Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => The Knowledge => Topic started by: rr on 15 December, 2018, 04:01:56 pm

Title: Lubricating zips
Post by: rr on 15 December, 2018, 04:01:56 pm

I have a venerable Polaris, Buffalo style cycling top, with long ventilation zips at the sides, these zips are intended to enable you to adjust the level of ventilation as you go. They have become sticky and difficult to move with one hand, any ideas on how I can lubricate them to restore their function?

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Title: Re: Lubricating zips
Post by: campagman on 15 December, 2018, 04:08:05 pm

rub with a candle or use a WD40 pen. I picked one of these up recently and works ok.

Title: Re: Lubricating zips
Post by: yoav on 15 December, 2018, 04:26:57 pm

+1 for the candle, or beeswax.

Title: Re: Lubricating zips
Post by: Blodwyn Pig on 15 December, 2018, 04:27:56 pm

HB pencil.  Rub the graphite on both sides. and it'll work a treat.  My  Mum told me that one,  she was a tailoress.

Title: Re: Lubricating zips
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 15 December, 2018, 04:31:22 pm

+1 for the pencil

Title: Re: Lubricating zips
Post by: Ham on 15 December, 2018, 05:01:05 pm

Silicone spray FTW. I use one that's sold as non-marking for fabric like this (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Waterproofing-Silicone-Spray-Bags-Tents-Awning-Fishing-Camping-Hiking/292262999878), but I doubt it is any different, can be sourced at any plumbers merchant. Works a dream on sticky curtain tracks, shower doors etc etc.

Title: Re: Lubricating zips
Post by: Gattopardo on 15 December, 2018, 05:14:14 pm

I use a pencil.

Title: Re: Lubricating zips
Post by: T42 on 15 December, 2018, 05:14:40 pm

Candle wax is good for sticky drawers (the furniture kind).

Title: Re: Lubricating zips
Post by: Jurek on 15 December, 2018, 05:16:31 pm

Plastic teeth? Furniture polish (most have silicone in them).
Brass teeth? Graphite powder / pencil.

Title: Re: Lubricating zips
Post by: andrew_s on 16 December, 2018, 07:35:42 pm

Quote from: Ham on 15 December, 2018, 05:01:05 pm

Silicone spray FTW.

+1
I use the Terra Nova zip lube: https://www.climbingdirect.co.uk/terra-nova-zip-and-pole-lube-1236-p.asp
but I expect any generic silicone spray will do as well
(N.B. seems to be NOS only)

Title: Re: Lubricating zips
Post by: Aunt Maud on 18 December, 2018, 04:59:21 pm

Soap works well.

Title: Re: Lubricating zips
Post by: Gus on 18 December, 2018, 08:14:55 pm

squirt chain lube

Title: Re: Lubricating zips
Post by: morbihan on 20 December, 2018, 11:56:37 am

snap and zipper lube. comes in a tube, lasts forever.