had?

Thanks for any and all help.

 

[Tiny Bubbles]

You didn't say what drysuit you have. I'm no expert at this, but I did just replace my own neck seal on a Bare Nex-Gen suit yesterday. The first thing I did was to contact the manufacturer of my suit, but they said that they do not sell any service parts to their customers. I had to shop around on the internet to find another supplier. And, like you, I had to wonder if someone else's glue and seals would work with my suit.

I think most neck seals have a mounting flange that is about 10 inches in diameter and flat, but some seals have a tapered flange, and I think Viking might be one of them. Maybe someone who knows about them can reply?

I ended up buying my seal and adheasive from OSS. Their website tells what neck sizes their seals fit (L-XL = 16"+, etc...). I agree it is too bad that hardly anybody else out there does. The seal and glue arrived in about 2 weeks, and it came with instructions, msds sheet, brushes, stir-sticks, and some different colored patches. My neck is 16.5", and the L-XL seal fits uncomfortably snug, as a new seal should, but nowhere near like the strangulation of the OEM seal before trimming. I think the new seal will loosen up a bit with some stretching and use so hopefully I won't have to trim it any. Their sizing chart was a fair indicator for me.

Yes, you would do well to use a support or sorts, but probably not a basketball. I taped my suit to a turkey fryer, and taped a cardboard ring to the flange on the neck seal. The idea is to hold both pieces flat and round because once the glued pieces touch each other, they immediately grab and you don't want to have to reposition them.

I have to recommend the new divesuit repair book from airspeed press as a good refrence on this subject. I also recommend OSS for drysuit parts.

-Tiny-B.

 

[BuoyantC]

I helped a friend replace a neck seal on an old DUI. It was a first time for either of us. He had a borrowed pair of matched flat rings (maybe about 1-1/2"wide x approx 12" dia) of a semi rigid plastic. (obviously made for the job) Each got covered on one side with double-sided tape.

One ring was stuck to the opposite side of the suit neck opening, while the other ring was stuck to the neck seal. After the two surfaces were prepped and the adhesive was applied, the two surfaces were merely matched up and pressed together. The rings were peeled off and the edges rolled with a weight. It was surprisingly easy and took about 20min.

Dennis

 

[Scottri]

The diameter of the bottom of neck seals is pretty standard. If you have any excess after the glue is dried you can trim it off with a pair of scissors. The neck seals are sold in small meadium and large and are ment to be trimmed for a custom fit. The seals have raised rings inside and I use them as a guide when trimming my seals. I usually need to trim at least 1 ring of a large seal. My collar size when I buy shirts is 17" if that is any help. Replacing your own seals is not hard but you have to be careful to use the right glues and prep everything according to manufacturers specs. I am a fan of Viking seals as they are very heavy duty and last about twice as long as regular ones. I've had good luck with neck seals and glues from OS Systems. They will sell you everything you need to do it yourself along with good instructions. Check them out at OSSystems.com