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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

My Zipper's Stuck!

4/6/2017

 
I school in a super comfy but rather plain pair of Tuffriders. The longer I ride in them, the more I like them. I am hard on my boots though so I keep a clean pair of Ariat Maestros stored in my trailer for shows.
Picture
Not my Tuffriders. These are my Ariat Maestros.
I like the Maestros a lot as well. They're actual dressage boots, not dress boots. They've also been remarkably sturdy and long wearing. Except. The one thing that I don't like about these boots is the zipper. 

Compared to the other three pairs of tall boots I've owned, the pull tab is remarkably tiny which makes getting a good grip on it difficult. Sorry, no photo. That in itself would be okay except that the zipper is also very sticky. It just doesn't slide up and done smoothly.
Picture
That's wax, not the reason for the sticky zipper.
I keep the boots in my horse trailer, but it's reasonably well insulated and quite dry inside. They're stored in the coat closet of the living quarters which is weather proof. I don't think the zippers are getting damp out there, but I am open to suggestions.

Some time ago, I bought a large wax block used by divers. For what they use it I am not sure, but I bought it to coat the teeth of the zipper hoping it would allow them to slide more easily. It did help the zipper to slide marginally easier, but I am wondering if there is a better product out there.

Do I just need to rub more of the wax on the zipper? Do I need to heat it first? If you have a solution for sticky zippers, please share!
M in NC
4/6/2017 05:52:42 am

When I was a child, my mother would use a bar of dry soap (small, like the ones you use to get at motel/hotel) on the sticky metal zippers. Like the wax you used, it should lubricate the zipper teeth and cut down on the friction. Not sure what impact it would have on the other materials in the boots.

Another thought would be something like a neutral Kiwi shoe polish. it should be oily enough and not be a problem for the zipper fabric or boot leather.

Hopefully the zipper teeth are well cut (clean and smooth) and matched to the correct size zipper pull . I Googled 'parts of a zipper' and the three main parts are a) the pull, b) the bridge and c)has several names --> slider or body or car

M in NC

Bakersfield Dressage link
4/10/2017 07:12:46 am

I think soap is a lot like wax. The zipper pull does seem too small for the zipper, but at least it's now sliding!

Christy
4/6/2017 06:09:40 am

Try a pencil. You just rub the lead up and down both sides of the zipper and that should help.

Bakersfield Dressage link
4/10/2017 07:13:14 am

Good thought, but doesn't it get messy?

Karen
4/6/2017 06:41:01 am

WD-40

Magical

Bakersfield Dressage link
4/10/2017 07:13:46 am

I want to but ... leakage?

SarahO link
4/6/2017 07:11:20 am

They actually make stuff for exactly that purpose! Zipper-Ease

http://www.doversaddlery.com/zipper-ease/p/X1-37017/

Bakersfield Dressage link
4/10/2017 07:14:32 am

I saw that some time ago, but Dover's shipping annoys me which is why i bought the diver's wax. I am hoping it's basically the same thing.

Jamie
4/6/2017 07:58:27 am

I second the WD-40, spray a little onto a plate or in a cup, use a little paintbrush to paint it into the teeth. :D

Bakersfield Dressage link
4/10/2017 07:15:08 am

I might have to try it, but I worry about staining my white breeches.

Calm, Forward, Straight link
4/6/2017 08:36:42 am

I also run a little bar of travel soap along zipper teeth. Less messy than wax. I think divers use the wax for wetsuit zippers - stays put under water.

Bakersfield Dressage link
4/10/2017 07:15:52 am

I'll have to give it a try and see if it works better than the wax.

Amanda link
4/6/2017 09:00:25 am

You want graphite - what they use to help grease locks. That will be less messy and less dangerous for your leather, and it's easy enough to keep around. Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Panef-Corp-Powdered-Graphite-Lubricant/dp/B0016GZQ60/

Bakersfield Dressage link
4/10/2017 07:16:30 am

I checked into it, butI am really worried about the mess. Is this what you use?

jenj
4/6/2017 12:47:58 pm

Eeeek, be careful with WD-40 and pencil graphite. It'll get all over your white breeches AND your white horse. Ask me how I know...

Bakersfield Dressage link
4/10/2017 07:17:26 am

Did you try them? I REALLY don't want a mess which is why I tried the wax first.

Susan Friedland-Smith (Saddle Seeks Horse) link
4/6/2017 06:26:46 pm

Oh what a pain! The irony is one of my all-time most popular blog posts is How to Fix a Riding Boot Zipper. And the "research" I did yielded a candle and Windex as best solutions. And pliers.

Can you take it to a shoe repair and have them put a larger pull tab on the zipper?

Bakersfield Dressage link
4/10/2017 07:19:03 am

So good to know!!!!! Windex is definitely a clean option and I've already found the wax to improve the smoothness. I could probably try to get the zipper modified, but I have already had work done to these boots and hate to spend more. :0)


Comments are closed.

    About the Writer and Rider

    ​I am a lifelong rider. 
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Among other things, Karen is a Wife, Friend, Reader, Writer, Rider, Traveler, and Dog Lover
Contact her at bakersfielddressage@gmail.com
  • Home
  • About
  • My Horses
    • Horses
    • Imperioso
    • G Ima Starr FA
    • Sunshine
    • Nakota and Gideon
    • Corky
    • Sassy
    • Montoya DSA
    • Mickey Dee
    • Sydney
  • Show Results
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    • 2011
    • 2010
  • Dressage Organizations
    • Dressage Organizations
    • Memberships
    • 2019 Dressage Tests
  • Local
    • Shopping List
  • Home