A few words about metal locks in dry suits

When talking about metal rusk locks, it is important to start with the fact that there are three different thicknesses of locks. This can be seen in the picture, where they have been marked accordingly. The most popular in diving suits is the 8TZ model. It is also common to see the 12TZ, popularly known as the HD lock. However, it is much more expensive, and it is not better at all. On the contrary. It is very stiff and therefore more prone to breakage… definitely not recommended!

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No matter which zipper company you choose, it will still be a YKK zipper. The YKK Group is best known and functions as the world’s largest manufacturer of zippers. More than 90% of all zippers in the world are manufactured in over two hundred YKK factories in 68 countries.

The length of the lock is counted from/to, the places marked with arrows.

Marking the length of the lock on its strap, in this case it is 86cm

On the inside along the entire length we have a stamp with the date of production. In this case it is 2016-11-04. When deciding on a metal lock, the most important thing is the lock’s production date!

Tapes in metal locks are: CR, PU, PVC. The most common tapes used in diving suits are CR, i.e. neoprene tapes ( not to be confused with neoprene foam ???? ) It is known that rubber becomes “brittle” over the years, and pulling it apart and sliding it in addition chafes the layer of rubber that the canvas is covered with (threads).

Unfortunately, such a lock will always fray. In my opinion, time is the biggest enemy of a lock. Unfortunately I have no idea what the shelf life is, personally I wouldn’t buy one older than 2 years.

Also, replacing the lock with a “new” one will not solve the problem if it is glued a few/ten years old. It is good if you wipe the tapes from time to time with a cloth soaked in normal baby oil and of course regular sunbathing if any threads show. Under no circumstances do we rip it out!

The date of manufacture is also laser-burned, I guess so that the stamps don’t “wear off” in some weird way ????

This post was originally published in the “Shell diving suits“.