Zipper question for Quint4

[ZZ13]

Dave, I am trying to repair my bridge Bimini and canvas to get more life out of it. All the problems relate to threads popping and zippers disintegrating and stuff like that. First thing I did was repair the coil zippers for the rollup part of the front canvas panels. The actual stitching holding the coil to the zipper fabric had broken loose and separated the coil. Turns out it was super easy to stitch back on, even stronger than before, with just a needle and thread. Plus they slide buttery smooth with some zipper lube on them. So, I really like these coil zippers. The zippers holding the Bimini top to the pipe are plastic chain zippers. Plastic zipper pieces are falling off of most of them. So I am going to sew on new ones. So the question after all this is - can I use the coil zippers there instead of the chain zippers?

Hey mods, I think it would be nice to have a "Canvas and Upholstery" Forum.

 

[Quint4]

Coil zippers are superior for smooth operation in curves but.....they don't separate. Most production bimini tops/canvas use cheaper and smaller #8 zippers. Replace the bimini zips with #10 for easier operating and longer life.

Thread....I only sew with teflon thread. It has a lifetime warranty and does not rot like polyester. It is also a lot more expensive but so worth it. Polyester thread is the weal link in lots of marine canvas.

If your canvas has some life left in it, find a canvas shop to re-stitch it with teflon thread.

 

[ZZ13]

Thanks. Yup, I am using teflon thread. Great stuff. The original thread on the coil part of the coil zippers looks to be just cotton or something soft like that.

I don't know what you mean by coil zippers "don't separate". Is that good or bad for straight runs wrapped around a Bimini horizontal framing. Should I stick with the #10 chain zipper there (that's what Boatswain Locker put on them originally)?

 

[Quint4]

Actually you can buy separating coil zips but most canvas applications are non-separating coil zips in windows. I would go with a #10 Vislon zipper for your Bimini bow pockets.

 

[Alegria]

Going to hijack this thread, with another zipper question...

Quint, the part of the zipper that holds both sides of the zipper together to get the zipper started has come off on one of my bimini zippers. Is there a way to replace just that little black end cap? I can't seem to find them anywhere on sale.

I was hoping to just super glue one back on, but can't seem to find them. I can find the metal stops for the end of the zipper, but the black caps I can't seem to locate.

Thanks for any ideas. I'm debating about putting some of that bondic glue on there, but while that will keep the zipper on the half it won't hold both sides together so if you unzip one side the pressure pulling down will unzip the zipper the wrong way forcing me to remove the zipper stops to get it unzipped! Zippers don't like to zip in reverse! LOL they are certain not made for that..

Thanks!!

 

[Quint4]

Never seen a replacement box....sounds like you need to replace the zipper.