Canvas Zipper Pull Broken

[sdrevik]

Well, I was trying to put on the camper top last night, and found out the previous owner never repaired two broken zipper pulls on the front of the bimini. The sliders are there, the zipper pulls are off. I slid one off by hand, but the other seems stuck. Questions are:

(1) Use a little WD-40 on the stuck one to get it to move?

(2) Anybody know a source of or how to make a wire pull or get a replacement pull? I don't think the boat shop has something this small.

 

[Sea Gull]

For a light duty, temporary fix you can use a paper clip. Just take it off when you are done zipping. For a longer term solution you can use a stainless steel key ring as a pull.

BTW, I would not use WD-40. There are silicone based zipper lubricants you can buy that won't harm the Sunbrella.

 

[RollerCoastr]

small zip ties work great, and the black ones don't stand out on black zippers.

I use generic Chapstick. I've seen a few boats where a spray was used on zippers, and then was permanently absorbed by the surrounding material. Doh! :smt021

 

[Dave S]

One of our other members (in another thread on this very same subject) had suggested using a small key ring clip. Something like this would be a nice permant fix.

 

[sdrevik]

Excellent idea on the key rings! I bought some zipper pulls from an outdoor shop I'll try as well.

Someone suggested soap as a lubricant that wouldn't harm the bimini as well, that's not far off from chapstick (but chapstick would last longer....).

Thanks, all!

 

[Presentation]

Go to Walmart and go to the fabric department. They make a wax crayon that is specifically made to lubricate zippers. You rub it on.

On the pull, a suggestion that is smaller is to use a bread tie. The tie that is on a loaf of bread.

 

[330DA]

Might give these folks a try. Great Lakes Fabric Inc.

Great Lakes Fabrics, Inc.

1904 S. Wenona St. Bay City, MI 48706
1.800.652.2358 - U.S. Toll Free
989.893.3311 - Local & International


http://www.glfi.com

 

[Nehalennia]

for lube(being a locksmith) I have used Dry Lube. Find your local Locksmith that is a Medeco dealer. This stuff is great, won't harm anything and leaves a dry but teflon like film. It's good on other things you don't wan't an oily film on but want to lubricate
Here's the pub:

"KeyLube is a self-cleaning lubricant that cleans
while lubricating. KeyLube leaves behind a
protective shield lubricant that will not attract dust.
KeyLube is a multi-use dry lubricant that rapidly
coats most surfaces with a tenacious chemically
inert polymer film that resists most chemicals and
solvents. Its effective operating temperature range
is -40°F to +500°F and has a coefficient of friction
of 0.02 to 0.04. KeyLube excels where cleanliness
and contamination is a prime factor.
Typical Applications
Door Locks and Lock Cylinders
Door hinges
Intricate mechanisms
Benefits
Clean, non-staining
Wide temperature range
Easy to use
Dries on contact
Cleans with lubricating
Long lasting lubrication
Prevents corrosion"

 

[chazaroo]

Try Zip Tech for lubrication. You can find it on Amazon. Also available at Dive Stores.

 

[Moose]

For all you adults out there, K-Y jelly works like a charm!