Maintenance and use of Tizip

And TIZIP zipper On a packraft is very robust – but only if used and maintained correctly. Many problems (leaks, sluggishness, wear and tear) are actually caused by incorrect use over time.

Here is a practical guide that will make your zipper last much longer:

Proper use in the field

Always close completely correctly

  • Slide the lock all the way to the end of the line – even 1–2 mm open can cause leakage
  • You should clearly know “stop” when it is closed
  • Don't trust “almost closed”

Avoid zipper tension

  • Do not sit or place weight directly on it
  • Avoid packing so tightly that the zipper is stretched
  • On the packraft: distribute luggage so it doesn't press on the zipper

This is one of the most common causes of cracks.

Open/close correctly

  • Use to hinder:
    • I am holding the fabric straight
    • he pulls the slider
  • Pull straight – do not twist or “bend” the zipper

Never force it

If it is slow:

  • Don't pull harder
  • Then you can permanently destroy the sealing profile

Cleaning (very important)

Sand and dirt are the main enemies.

After the tour:

  • Rinse with fresh water (especially after saltwater)
  • Feel free to use a soft brush (e.g., a toothbrush)
  • Make sure there is no sand in the tracks

This alone can double its lifespan.

🧴 Lubrication

Use the correct type of lubrication regularly:

  • TIZIP own grease or silicone-based zipper lubricant
  • Lightly grease the entire profile
  • Open/close a few times to distribute

How often?

  • After 5–10 uses
  • Always before long trips
  • After cleaning

Cold and temperature

  • In the cold, the zipper can become stiff
  • Avoid opening/closing if it's freezing cold and dry
  • Warm it a little with your hands first

Storage

  • Store half-open or slightly closed
  • Not completely closed for a long time → can deform the seal
  • Store dry and away from pressure on the zipper

⚠️ Signs of trouble

Look for:

  • Tremor or “jerky” movement
  • Air leak
  • Small cracks in the tape
  • That it “opens up” a little after closing

Don't delay – small problems quickly become big ones.

🧭 Quick mnemonic

  • Smurt → Riktig lasting → Forsiktig håndtering

A crack TIZIP zipper (often used on drysuits, packrafts, waterproof bags, etc.) that leaks air is unfortunately quite a serious problem – but what you can do depends on where the damage is and how critical the seal is.

🔍 First: what kind of damage is it?

  • Small tear/hole in the “tape” itself (the fabric around the zipper) possible to repair temporarily
  • Damage to the gear rack / plastic profile itself difficult to fix permanently
  • Leaks without visible damage can be dirt, wear, or lack of lubrication

🛠️ Possible solutions

1. Temporary repair (often works okay)

If there is a small tear in the tape:

  • Use Aquasure / Seam Grip (Push-lim)
  • Or Tear-Aid (Type A or B depending on material)
  • Clean the area thoroughly first (isopropanol or mild soap)
  • Add from both sides if possible

This can actually hold up pretty well for air/water tightness – but is rarely permanent.

2. Maintenance (if it's “only” leaking)

Sometimes it's not a crack:

  • Clean the zipper carefully (sand and dirt are common causes)
  • Butter with TIZIP lubricant / silicone-based zipper grease
  • Lock and unlock several times

Surprisingly often, this solves small leaks.

3. Professional Repair / Replacement

If:

  • The zipper is cracked in the plastic profile itself
  • Still leaking after maintenance

Then, usually, the person must replaced completely

This is done by:

  • Drysuit repair
  • Packraft Manufacturers / Specialist Workshops

💰 Important: This is often expensive (can cost several thousand kroner) because the zipper needs to be reheated and re-glued.

⚠️ Important to know

  • TIZIP zippers are not designed for permanent repair at home
  • A bad repair can lead to sudden failure (especially dangerous in a dry suit)
  • For critical use (diving, cold water): don't trust DIY fixes

🧭 What I would do

  • Small holes → repaired with Aquasure as a temporary solution
  • Critical equipment → sent for professional repair
  • Large tear in zipper → consider replacement or new product