Enclosure zipper corrosion

1st grady

GreatGrady Captain
Joined
Jan 31, 2005
Messages
537
Reaction score
3
Points
18
Never had one stuck. Yet
WD40
Vinegar disolves salt
PB plaster (works on rust)
Remove and soak in water?
Aren't the zipper teeth plastic?
Good luck.
 

DennisG01

GreatGrady Captain
Joined
Sep 1, 2013
Messages
7,189
Reaction score
1,341
Points
113
Location
Allentown, PA & Friendship, ME
Model
Offshore
Vinegar or Salt Away should help get rid of some of the crust. Try using a saturated towel to help keep the solution in contact with the crust. At some point, though, it comes time to replace the zippers. I use plain beeswax (available at a craft store - last time I bought some it was a 1lb brick for $5) as it is not greasy so it doesn't attract dirt or grime. Some will use Chapstick, but that tends to stay more "oily".
 

Meanwhile

Well-Known Member
Joined
Feb 16, 2014
Messages
563
Reaction score
104
Points
43
Location
Warren, OR
I had one of the metal zippers stuck, with a broken off pull. I used Corrosion Block on it for a week, kept applying it every couple of days. I used the thin product, not the HD. At last I was able to move it a bit using pliers, and then it broke free. I'm having to use the same method on many of the snaps and zippers for the sins of a prior owner.
 

Legend

GreatGrady Captain
Joined
Jun 29, 2006
Messages
1,462
Reaction score
201
Points
63
Location
Southern New England
Model
Sailfish
I've had this happen a few time with the salt and generally lots of water and WD 40 - A bit of persuading with needle nose pliers will usually start it moving. back and forth with enough pressure to wiggle it free
I use Vaseline lip balm to keep them gliding during the season - a couple of every 6 inches and the just run the closure to spread it out over the zipper - works great