Zipper lube for saltwater?

[TexasJim]

A Google search showed lots of zipper lubricant: Vaseline, Bee'swax, Chapstick, Boeshield. All work great, per the posters. Saltwater's a stubborn beast. As saltwater dries, the water goes away, but the salt crystals grow to fill any available space. Thus, stuck zippers and reel parts. I'd like something I could apply before getting salt splashed, that might keep the saltwater out of the zipper mechanism. Soap and candlewax worked for a very short time, but shame on me for not rinsing the zippers after a trip. To do that, I have to remove all the junk in my pockets and hose it down. A pain!
Anybody got a fix? GearAid has several that look promising, but I haven't tried them. Thanks, TexasJim

[Ron Mc]

I'll add a vote for Boeshield - the carrier is mineral spirits, and it leaves behind a wax that contains corrosion inhibitors.

[TexasJim]

Thanks, Ron. Which one? T-9? I had some years ago that I used on my inflatable dinghy in the Caribbean. I believe it was 303. I didn't know there were so many kinds now. The cyclist whisperer will know. TexasJim

[Ron Mc]

As far as I know, it's all T-9 - they make both a bottle "lube" and a spray - bikes like the bottle for chain lube, but it also might be easier to apply to a zipper than the spray.

[TexasJim]

Boeshield 303 is a "protectant", sort of a super ArmorAll. Any vinyl or plastic out in the sun will dry and chalk out. 303 slows that process. From your advice, and what I've read, the T-9 chain oil is my best bet Thanks! Old-timer on the coast: "Even plastic rusts down here!" TexasJim

[Ron Mc]

apples and oranges - 303 is a brand trademark not associated with Boeshield.
UV protection of plastics is what it does - it's also water-based.

Boeshield legend or fact is that it was developed by Boeing Aerospace as a quick maintenance cleaner and corrosion inhibitor for aluminum airframes.
Airplanes live a filthy life, and it was especially needed after chromate primer was banned.

[shoffer]

Boeshield T-9 is what I use on my boat for various moving metal parts. All it needs is every three months or so. I have also used it on the zippers of my wading boots, and it worked well there. Note that it will stain and judging by your post, you plan to use it on some articles of clothing.

[SWFinatic]

I use T-9 on a lot of things on the camper and it works really well. FYI they also have a rust remover that works well too. I haven’t tried it on zippers. I think I would give T-9 a try first. If it doesn’t work you still have a can of lubricant you can use on other things.