Zipper Oil or Wax?

NARCOSISOFTHERIVER · May 23, 2007

Hi Gang, I just wanted to get some info on drysuit zipper oil and wax. My suit came with a zipper oil and it seems to work great, but I hear a lot about divers also using wax. Is one any better than the other? Cheers, Mark.

1_T_Submariner · May 23, 2007

Mine came with Wax and a lube for the open end. It is a Viking if that matters (Not sure if they are all the same or not????

texdiveguy · May 23, 2007

I use a wax stick,,,,seems to work just fine.

NARCOSISOFTHERIVER · May 23, 2007

Is it the same as a candle or is it some special $wax$? Cheers.

Cheekymonkey · May 23, 2007

nope its psecial wax, not to much $$ though

Cheekymonkey · May 23, 2007

not to mention I havent waxed my suit in almost a yr, with about 50 dives on it since then so ocnstant use and cleaning does pretty good too

texdiveguy · May 23, 2007

Cheekymonkey:
not to mention I havent waxed my suit in almost a yr, with about 50 dives on it since then so ocnstant use and cleaning does pretty good too

I would WAX that sucker....WAY over due!

Cheekymonkey · May 23, 2007

still slides smooth, just gets enough use I guess...

texdiveguy · May 23, 2007

Cheekymonkey:
still slides smooth, just gets enough use I guess...

It has more to do with just sliding smooth.....I use mine more than 50 dives a year and keep the suit very clean,,,but the wax provides a lubricant to help retard wear on the teeth and stress on the surround fabric. Also it helps to ensure a bit of water tightness. You oil the chain on a bike and add oil to an engine,,,,,keep that 300-400 dollar zipper waxed and it will last you a whole lot longer.

captndale · May 23, 2007

Wax lasts longer (doesn't wash off) than oil. If you use oil, make sure that it is compatible with latex and neoprene.

I have found that the best waxes are beeswax or a combination of beeswax and parafin. You can easily combine or mix waxes by simply melting and mixing them. I have not tried it, but I suspect that a combination of beeswax and a small amount of petroleum jelly would work well also. If you want to experiment, I would try a mix of about 90% beeswax to 10% petroleum jelly to start.

Zipper Oil or Wax?

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