Freeing corroded zips - Success stories only please !

[Ed]

I think we have discussed this before.....but has anyone actually been able to clean up or free a corroded zip.

If you have.....what worked?

These kind of questions normally quickly dissolve into a discussion of the exact formula, dilution and PH of acid that 'should' loosen the free radicals or whatever...but I have tried nearly everything in the past, including week and strong acids, detergents, oils and silicons, but have never really had any luck.

So the question is not 'What should work?', but rather is there anyone who reckons they have actually got this 'sussed'.

eib

[ICLYM]

Hi Ed
I have recently freed a number of zips using Kilrock.K kettle descaler. have been careful to rinse the surrounding fabric very carefully afterwards.
Ivan

[Ed]

Wonderful!

where do I get this magic liquid!

how did you use it? neat or dilute?

dabbed on or left to soak?

eib

[JimC]

Its going to be highly dependant on the material the zip is made of etc... Back in the days when I was working with paint strippers etc a customer wanted us to develop a product that would strip a nylon coating off aluminium zip fasteners... we weren't allowed to send the spoof report we worked up which involved dissolving out the aluminium and reclaiming it!

[Ed]

Indeed....

well for all the stuck zips I have got.....the slider is metal and of a light alloy - presumably aluminum and the zip is plastic.

eib

[Michael Brigg]

I've often found spit is pretty good.

Probably depends on how much bile you build up trying to free the bugger, and how much you really need to do it!

[ICLYM]

Kilrock is available from a good hardware shop about £2.50 a bottle. I have used it neat with a small brush.

Ivan