Zipper lubrication

[Jeff M]

Just received an 1950's N-2A jacket.
What do folks recommend to use to lubricate the zippers? graphite? Bees wax?

 

[Peacoat]

Candle wax is often recommended. The label on at least one of my M-65s recommends it. I have used it, and it works well. If you have graphite it might work, but be a bit messy.

 

[Jeff M]

Thanks.
I believe John Chapman once told me he used it....but wasn't sure I heard him right.

 

[Justhandguns]

Well, I have been using candle wax since.......... ar well.... my granny taught me. Yes, it does work best.

You just need to rub the candle along your zipper on both side.

 

[Dav]

If I have a zip that is a bit stiff I rub a thick carpeners pencil up and down the teeth a few times, seems to do the trick!

 

[Otter]

Zip Lube, you get it in Dive shops! It is used on drysuits and wetsuits, comes in a small (10ml?) bottle, basicaly liquid silicon lubricant. Works a treat and you only need a couple of drops.

 

[Deleted member 16736]

I use petroleum jelly. But the candle sounds like an idea.

 

[ButteMT61]

Candles work with zippers and sled rails. Cost a few pennies, and you can get them everywhere. The Swiss Army knife of lube!
PS - you can also light them in emergencies - who knew? lol

 

[St.Ignatz]

Yep, either paraffin or beeswax works best for me. The oils or gels especially silicon can find there way into the leather or fabric as I've found.
Tom D.

 

[Stanley Doble]

Watch out for the graphite, it will leave a black mark on anything it touches. The candle is a good one and if no candle is handy a bar of soap will work as well.

 

[ButteMT61]

Watch out for the graphite, it will leave a black mark on anything it touches. The candle is a good one and if no candle is handy a bar of soap will work as well.

Lord, don't use graphite or oils. That's just lookin' for trouble.

 

[Jeff M]

Used the candle wax.
Worked great.

 

[jb771213]

Just in case, you don't have a candle, you can also use soap (bar) instead.