ZIPS

[User]

 

[NickNick]

I know you can use candle wax on stuck zips but not sure if it would work prophylactically.

e2a: looks like you can https://www.thriftyfun.com/Lubricating-a-Zipper-with-Candle-Wax.html

 

[Tim Hall]

Pledge furniture polish.

 

[rrarider]

Rubbing a pencil over the teeth of a closed zip used to be the recommended method of easing a sticky zip mechanism. I guess that the graphite helps to lubricate the sliding.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

I've always used candle wax

 

[Joffey]

Pencil lead as said above, it is a dry lube.

 

[youngoldbloke]

 

[Profpointy]

Candle wax or beeswax is what we use on scuba diving drysuit zips - which despite being heavy-duty, are vulnerable, and expensive to replace. I've never bothered on ordinary clothes or sleeping bags, but it's not a silly idea.

A word of advice - never, ever use a pliers to pull a stuck zip on a garment you are wearing. A friend made that mistake and acquired a Terry Thomas like smile as a result

 

[Dave 123]

I’m another vote for bees wax

 

[Drago]

This stuff...

Or a spray of silicone dry lube.

 

[Ajax Bay]

[QUOTE 5043153, member: 9609"]How do you maintain and lubricate seldom used Zips ?[/QUOTE]

Rubbing a pencil over the teeth of a closed zip

This ^^^^ Can't beat graphite for this use. Soft lead pencil eg 2B (rather than 'H'). And very easy and quick to apply/use.
This maintenance is good for all zips that are not going through the washing machine (or submerged in water) and saves unnecessary (and unwanted) jerks when opening/closing bar and top tube bags on the move.

 

[roadrash]

Another vote for the pencil.

 

[User6179]

I used some clipper oil ( mineral oil) on my overshoes zip, for some reason my Topeak saddle bag zip that gets soaked most days never sticks but my chain tool I carry in it was seized solid.

 

[Drago]

I'm surprised no one has recommended chainsaw oil!

 

[youngoldbloke]

Silicone Spray is clean and non greasy. Graphite and grease, wax and oil may well work but I recommend Silicone for clothing and other items where cleanliness is important . Easily reapplied.