Corroded zip on foul weather gear

[Kurrawong_Kid]

Thought I had seen a thread on this but can't find it through "search". Has any one any ideas on how to free a very badly corroded plastic zip. Is there a magic solution to apply before trying to work it loose? Yes, I know, I should have throughly washed jacket with fresh water when I laid up! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[highandry]

The zips that attach the side pouches on my Bergen got seized up and I freed them with '3 in 1' silicone spray. Didn't mark mark the fabric either.

 

[VicS]

[ QUOTE ]
a very badly corroded plastic zip

[/ QUOTE ] It is unusual for plastic to corrode!

Assuming it is just salt deposits jamming it try a thorough wash in hot (within the limits of what the garment will withstand) water. Some hardness scale could be contributing so a soak in something weakly acidic, vinegar, cola etc might help.

 

[PeterGibbs]

When freed, whack in some lanolin (cheap at Boots) to prevent further build up of salts.

PWG

 

[Kurrawong_Kid]

Thanks, folks

 

[Searush]

Does it have a metal runner? I have found that those corrode & break up.

 

[Kurrawong_Kid]

Doesn't appear to have. All plastic, I think

 

[Alfie168]

After you have freed it up with whatever, then rub a candle up and down the zip. The wax is an excellent lubricant/protector.

Tim

 

[Sailfree]

I found on mine that even though the zips are nylon the runner is aluminium and corrodes with salt water.

I have tried using WD40 with some degree of sucess but about 50% broke!!

 

[30boat]

I've had succes with WB40 on metal to plastic zips.The runners are sometimes made of crap metal and corrode badly.An all plastic zip shouldn't corrode and WB40 should not be used on it.

 

[James_Calvert]

If you dangle the jammed zip in the spout of a boiling kettle, and wiggle it about a bit (don't use your fingers - I use long nosed pliers), the steam will eventually help free it.

Mind you, any badly corroded bits will break off so you might not be able to use it again.

 

[nasus]

a very quick fix

I read a couple of forums where different products were mentioned to free up the corroded zipper pull on a plastic zipper on a very good backpack. I picked the easiest fix having white vinegar in my pantry. My husband used a toothbrush and a cotton Qtip which was fine for the outside but my fix was to pour the white vinegar in a bowl, using a rock to hold down the area where the pull was, and socking it overnight. Corrosion is gone and pull is sliding!!
It saved me from spending a good deal of time to replace the zipper.

 

[nasus]

a quick fix

I read a couple of forums where different products were mentioned to free up the corroded zipper pull on a plastic zipper on a very good backpack. I picked the easiest fix having white vinegar in my pantry. My husband used a toothbrush and a cotton Qtip which was fine for the outside but my fix was to pour the white vinegar in a bowl, using a rock to hold down the area where the pull was, and socking it overnight. Corrosion is gone and pull is sliding!!
It saved me from spending a good deal of time to replace the zipper.