What can I use to lubricate my boat cover snaps?

CrowdedHouse

Cadet
Joined
Jul 11, 2007
Messages
11
That's one thing that I hate...

Putting my cover on and taking it off...especially during cold weather...
Any suggestions I can use to make my cover snaps, snap on and off
easier?

thanks

crowdehouse
 

kenmyfam

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 10, 2006
Messages
14,385
Re: What can I use to lubricate my boat cover snaps?

I second vaseline. That's what I use.
 

fishrdan

Admiral
Joined
Jan 25, 2008
Messages
6,989
Re: What can I use to lubricate my boat cover snaps?

I've heard Chap-Stick works good.
 

backyard mechanic

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jan 6, 2009
Messages
203
Re: What can I use to lubricate my boat cover snaps?

Almost everyone I know uses vasoline (petroleum jelly) on snaps and zippers. There are silicone greases and sprayon lubricants like vasoline too. Choose what silicone type lube you like but good old petroleum jelly works as good as any and it's super cheap. ;)
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: What can I use to lubricate my boat cover snaps?

wax also works. good ole block of parafin from grocery store.
 

Philster

Captain
Joined
Sep 15, 2009
Messages
3,342
Re: What can I use to lubricate my boat cover snaps?

I've used petroleum jelly (found in Vaseline and various lip balms) and someone recommended Lemon Pledge.

You don't want to use anything that will foul the canvas.
 

wtxpatrick

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Oct 3, 2009
Messages
37
Re: What can I use to lubricate my boat cover snaps?

I use a plain old bar of soap, works great on zippers too. Might as well use the grease gun if your using vaseline.
 

Philster

Captain
Joined
Sep 15, 2009
Messages
3,342
Re: What can I use to lubricate my boat cover snaps?

Soap is mostly water, is slightly acidic and sometimes contains salt.

.
 

Moody Blue

Captain
Joined
May 24, 2004
Messages
3,136
Re: What can I use to lubricate my boat cover snaps?

Second the vote for parafin wax. I use it on the zippers (boat cover, tents, sleeping bags etc etc) and the dome snaps. Doesn't leave a greasy residue and lasts longer than soap.
 

a70eliminator

Captain
Joined
Sep 9, 2007
Messages
3,688
Re: What can I use to lubricate my boat cover snaps?

Are you aware of the neat little hand tool made just for snapping covers on?
I've have not used one yet myself, no arthritis (knocking on wood)
I think they're available right here at the Iboats store.
 

ReelPlumber

Seaman
Joined
Nov 15, 2009
Messages
65
Re: What can I use to lubricate my boat cover snaps?

Chap stick for the snaps and lemon pledge for the ensglass and upolstry.
 

kregars

Cadet
Joined
Jun 21, 2007
Messages
23
Re: What can I use to lubricate my boat cover snaps?

I used to use a standard white candle on my old 230Aft cockpit cover. I'd ring the snap (on the canvas), as well as the perm. mounted pieces. This was what the previous owner had done and what was recommended by the canvas shop that had made the cover (they even supplied the candle).
 

slasmith1

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Dec 2, 2008
Messages
1,028
Re: What can I use to lubricate my boat cover snaps?

when I wax the boat I take a little dab and apply it to each snap.
 

RWILLIAMS

Cadet
Joined
Aug 30, 2008
Messages
13
Re: What can I use to lubricate my boat cover snaps?

West Marine or Overtons sell a tool for easy snap removal. Check with them.
 

walt-oxie1

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 13, 2009
Messages
141
Re: What can I use to lubricate my boat cover snaps?

The best thing I found to use on snaps is wax (paraffin, chap stick, candle etc.) I have the same snaps on my rain gear and have been using waxes for years. I also commercial fish and wear rain gear almost daily.
 

rbh

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Mar 21, 2009
Messages
7,939
Re: What can I use to lubricate my boat cover snaps?

try a shot of graphite in a can, it wont melt in the sun.
 

ky gravy

Cadet
Joined
Sep 16, 2009
Messages
19
Re: What can I use to lubricate my boat cover snaps?

I used to use a pencil drawn up and down the zipper...
 

NSBCraig

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Aug 21, 2007
Messages
1,907
Re: What can I use to lubricate my boat cover snaps?

inox
 
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