Re: [Paddlewise] Yet another deck bag question

From: Steve Jernigan <jernigan_at_chester.uccs.edu>
Date: Wed, 19 Apr 2000 09:44:22 -0600
Hi Harold, Janet, Paddlewisers!

At 09:07 PM 04/18/2000 EDT, HTERVORT_at_aol.com wrote:
>My 
>question is, have you ever tried treating the zipper with 303 to see if it 
>works easier and still seals?  I'd be interested in the results.

Mmmmm, never tried the 303, not having any around, but I did try
lubricating the zipper (kind of a real heavy double ziplock affair, for
those of you who have never seen one) with a silicone based high-vacuum
grease. That did help a bit, but on the downside, it seemed to attract and
hold a lot of grit which then had to be meticulously wiped off each time.
There IS a technique to working the zipper that at least makes it do-able,
but I'm not real consistent at getting it to work. Then too, the bag I have
is the smallest one they make, perhaps the bigger ones with longer zippers
are easier to seal.
FWIW, I'll try to describe the technique that <sometimes> works for me. The
zipper is not symmetrical, one side is thicker and stiffer. Lay that side
against a flat surface (a gunwale). Grasp the thinner side between thumb
and the first couple fingers, with your thumb on the outside. Flex the side
you are holding to approx. 90 degrees, and use your thumb and the bend to
push the seal together. It makes a discernable "pop" when it mates. I start
at the left side and work right, being right handed. Continue this way
until the last couple of inches, squeeze out the air (or inflate as
desired), and squeeze the last bit of the seal together (non-trivial).
Check for integrity. If I get it right, the bag seals great, but as often
as not, there will be a tiny leak, and I have to start over. It is much
easier to get a good seal if the bag is warm from sitting in the sun or
whatever. On cold days, I sometimes can't get it to work at all.
If anyone has a better procedure, or any other suggestions for working this
I'd love to hear from you!
ByeBye! S.
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Received on Wed Apr 19 2000 - 08:56:02 PDT

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