Zipper lubrication

• Jan 31, 2012

• #1

J

Jeff M

One Too Many

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Just received an 1950's N-2A jacket.
What do folks recommend to use to lubricate the zippers? graphite? Bees wax?

 

• Jan 31, 2012

• #2

Peacoat

*

Bartender

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Candle wax is often recommended. The label on at least one of my M-65s recommends it. I have used it, and it works well. If you have graphite it might work, but be a bit messy.

 

• Jan 31, 2012

• #3

J

Jeff M

One Too Many

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Thanks.
I believe John Chapman once told me he used it....but wasn't sure I heard him right.

 

• Jan 31, 2012

• #4

Justhandguns

Practically Family

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London

Well, I have been using candle wax since.......... ar well.... my granny taught me. Yes, it does work best.

You just need to rub the candle along your zipper on both side.

 

• Jan 31, 2012

• #5

Dav

One Too Many

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Somerset, England

If I have a zip that is a bit stiff I rub a thick carpeners pencil up and down the teeth a few times, seems to do the trick!

 

• Jan 31, 2012

• #6

Otter

One Too Many

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Directly above the center of the Earth.

Zip Lube, you get it in Dive shops! It is used on drysuits and wetsuits, comes in a small (10ml?) bottle, basicaly liquid silicon lubricant. Works a treat and you only need a couple of drops.

 

• Jan 31, 2012

• #7

D

Deleted member 16736

Guest

I use petroleum jelly. But the candle sounds like an idea.

 

• Jan 31, 2012

• #8

ButteMT61

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Pasadena, CA

Candles work with zippers and sled rails. Cost a few pennies, and you can get them everywhere. The Swiss Army knife of lube!
PS - you can also light them in emergencies - who knew? lol

 

• Jan 31, 2012

• #9

St.Ignatz

Call Me a Cab

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On the banks of the Karakung.

Yep, either paraffin or beeswax works best for me. The oils or gels especially silicon can find there way into the leather or fabric as I've found.
Tom D.

 

• Jan 31, 2012

• #10

Stanley Doble

Call Me a Cab

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Cobourg

Watch out for the graphite, it will leave a black mark on anything it touches. The candle is a good one and if no candle is handy a bar of soap will work as well.

 

• Jan 31, 2012

• #11

ButteMT61

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Pasadena, CA

Stanley Doble said:

Watch out for the graphite, it will leave a black mark on anything it touches. The candle is a good one and if no candle is handy a bar of soap will work as well.

Click to expand...

Lord, don't use graphite or oils. That's just lookin' for trouble.

 

• Jan 31, 2012

• #12

J

Jeff M

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Used the candle wax.
Worked great.

 

• Feb 1, 2012

• #13

J

jb771213

New in Town

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Düsseldorf, Germany

Just in case, you don't have a candle, you can also use soap (bar) instead.