Freeing off zips

[ElyDave]

I have a deuter waist pack that I was looking to use on an upcoming "thing", only problem is that it's been in ye shedde over the winter and all of the metal zip components have gone furry and refuse to move in their plastic zips.  One is mobile, the rest stuck solid.  I don't want to force them.

Any ideas?  I was thinking a splosh of GT40 perhaps?

[manyrivers]

I'm told silicon spray is good on stuck or reluctant zips. Maybe, but my experience has always been a bit meh.

[Jurek]

If the teeth of the zip are brass or other metal, then apply graphite - a pencil will do.
If plastic, apply soap - Fairy liquid will do.
Both of which can be a easily removed without marking the fabric, once the zip has been freed.

[mrcharly-YHT]

Rinse in fresh water

Rinse with something acidic, to see if that will dissolve the zinc oxide (then rinse off again with fresh)

Dry, rub pencil over the zip for graphite powder.

[sparklyfish]

I have had success with replacing the zip slider from a different zip, using needle-nose pliers to carefully pry the slider off the donor zip and onto the recipient zip. Works best on a coat where there are multiple zips which match exactly, and easier on an open-ended zip. Mostly useful for making coats last an extra winter, rather than as a long-term repair! But might be useful here, if you can revive some but not all of the zips.

[Lightning Phil]

I rub wax candles on stubborn zips.

[ElyDave]

Rinse in fresh water

Rinse with something acidic, to see if that will dissolve the zinc oxide (then rinse off again with fresh)

Dry, rub pencil over the zip for graphite powder.

I think this may be the key, a bit of vinegar and then wash clean

Thanks for all the tips