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Corroded Zip!!??

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Tzwengali
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Local Beach: Miramar, Panjim, Goa, India
Style: hydrofoiling and wave
Gear: FS Speed2 15m Ozone Edge 13m, Slingshot Wave 12m, FS Psycho IV 10m, Ozone Instinct 9m
Takoon, Airush Sector, Liquid Force Happy Foil
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Corroded Zip!!??

Postby Tzwengali » Mon Jul 16, 2018 12:45 pm

Here is a problem I was struggling with yesterday: The monsoon wind is picking up nicely and it was the first time after 6 months that I wanted to take my 10m Flysurfer Psycho out again. It has the large pre-fill / deflation zip on the top side, which is not stuck in place (open position) with corrosion.
Any tips on how I can free it???

airsail
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Re: Corroded Zip!!??

Postby airsail » Mon Jul 16, 2018 2:13 pm

Flysurfer went through a stage of fitting alloy slider on their zips, my Speed 2 had one. After it started corroding I removed it and replaced the entire zip with one that has a plastic slider. Easy job with a domestic sewing machine and some polyester thread.

Generally, a corroded alloy slider can not be repaired, you might get it moving but the corrosion would have damaged it and it is unlikely to slide freely. Best option is replacement.

Flyfish
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Re: Corroded Zip!!??

Postby Flyfish » Mon Jul 16, 2018 3:27 pm

Tzwengal is right. I've had to replace plenty of zippers. But you can try to soak the pull in vinegar. It's a very mild acid that nay dissolve it just enough.

If you really like the kite, sew in a Velcro butt flap. Never fails you.

Tzwengali
Rare Poster
Posts: 7
Joined: Tue May 30, 2017 7:38 am
Local Beach: Miramar, Panjim, Goa, India
Style: hydrofoiling and wave
Gear: FS Speed2 15m Ozone Edge 13m, Slingshot Wave 12m, FS Psycho IV 10m, Ozone Instinct 9m
Takoon, Airush Sector, Liquid Force Happy Foil
Brand Affiliation: www.chickenloop.com
Has thanked: 3 times
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Re: Corroded Zip!!??

Postby Tzwengali » Mon Jul 16, 2018 4:41 pm

Thanks guys.

Flyfish, did you use a simple Velcro strip (hooks on one side, fluffy on the other)?
Or some more complex double layer design (e.g. hocks on both sides between flaps of fluffy from top and bottom)?

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jakemoore
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Re: Corroded Zip!!??

Postby jakemoore » Mon Jul 16, 2018 4:55 pm

Hot vinegar and Diet Coke might dissolve the corrosion and let it move.

The other problem is sliders fail and will unzip in flight deflating the kite.

I bought a brass slider and it seemed to have more longevity. Easy install with less sewing than a zipper replacement.

Very happy for the return of the Velcro butthole.


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