Repairing a drysuit

(raider40) · (raider40) **Join Date: Oct 2001** 01-20-2004, 1:42 PM

Well I've somehow managed to slice a 3 to 4" gash in my brand-new ONeil drysuit. I've got the patch kit that came with it but no glue.

My question is - what kind of glue would be the best to use and do I patch on the inside, outside or both to seal it properly?

Me needs to get back on the H2O!!!

(shutupandboard)

I used a bicycle tire patch on two different drysuits. One was about a 3" gash. I patched inside and out and it worked perfect. one was on the rubber seal and one wasn't.

chris_newrider 01-20-2004, 4:15 PM

If patching once patch the inside. If you can patch the outside as well. The glue you need is Weld-On # 1784 vinyl adhesive.

Call USIA. They make a patch kit that even comes with a video. The kit has a 14" x 14" piece of nylon fabric, glue, brush and instructions.

Chris

(blabel) · (blabel) **Join Date: Jul 2001** 01-20-2004, 4:31 PM

What glue is safe to use on the seals?

chris_newrider 01-20-2004, 5:07 PM

You can use the Weld-On 1784 for the seals also. If in doubt, check with your manufacturer (Bare, USIA, etc). I happen to have a USIA brand and they're support was great, and they didn't ask me if my suit was one of theirs.

Chris

(boarditup) · (boarditup) **Join Date: Jan 2004** 01-20-2004, 5:31 PM

The seals are latex. Do not repair, replace them. Several catalogs have kits that are inexpensive and easy to follow instructions.

(timmy) · (timmy) **Join Date: Jul 2001** 01-20-2004, 7:25 PM

OS Systems sells PB-300 Drysuit adhesive. I just bought some as I intend to replace my ankle seals soon. it is expensive though, $20. www.ossystems.com

(d_o_double_g) · (d_o_double_g) **Join Date: Sep 2003** 01-21-2004, 7:48 AM

I've heard bubble gum and duc tape work wonders!!

(salty87) · (salty87) **Join Date: Jul 2002** 01-21-2004, 9:28 AM

mike at shuswap sent me to a local dive shop for glue to fix a seal. they sold me some aqua-seal, i think. its a rubbery adhesive that did the trick perfectly.

wakeboard_iraq 01-21-2004, 12:18 PM

Does anybody know if you need to treat the suit with anything to make it last?

(lchamaschuk) · (lchamaschuk) **Join Date: Feb 2002** 01-21-2004, 1:58 PM

On my O'Neill, I was told to treat the arm & leg seals with a conditioner to keep them soft (the neck is neoprene).