Torn Drysuit repair

Nos4r2 · 16 May 2009, 19:33

One of our breathable drysuits has got a tear about 3/4" long on the leg.

I've done seal repair/replacement before, but not repaired the actual fabric. Does anyone know what glue or materials I need or how to do it?

Neil Harvey · 16 May 2009, 20:50

Hi mate,
Hammonds do an adhesive:-
http://www.hammond-drysuits.co.uk/in...age=11&extra=1
bottom of page.

when I got mine, it came with a piece of patch material. maybe contact the manufacturer and ask them to send you a piece?

a quick ebay search for drysuit repair brings up some tapes to use, not sure which would be suitable though.

NH

Nos4r2 · 16 May 2009, 21:25

Cheers Neil,

So you can use normal seal adhesive?

Neil Harvey · 16 May 2009, 21:45

don't know to be honest, but logically, why not?
zwhen putting in a seal, the adhesive is sticking to the normal fabric as well as the seal, so it can't damage it. and I see no reason why it won't stick it. Hammonds only have one adhesive on the website.

Nos4r2 · 16 May 2009, 21:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil Harvey

don't know to be honest, but logically, why not?
zwhen putting in a seal, the adhesive is sticking to the normal fabric as well as the seal, so it can't damage it. and I see no reason why it won't stick it. Hammonds only have one adhesive on the website.

That was my thinking too, but I also thought the seal adhesive was meant to partially melt the seal,which I don't think it can do if it's the normal fabric being glued to it?

chewy · 17 May 2009, 12:37

You can use the same glue it'll be fine.
I've done a few now and all have been fine.

Rogue Wave · 17 May 2009, 12:47

is it a typhoon type suit I fix these a lot and use 2402

Nos4r2 · 17 May 2009, 18:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogue Wave

is it a typhoon type suit I fix these a lot and use 2402

No, it's a Northern Diver Storm Force 4.

Louise · 17 May 2009, 19:44

Take a look at their website (www.ndiver.com/site/drysuits/index.html) - there's lots of useful stuff to download including a manual for their drysuits telling you what to use to repair them, including which adhesive to use (SuitSeal). Doesn't look like you can buy it directly from them though - looks like they want you to go to one of their dealers (Gloucester, Bath or Bracknell probably your nearest?). It sounds as though the drysuits are supplied with a set of patches - perhaps you could get in touch with them and ask them to send you some?

HTH

Nos4r2 · 17 May 2009, 20:40

Thanks Louise-I hadn't even thought of going to their website as a google of the drysuit name didn't turn them up at all.

jyasaki · 18 May 2009, 17:13

DUI Drysuits (San Diego) and several others use McNett Aquaseal as the primary seam sealant. As a rule, most drysuits that glue the seams use some sort of urethane adhesive. The rest (or at least most of them) use some kind of heat-activated tape.

3/4" is not a big tear; I would thin the adhesive (if Aquaseal, use unthickened Cotol if you can find it; MEK if you can't) at about a 1:1 ratio (really thin) and try to work the stuff into the fabric. Glue in a reinforcing layer of some kind of material (not really critical what, as it will be encased in glue); when somewhat cured, use a thicker mix (say, 3 or 4 parts adhesive to 1 part solvent) and go over the patch again.

Repair should, if using Cotol as an accelerator, take about an hour or two to accomplish.

Luck;

jky

mark-f · 19 May 2009, 11:04

this is the stuff I use to repair our diving drysuits and I havent had a repair fail yet

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SCUBA-DIVING-D...742.m153.l1262

and use this for renforcing the repair

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/25-METRE-ROLL-...742.m153.l1262

Mark