Do the Zippers really have to be that dificult ?

[rorkin]

Spent yesterday cleaning up the boat and setting up the canvas.
(228g hardtop). It is a royal pain to get the zippers started basically
because They all start in the corners and top of the hardtop frame.
You would think that they could be started at the bottom . I know that by starting at the top they would be less prone to opening up under load but given we are in the age of internet,gps etc you would think someone could design a way of securing the zipper at the top. Perhaps there is a simpler way to get them going but it eludes my fingers. It is not about sticky zippers.. Just access.

 

[Sands]

Spent yesterday cleaning up the boat and setting up the canvas.
(228g hardtop). It is a royal pain to get the zippers started basically
because They all start in the corners and top of the hardtop frame.
You would think that they could be started at the bottom . I know that by starting at the top they would be less prone to opening up under load but given we are in the age of internet,gps etc you would think someone could design a way of securing the zipper at the top. Perhaps there is a simpler way to get them going but it eludes my fingers. It is not about sticky zippers.. Just access.

I went to Michael's and got bendable wire. Tied a loop through the zipper hole big enough to grab with my whole hand. Makes the job a whole lot easier.

 

[rorkin]

Sounds like a plan.. any other suggestions welcome

 

[Daman858]

I agree, a handle makes zipping up a lot easier. I used a coat hanger and a piece of wood.

To make the zippers easier to use, take a piece of waxed paper from your kitchen and rub the zipper teeth with it. Lubricates very nicely. On Mother's Day, I salute my mom for teaching me that trick many years ago.

 

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

At the end of my season i apply some vaseline on the teeth and never had a problem.

 

[gwwannabe]

I just had a new bimini top made and new zippers put on the side curtains. The maker told me to use chap stick to lubricate the zippers. I tried some on the old zippers and the difference was amazing.

Gary 89 Overnighter

 

[journeyman]

I was given this when I purchased my boat by the dealer. It has a hook on the side (kind of like a shoelace hook) and has come in handy as well as the snap tool at the end for cool days when the curtains are tight.


http://www.crockersmarinestore.com/servlet/the-85/Grady-White-Snap-Pro-dsh-Plus/Detail


Chapstick also works on the snaps to keep them lubricated as well.

 

[seasick]

The problem is not so mush a lubrication issue as it is getting the zipper started correctly. The non slide side has to be firmly inserted into the stop for the teeth to mesh correctly. Always hold the side of the window that doesn't have the zipper slide and then pull the slide. If you hold the slide side, there is a tendency for the first teeth to move and not mesh. You will be surprised how much better the zippers work.

 

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

The problem is not so mush a lubrication issue as it is getting the zipper started correctly. The non slide side has to be firmly inserted into the stop for the teeth to mesh correctly. Always hold the side of the window that doesn't have the zipper slide and then pull the slide. If you hold the slide side, there is a tendency for the first teeth to move and not mesh. You will be surprised how much better the zippers work.

In that case use a pair of pliers to hold both sides of the zipper and pull gently, when it starts moving O.K let go the pliers.


The chapstick thing, i never knew, learning something every day i guess.

 

[rorkin]

I still think that a redesign of the zipper that starts at the bottom and is secured at the top ought to be looked at by the designers.

Perhaps this design makes it easier to deal with closing the snaps..

The problem is not so mush a lubrication issue as it is getting the zipper started correctly. The non slide side has to be firmly inserted into the stop for the teeth to mesh correctly. Always hold the side of the window that doesn't have the zipper slide and then pull the slide. If you hold the slide side, there is a tendency for the first teeth to move and not mesh. You will be surprised how much better the zippers work.

In that case use a pair of pliers to hold both sides of the zipper and pull gently, when it starts moving O.K let go the pliers.


The chapstick thing, i never knew, learning something every day i guess.

 

[seasick]

I still think that a redesign of the zipper that starts at the bottom and is secured at the top ought to be looked at by the designers.

Perhaps this design makes it easier to deal with closing the snaps..

My zippers end at the bottom so that I can open the front curtains and roll them up if I want, while keeping the side curtains in place.
The back zippers also allow the rear panel to be rolled up. So reversing the direction of the zipper wouldn't be an option for me.

 

[capt chris]

I was given this when I purchased my boat by the dealer. It has a hook on the side (kind of like a shoelace hook) and has come in handy as well as the snap tool at the end for cool days when the curtains are tight.


http://www.crockersmarinestore.com/servlet/the-85/Grady-White-Snap-Pro-dsh-Plus/Detail


Chapstick also works on the snaps to keep them lubricated as well.

One of those tools came with my Tournament 225. It does it all!

 

[Fishtales]

The tool is pretty good, but I can't believe they get $25.00 for the thing....

 

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

I still think that a redesign of the zipper that starts at the bottom and is secured at the top ought to be looked at by the designers.

Perhaps this design makes it easier to deal with closing the snaps..

The problem is not so mush a lubrication issue as it is getting the zipper started correctly. The non slide side has to be firmly inserted into the stop for the teeth to mesh correctly. Always hold the side of the window that doesn't have the zipper slide and then pull the slide. If you hold the slide side, there is a tendency for the first teeth to move and not mesh. You will be surprised how much better the zippers work.

In that case use a pair of pliers to hold both sides of the zipper and pull gently, when it starts moving O.K let go the pliers.


The chapstick thing, i never knew, learning something every day i guess.

I just realized your problem, i'm sorry. Looks like your zippers are backwards. Mine, on all my boats, start at the top and close on the way down, not up. Is that what you have?

 

[BobP]

The zipper mechanism itself is subject to corrosion, I spray them after cleaning up end of season with WD40. Never had a problem with stains or anything using WD40.
Same goes for zipper mechs on seat cushions, the salt destroys the white metal.

Will have to try chap stick (the generic brand) !