Replacement Tab / runner for wetsuit

noeleoreid

Is it at all possible to get a new tab or runner for a wetsuit zip?? Or even get a new zip put into one?? Cause I have literally exhausted my options here in galway. Its a size 10D ykk pull tab i need.

I tried everyone of the outdoor shops, the zipyard, a seamstress, hickys, anythony ryans homestore, singers, I also tried cycle super store, nigels on the tuam road but none can help me.

I also rang ORCA in the UK but they said it sould be 30 pounds sterling and the postage would be on me so thats looking at prob 50 pounds plus, hardly worth it considering a new suit would be 120 euro.

I find it very difficult to understand that there isint a thriving business for wetsuit repair somewhere in ireland and that Ive been turned away from everywhere Ive tried.

Also I should mention that all the teeth on the zip and the seams and neoprene ect.. are perfectly intact, its just the tab that runs up and down over the teeth which is broken, if I could even get another tab, I would stand a good chance of getting it repaired.

Anyone have any experience here??

sconhome

Did you try everywhere?

If the tab is still intact and has simply pulled off the runner you can try (very gently) prising the metal tab open by twisting a flat blade screwdriver in the runner slot.

This should give you enough to allow the tab sit back on the zip runner. Reposition the tab at the bottom of the zip, align the runners and close the tab with a pinch of a pliers.

Once the zip is fastening again put a safety pin across the zipper lines just at the repair point to prevent the zip pulling off again.

If all else fails it is worth returning to the UK to be repaired properly otherwise you are looking at having to replace the suit.

noeleoreid

amphkingwest wrote: »

Did you try everywhere?

If the tab is still intact and has simply pulled off the runner you can try (very gently) prising the metal tab open by twisting a flat blade screwdriver in the runner slot.

This should give you enough to allow the tab sit back on the zip runner. Reposition the tab at the bottom of the zip, align the runners and close the tab with a pinch of a pliers.

Once the zip is fastening again put a safety pin across the zipper lines just at the repair point to prevent the zip pulling off again.

If all else fails it is worth returning to the UK to be repaired properly otherwise you are looking at having to replace the suit.

Just t let ye know guys got the zip fixed today... after trying almost ten places in galway and after being told by a seamstress that a needed a new pull tab, I decided my last stop before giving up on it was actually a mens wear store that does alterations on suits .. and hey presto!!!

Turns out it wasen't the pull tab at all that needed replacement but the stopper on the end of the zip that prevents the pull tab just sliding off the end!! so he sewed on a new stopper just made from material but it does the trick perfect.

Delighted, saved possibly 200 beans buying a new suit!!

Cheers again Amphibian King.. ye are always good for advice and helping ppl.. can count on ye lads.