A better zipper lubricant

[Nick Smolinske]

I just wanted to share this with the community – I have found that Teflon Dry Lube by PB Blaster works better as a zipper lubricant than any of the usual suspects. I’ve tried graphite, wax, zipper-specific compounds and a few other options, and this one works the best and does not attract dirt at all. I haven’t found it referenced in regards to zippers anywhere:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Blaster-9-3-oz-Advanced-Dry-Lube-with-Teflon-16-TDL/202532762

That said, I have only tried it on heavy duty #10 zippers on bike frame bags. They tend to stiffen up (with dirt being the primary culprit) and then they can become very difficult to close, with damage likely if you force them. I don’t know how well this would work on smaller zippers like on a tent. And if I were to use it on clothing I would definitely cover the fabric with something because it’s not easy to hit just the zipper with the spray.

(I have no affiliation with PB Blaster, just sharing a good product).

[James Marco]

Teflon bike lube works well, too.

[DAN-Y]

Thank you.

Bee’s wax works well also. I no longer have an affiliation with bees

[Nick Smolinske]

I have actually tried both of those and found that they helped the zipper action, but also attracted dirt. The one I linked is the only one I’ve found that’s done the first thing well, without doing the latter.

[jimmyjam]

I’ve had good luck with bees wax. I got some bike lube, might give it a try.

[Stormin]

WD 40.

[Ken Thompson]

If you use wax, WD40, oil, etc., you are likely to gunk up your zippers even worse, and then the attracted grit can prematurely wear and ruin your zippers.

[Stormin]

WD40 is a degreaser, it will not attract dirt, just the opposite. It is also water repelent.

[Greg Mihalik]

 

[Ken Thompson]

Its actually a penetrating oil (Originally kerosene and propane)

https://www.wd40company.com/files/pdf/sds/mup/wd-40-multi-use-product-aerosol-sds-us-ghs-7-20-14.pdf

it works on zippers sure, but so do other things, better.

[Franco Darioli]

Apart from the secret smell, one thing that I remember about WD40 is that it was the 40th formula they came up with . Hence the name.

[JCH]

In 40+ years of owning and using tents, I’ve never had a zipper lubrication problem (that’s what she said).  Out of curiosity, what conditions create the need to lubricate a zipper?

[Greg Mihalik]

^^^

In the First post –

“That said, I have only tried it on heavy duty #10 zippers on bike frame bags. They tend to stiffen up (with dirt being the primary culprit) and then they can become very difficult to close, with damage likely if you force them.”

Unless you ride your tent into the dirt, you probably won’t need a lube.

 

 

 

 

[JCH]

My myopic view of the world, and of BPL, once again outs me as a dunce.

Thanks Greg.

[J R]

There are a lot of lubricants that will work on zippers. It seems a lot of folks are trying to out-do Nick’s suggestion when all he was doing is offering up something for consideration. While in my circumstances I probably would not need it, thanks Nick for bringing yet another option to our attention.

[John S.]

I have heard many stories of tent zipper failure due to dirt/sand, usually the smaller zippers. Most tent sellers give instructions for zipper maintenance.

[Ken Thompson]

Like teeth a regular tooth brushing prevents some issues and increases service life.

[Greg Mihalik]

 

Zipper Failure

The wad in middle is nearly solid, probably because I used McNett ZipTech.

[John Yates]

Age and UV radiation seem to make zippers fail.  Lubrication helps.

[Lowell Mills]

John, much appreciation for bumping this up and reminding me of Nick’s recommendation.  Based on his original input, I purchased PB Blaster Advanced Dry Lube with Teflon in 2017 and now it’s all I use and have recommended it to others.  What I especially like is that, unlike silicone spray, it specifically says it’s okay for use with plastics, which is about everything these days.  Thanks for the info!

[John K]

I’m a fan of McLube SailKote

[Diane “Piper” Soini]

Parrots also make zippers fail.

[Lowell Mills]

I only recently realized that PB Blaster dry lube has been reformulated to remove the Teflon (and PTFE).  It now leaves behind polyethylene and amide wax.  Any inputs as to effectiveness in comparison to the original ingredients?

[Jerry Adams]

I know this was 2019, but how do parrots make zippers fail?

must be a good story there

[DWR D]

I would be wary of zipper lubes or waxes that could attract and hold dust or grit…

[Author]

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