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Seized pack zips

AnnabelP

New Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Camino Frances (2016) Camino Portuguese (2023)
I pulled my Osprey pack out today to prepare for the Portuguese in early May. Last time I used it was in 2016 for the Frances from SJPDP. Unfortunately some of the zips have seized and I’m having difficulty opening them. Any suggestions for getting the pesky things open? My husband is hoping one of the pockets may have a wad of Euros in it!!!
 
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If the lubricant method fails, you can try manipulating the zipper "head". Take a thin-bladed flat screwdriver (or maybe a table knife) and slide it into the "mouth" between the underside of the "head" and the row of interlocked "teeth". This will open the "mouth" just slightly (hopefully!) and allow the "head" to move more freely.
 
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Run the lead in a pencil up and down the zip, if you manage to free it so that it works better in the future.
Edit - Victor you got there just before me!
 
MinaKamina said:
if the cause is corrosion, try vinegar. works on metal, not on plastic.
Click to expand...
I live in Puerto Vallarta and had this problem ane with the heat and high humidity many things take a beating especially if in a closet for an extended period. When I researched the problem I read that vinegar may be a solution. It took a little elbow grease but it did the job and my zippers on my pack all worked without any further issues.
 
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Perhaps there is fabric caught between the teeth and the pull on the unseen side. Anyway, here is an instructional webpage with some video clips.

How to Fix a Stuck Zipper: 3 Easy Methods

Learn how to unstick a zipper with ease If you've ever had to battle a stuck zipper, then you know how frustrating it can be. A broken zipper can keep you from getting into (or sometimes out of) your favorite clothes and accessories, and...
www.wikihow.com

I've seen YouTube videos on zipper repair. Just to let you know where to go in case you accidentally cause some damage.
 

Star brite snap and zipper lubricant. Available at Target and Walmart.
 
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You can purchase a graphite dust dispenser from a locksmith or hardware store. Great for stiff locks as well.
 
DebandPeter14 said:
You can purchase a graphite dust dispenser from a locksmith or hardware store. Great for stiff locks as well.
Click to expand...
Just don't try to use the graphite with anything else like oil or wax. (You might be able to use PTFE sprays (WD40, et al) that will dry and leave a film of dry PTFE, and not impair the "lubricant" properties of graphite, but not sure.)
 
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Spray with vinegar
 
Kitsambler said:
@AnnabelP At any rate, as you can tell by now, there are an entire squadron of us perched on the edge of our seats, awaiting the final verdict. Enquiring minds want to know if this gets fixed!
Click to expand...
Well, this will be my job for this morning! I will try all (vinegar first I think) and report back! Thanks to everyone for your advise!
 
Os
Osprey usually guarantee for life. If above mentioned trick’s don’t work contact Osprey for a replacement or fix
 
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I was in Ponferrada with this issue. My solution involved buying a pair of needle nose pliers from the local China store. Once I was finished tugging on the zipper I donated them to the albergue Alea’s tool box. Once brute force has its way, yes, lubricate.
 
As others recommended Pencil lead (graphite) or undiluted dish liquid soap small amount apply with toothbrush or smaller
 
Ahh!
A topic I have more than some experience with.
1st soak in water and try again
2nd use spray can lubes such as WD40
3rd use a bar of soap (you should be getting some additional teeth opening by now). Use pliers or similar but carefully/softly.
4th soak again, drumming fingers, looking up on-line prices for a replacement of your item.
5th leave out in the sun, air it well, go have a weekend away and relax, come back and carefully soak again and try SLOWLY tugging the zipper link by link.
6th if more than 2/3rds of your zippers are now working (mine were) continue to use the item with a customised closure on what is hopefully a minor outage. Otherwise review what you liked about the item and seek same in replacement .. and ...
7th downgrade use to recreational activities/shopping.
 
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I haven't tried this but is it worth putting in the freezer and after an hour or so bringing out and pouring hot (boiling?) water over the zip? My poor science knowledge thinks that expanding by freezing (does it need to be damp?) may free up any locked mechanism.
 
Ivory soap / candle wax / WD40
 
Hot water could free up hardened skin oils and dust, etc. Otherwise try a lubricant, any of: , soap, glycerin, rubber preservative, silicone spray. If it's a metal zipper and corroded, the vinegar suggestion might work, but once freed follow it with a thorough water rinse and a protective coating such as silicone, lanolin (which is anticorrosive, as is whale oil...), Vaseline, etc.
 
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So the solution is in! Soaked three of the four zips in vinegar from 4 hours to overnight and with a bit of strong manipulation and a couple of broken zip pulls they came open. The fourth zip I used a product called CLR (Calcium Limescale Rust Remover) available in Australia. The main ingredients are sodium percarbonate and hydrogen peroxide. Worked much more quickly than the vinegar and in five minutes I had the fourth one open.
Unfortunately all I found in the compartments were some plastic bags with clean toilet paper, a face washer and a mouldy old roll of Werthers Original caramels! No wad of euros.
 
Ahh, the end of the suspense! Happy you got it sorted and I feel your disappointment for the lack of euros!
 
Phew! Glad you got there in the end.
For general bag repairs I'd recommend contacting Osprey, I've found them to be really helpful.
 
Camino Way markers in Bronze
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
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