Zip Tips ?

[stevewaters]

I had been a fan of Topeak Fuel Tank top tube bags. However, 2 have now failed due to the (waterproof) zip getting stuck and then damaged.

I have been careful to keep them clean from mud. I have also tried not to pull them excessively hard. I have also tried "oiling" the zips to see if that helps keeps them smooth running.

Anyway, I have just bought a Revelate Gas Tank bag to see if that fares better.

With my other (Alpkit) bikebacking bags I sometimes feel I am close to getting a jammed zip too.

Just wondered if others had the same issue and any tips to share on how to look after their zips or the best types of zips to look for ?

[sean_iow]

What do you use to oil them? I have a can of silicon spray with teflon I use which works well. On all my myog bags I only use YKK zips.

I did have to replace the zip on my frame bag after a year but it was getting nearly daily use in all conditions and has been somewhat abused by stuffing too much in there, I'm more careful now.

[Bearbonesnorm]

Rub a candle over the teeth every now and then.

[boxelder]

Yeah, I was going to say candle wax.

[stevewaters]

What do you use to oil them?

GT85 spray (with PTFE).

[ScotRoutes]

Rub a candle over the teeth every now and then.

Before or after flossing?

[pistonbroke]

Better still use a citronella candle to keep the flies and mozzies at bay.

[sean_iow]

GT85 spray (with PTFE).

Petroleum based lubricants then to attract dirt/dust and retain it, the silicon doesn't which I'm sure helps the life of the zip.

As a bonus the silicon/teflon spray I have is also good for curtain tracks, thus making the curtains slide as if they are new and earning extra points from the boss

[whitestone]

Rub a pencil (the graphite part obviously ) along it. Not sure which of 3B all the way to 3H is best.

[RIP]

Rub a candle over the teeth every now and then.

Before or after flossing?

[redefined_cycles]

I think recently in their framebags (well in past few years) Revelate went over to using the Vislon (i think thats what their called- the chunky plastic teeth.) zippers from YKK. I swapped the main waterproof one on my Wildcat to that and it ceetainly looks like its not affectdd by stress and nor gets stuck with grit etc etc... feels really smooth at all times

[chrisjones]

beeswax.

You use it on diving drysuit zips, so it will be good enough for bike bags.

[In Reverse]

Same as you Steve I've been through a few zips on gas-tank bags in exactly the same way.

If it happens again I can thoroughly recommend the Miss Grape "Node". Been using that for a couple of years and the zip is significantly beefier. Keep Pedalling sell them.

[stevewaters]

Thanks everyone ! - Some great suggestions.

[BigdummySteve]

Aside from wax (most tent manufacturers recommend it in zippers) I’ve recently been enjoying a revelate mag tank 2000, usual revelate quality and genuinely usable one handed on the go, and no zip.

[Mart]

Mine failed the state way Steve
I’ve got a Apidura Race on now (just a flap)
Liking it a lot

[Fargoist]

GT85 spray (with PTFE).

Petroleum based lubricants then to attract dirt/dust and retain it, the silicon doesn't which I'm sure helps the life of the zip.

As a bonus the silicon/teflon spray I have is also good for curtain tracks, thus making the curtains slide as if they are new and earning extra points from the boss

Plus the lovely aroma of GT85, always loved the smell of the stuff since I sent my bike into the LBS for a service.

[stevewaters]

Aside from wax (most tent manufacturers recommend it in zippers) I’ve recently been enjoying a revelate mag tank 2000,

Thanks - I like the look of the the Revelate Designs Mag-Tank 2000 - seems to be sold out at the moment across the Uk.

[BigdummySteve]

Yes, I got mine from bike24 in Germany, very quick delivery.