My own lube stick!

[HeXx]

Hi!
So, as per the title.
There are quite a few options in terms of zipper lubricants but when it comes to solid lubricants, they usually only sell a lump of paraffin wax that is not very convenient to handle and apply on zippers. Too small the hold and rub on and too large to fit between the flaps around the zipper.
So I made my own with bees wax as a filler.
The filler can be renewed by simply melting more wax and filling it directly, although I think one stick will probably last a lifetime.
Works like a deodorant stick ou glue stick, in which you turn the bottom to protrude more wax.
If there's interest I can make the STL files available or sell them directly already filled with bees wax.


Cheers

 

[drakcheslav]

Isn't parafin to be used on brass zippers? And silicone lube on plastic ones?

Great idea for the wax, but a better and more precise applicator would be a Labello tube.

 

[HeXx]

Isn't parafin to be used on brass zippers? And silicone lube on plastic ones?

Great idea for the wax, but a better and more precise applicator would be a Labello tube.

From what I read, wax can be used on any zipper.
Labello tube is round and with a wide diameter, hard to fit between the neoprene flaps around the zipper, hence why I designed it oval.

 

[drakcheslav]

From what I read, wax can be used on any zipper.
Labello tube is round and with a wide diameter, hard to fit between the neoprene flaps around the zipper, hence why I designed it oval.

Got it.

I don't know what's the recommendation for the plastic YKK aquaseal, but on my Tzip they specifically said yo use onlu silicone lube on the docker end and remove the debris from the zipper before operating it.

 

[Dark Wolf]

Hi!
So, as per the title.
There are quite a few options in terms of zipper lubricants but when it comes to solid lubricants, they usually only sell a lump of paraffin wax that is not very convenient to handle and apply on zippers. Too small the hold and rub on and too large to fit between the flaps around the zipper.
So I made my own with bees wax as a filler.
The filler can be renewed by simply melting more wax and filling it directly, although I think one stick will probably last a lifetime.
Works like a deodorant stick ou glue stick, in which you turn the bottom to protrude more wax.
If there's interest I can make the STL files available or sell them directly already filled with bees wax.
View attachment 752543

Cheers

I often use 1 ounce "sticks" of beeswax on my brass zipper. The larger oval shape could be nice in winter. Thanks for that!

DW

 

[Marie13]

Plain soap works quite well on brass zippers. The little bars from hotels are the perfect size. Got that from another diver.

 

[HeXx]

Plain soap works quite well on brass zippers. The little bars from hotels are the perfect size. Got that from another diver.

I wonder if the slightly caustic nature of soap could affect the brass long term.

 

[rob.mwpropane]

I wonder if the slightly caustic nature of soap could affect the brass long term.

That other diver that I'm thinking @Marie13 is talking about says him and his wife have been doing it on their brass zippers for 5 years and over 300 dives without issue. He said his zipper works and looks great. He stores the suit with the zipper closed and covered in the soap.

I know that's not a scientific answer.

@HeXx awesome design.. make it public. Did you make a cap for it to be thrown in a bag?

 

[HeXx]

That other diver that I'm thinking @Marie13 is talking about says him and his wife have been doing it on their brass zippers for 5 years and over 300 dives without issue. He said his zipper works and looks great. He stores the suit with the zipper closed and covered in the soap.

I know that's not a scientific answer.

@HeXx awesome design.. make it public. Did you make a cap for it to be thrown in a bag?

Thank's @rob.mwpropane I did not design a cap as you can always retract the wax back to the stick. Didn't think it would be needed.
Here you go.
Cheers

 

[Ana]

I think that's a very clever solution with the wax. Granted the little hotel soaps idea sounds good too.
I retired all my dry suits but we deal with plenty of zippers around the boat.

When I saw the container, it reminded me of empty containers I've seen for sale on Amazon. For barbarians like me without a 3-D printer.

or the oval-shaped