Got my drysuit zipper stuck solid on a job in Dutch Harbor last winter

Honestly, it was minus 10 outside and we were prepping for a hull inspection. I went to zip up and the slider just stopped halfway. Tried the usual soap trick, nothing. My partner grabbed a small bottle of food grade silicone spray from his lunch kit, the kind for fishing reels. He gave the zipper teeth two quick sprays, waited a minute, and it slid right up like new. I keep a tiny bottle in my gear bag now. It doesn't gum up like other lubes in the cold. Has anyone found something else that works better in saltwater freezing temps?

2 comments

2 Comments

noah_black12d ago

Try a graphite pencil on the teeth.

benw8712d agoMost Upvoted

I mean, graphite is basically just carbon and it's not great to put in your mouth. It can be gritty and might actually scratch the enamel if you rub it on your teeth. Maybe you're thinking of activated charcoal powder? That's a thing people try for whitening, but even that's pretty rough on your gums. Honestly, I'd just stick with regular toothpaste.