Drysuit zipper repair

[chetflyer]

I have a DUI CLX 450 drysuit in very good condition...but it leaks at the top of the zipper at the closed end up by my shoulder. It appears that the end of the zipper has come apart and needs to be glued back together again...it was probably damaged when removing the suit and not taking enough precautions and it got pulled apart. I need to know what kind of glue I should use to repair it. My dive shop says that the zipper itself is in very good shape so if I can glue this part back together it should be ok. Any input that I can get from anyone as to how to repair this...what kind of glue to use ...would be most appreciated. I'm going to attempt to download a photo of this zipper. This is my very first time on scubaboard!!!....HELP!!

[g2]

Hi chetflyer,

First off, you're not alone. Relax. Breathe.

I have the same drysuit as you, a DUI CLX 450. My zipper has a different problem -- the rubber flashing is separating and shredding near the zipper teeth, leaking. Heck, it's only 9 years old, been heavily abused, and seen several hundred dives, what gives? (Sarcasm)

My zipper needs replacing. Period. But I don't have the $$$ right now, so I've undertaken some repairs on my own. I can't tell from your picture where the problem is, but generally speaking the glue you need is AquaSeal.

If you choose to repair it yourself, go slow. Don't get glue on the teeth. You can always glue it more, but undoing a mistake may be difficult.

Good luck!

[chetflyer]

I tried aquaseal ...it didn't seem to take!! Maybe I didn't get enough glue on it or didn't let it set up enough but it didn't seem like it was the right glue? That's why I thought that I might try a contact cement. You might want to try replacing it yourself. There is a post on scubaboard regarding how to ...doesn't look too difficult!! If I caqn't fix this problem then I will try DIY replacement

[PfcAJ]

Clean it really really well. The zipper wax builds up and prevents stuff from sticking.

If you can't get the aquaseal to adhere, try this stuff http://www.nwoc.com/shop/item.asp?itemid=478 OUTSIDE in the BREEZE.

Also, when you hang the suit, close the outer zipper a bit and it'll take the pressure off the inner zipper corner area.

[knowone]

Body Bags : Crime Scene, Forensic Supplies


http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rc...YGB1SiSu4MDRVA


WETSUIT AND DRYSUIT MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR by Steven Lindblom

[chetflyer]

drysuit zipper.jpgwell.. I tried aquaseal with cotol 240 again and let it set up overnight. Then I added some more aquaseal the next day until I had the zipper completely glued back together. I air tested the suit with a soapy mixture and it appears to have fixed the leak!! Hope it all holds!! I have included a photo of the repaired zipper

[knowone]

Very good.

[divingtactics]

Looks promising. How did it all work out Chetflyer?