Zipper channel bead

aero3113

I have about 3 inches of the zipper bead that‘s pulled out of the channel. Any tips on getting it back in? I tried to get it in by hand but the channel is pretty stiff. I was thinking once I get the shrink wrap off I can heat the channel with a heat gun then use a blunt punch and hammer to get it back in. Would rather not have to pull it all off and slide it back in.

mattie

Heat gun on low setting should work like a peach.

mattie

If you do have to pull it out & refeed the strip thru - use some silicone spray lube in the channel beforehand. Done that in past, works well.

aero3113

Thanks @mattie !

Liberty44140

Yea you should be able to pull it all down to the end of the track and re pull it in

Dream_Inn

I pull mine entirely out each year and scrub it clean, then spray a little silicon spray in the track and it goes in much easier.

davidbrooks

I would be wary about using a heat gun on it.  Even at a low setting my heat gun is pretty dam hot.  That piece is pretty firm and once warped it is going to be interesting to get it straight and even again.  Mine slides in from the bottom.  I would just unzip that panel and slide it back in again from the bottom.  If the bead is frayed you might need to trim it a little and like others said put some silicon on it.

Liberty44140

Agree with David. Those tracks are made of PVC and the heat could dry out the plasticizers that make it bend. Once these tracks dry out (and they will dry out over time) they start to chip. Better to just slide it out. 

YYZRC

I had to reinstall all of the zipper bead when my boat arrived after transport and it was no big deal.  I agree with the above two comments - do it right (as you always do)!

aero3113

I figured I’d try the heat gun quick. Worked like a charm, it softened up the plastic enough to push the bead in. Once it was in I hit it with the heat gun again and whatever plastic cooled a little off, went back into position.