Plastic zips

[dmarler]

Has any one a tried and trusted method of freeing zips with large plastic teeth (and a metal slider) which have simply jammed from lack of use? The pair I'm struggling with are not exposed to the weather - they're on a little-used curtain dividing forepeak from heads compartment. I've tried washing the curtain and I've tried marinading in WD40, to no avail. Any ideas?

 

[tugboat]

Hi conbrio, welcome to the funny farm! This subject of zips came up a little while ago. If you type 'zips' into the forum search (use time limit of 1 year) you'll see the previous threads on the subject and hopefully some useful comments.

 

[starboard]

Silicone spray on the zip should do or rub with a lead pencil, the graphite in the lead should help lubricate..........I used to have a girlfriend with a zip like that!!!!!!!!

Paul.

 

[Anonymous]

Vinegar helps as it dissolves some aluminium salts and sometimes it is these that have encrusted themselves on the zip.

 

[billcowan]

Boiling water

 

[Oldhand]

Try soaking in boiling hot water and scrubbing off corrosion residue with a toothbrush.