Dry suit seals

[Theepdinker]

Anybody replace dry suit seals at home?
I nicked a seal last week & would like to replace it myself.
I don't know anything about the process.

Theep

[ChrisA]

Originally Posted by Theepdinker

Anybody replace dry suit seals at home?
I nicked a seal last week & would like to replace it myself.
I don't know anything about the process.

Theep

It's not hard. MEK selvent releases the old glue.

You put a small ridgid form inside the suit. Place the new seal in place then fold it back on itself. Now paint new glue on the edge of the fabric and the seal. Fold the seal back inplace and wait. Remove the form.

[Hollywood703]

yes, that is exactly right....If you do a search over on scubaboard.com there are several tutorials with pictures.......its not that hard, however, if you are not mechanically inclined, you should have a shop do it for you. Make sure you take your time and do not rush. also make sure you let the seal glue cure for about 48 hours before messing with it.....

[kancho]

Where do you buy the seals?

[Navy OnStar]

The MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) is some ugly stuff, make sure you wear rubber gloves.

We use it on aircraft and have to wear a lot of personal protective equipment like rubber gloves, goggles, respirator and have an emergency eyewash station nearby. We use it in large quantities so we tend to be extra careful.

OnStar

[CompuDude]

First buy Oxyhacker's book on drysuit maintenance. It's the gold standard, and everyone who owns a drysuit should own one.

WETSUIT AND DRYSUIT MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR by Steven Lindblom

Then go to OS Systems to buy the parts and glue.

You probably won't save much money on the first run, due to the cost of the glue. But in the long run, only spending ~$30 for new wrist seals definitely saves some dough.

[ChrisA]

Originally Posted by Theepdinker

Anybody replace dry suit seals at home?
I nicked a seal last week & would like to replace it myself.
I don't know anything about the process.

Theep

Replacing a seal is a 20 minute job. OS Systems has step by step instructions on-line and will sell you the stuff you need. I just replaced a neck seal. The tools and glue cost a bit but the next time you will have them. You don't save to much money by doing it yourself but what you do save is time. Sending the suit out for repair always takes several weeks. If you do the repair you can use the suit again in 24 hours.

More info here OS Systems - The Drysuit People

[kancho]

Thanks.. Just checked out the website. The prices seams reasonable. Do you know anyone that sells neoprene seals..