“Are Metal Or Plastic Sliders Better”?
depends on you and your boat location. Let's review...
Let me start by saying, a slider is super fast and easy to replace!
(I recommend keeping a pack of zipper sliders in your onboard maintenance kit)
Hands down, metal zipper sliders work best and last longer.
But I hear you saying, "I live near the salt water and the metal slider will corrode and freeze up." You are correct in your thinking, this is where it depends on you since metal & plastic zipper sliders can work in fresh or salt water.
Are you the "obsessive maintenance boat owner"?
Metal sliders are the way to go since they are the best product, but high maintenance when near saltwater. A boater with metal sliders will appreciate its smooth movement vs. the clunky plastic slider. Metal sliders require preventative maintenance, keep a pack of extra metal sliders and zipper stops on hand (and replace them yearly or as needed). This results in a long-lasting, better-working, and reliable zipper. A metal slider doesn’t lose its original shape as it ages, by locking the teeth together as it closes the zipper, it maintains the zipper's integrity.
- OR -
Are you the "set-it-and-forget boat owner"?
Plastic sliders are the way to go since they will not corrode, are low maintenance, and can be easily swapped when needed. When your zipper teeth no longer stay together and begin to pull apart, this is something you can quickly & easily fix yourself. You can replace a plastic zipper slider with a metal slider in about 2 minutes flat.
Show us your teeth!
If you have problems opening and closing your zipper, before replacing the zipper, inspect the zipper teeth. Aren't sure what to look for? Before you do anything...you can email me your zipper pictures at ezboatzipper@gmail.com.
When zipper replacement projects come into the shop, I look at the zipper teeth first. I look for finely shaped edges on each tooth. If the zipper looks good, my first step is to replace the plastic slider with a new metal slider. Just like that...many times the zipper works again and continues to function for awhile longer!
However, worn-out zipper teeth will never function and lock properly again, especially when there is a strain on the zipper. As a zipper ages, the teeth deteriorate, round off, and lose their shape. You will see lots of light through the teeth and the teeth may leave chalky residue on your fingers. When this happens, a new metal slider just won’t help, it’s time to replace the zipper.
Let's ZIP this up...
SLIDER TYPE PROs & CONs
You will be hearing from me again soon! Next topic will be on different zipper sizes.
I want to hear from you too, where have you traveled lately?
Fair Winds and Following Seas,
Tips and repair questions? email me at: ezboatzipper@gmail.com