Stuck bimini zipper

[FWcruiser]

Any hints on how to free up a stuck bimini plastic zipper?

 

[Horigan]

Spray silicon lubricant and pull harder.

 

[mr 88]

Have to make sure all the teeth are engaged , if not you might try using a small pick or something like that to engage the teeth before it goes into the zipper. That may be what's stopping it from working.

 

[Scott Danforth]

spray silicone, however be careful, it can stain the bimini fabric

once you get it un-stuck, take those half-burned birthday candles that normally get thrown away and wax the zipper every few months.

 

[3rdtimesthecharm]

Bar soap works as a lubricant too.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Bar soap works as a lubricant too.

but it corrodes the zipper rider if its metal

 

[fortunate2001]

Ditto on the silicone, spray it, let it soak a minute, and gently work the zipper left right up down forward backwards until it will move independently from the formerly fused) teeth. Then, increase the force and work it toward open and closed if there is room. Doesn't matter which way it goes when it first starts to move again, just have to get it off the corroded teeth. Then clean the teeth and zip in the direction you wanted.

Beeswax or candle wax is a great preventative maintenance, rub on in the spring when putting the canvas up. Then no problems in the fall...

 

[mr 88]

I am a little baffled , " corroded teeth " the OP stated they were plastic ,honestly have never seen corroded plastic teeth. I also don't know how lubricating nylon teeth will do anything if the teeth are not engaged correctly , [ if at all ],where they go into or are already in the zipper

 

[robert graham]

WD-40 and an old toothbrush to brush the solvent into the stuck zipper teeth....

 

[Horigan]

I am a little baffled , " corroded teeth " the OP stated they were plastic ,honestly have never seen corroded plastic teeth. I also don't know how lubricating nylon teeth will do anything if the teeth are not engaged correctly , [ if at all ],where they go into or are already in the zipper

Could be plastic teeth and metal slider, which is what my bimini has and it has corroded stuck in the past.

 

[mr 88]

Could be plastic teeth and metal slider, which is what my bimini has and it has corroded stuck in the past.

Ok ,still doesn't explain how plastic or nylon rust . The metal slider just mates the zipper together and should be made out of SS that wouldnt rust ,especially on a plastic zipper that is rust free. I have about 30 zippers on two boats and they are all plastic on plastic. I still think his teeth are not engaged and binding when he tries to move the slide . Of course the OP dissapeared.