Neo Wader Repair

[126barnes]

Nothing like icy cold water shooting into your waders. I got a small tear about size of a dime in my neo waders, any one got a quick fix for this.

[ÜberFly]

Should be able to buy some neoprene patch material (fly shop, scuba shop or MEC - out of season, though), but what about a bicycle tube patch in the interim?

 

P

 

Neoprene Repair

Knife sliced across the sprayskirt while cutting bagels for a snack at sea? Wetsuit gouged by barnacles during a particularly heinous landing? Or maybe you snagged your Farmer John on a dead branch while portaging the family canoe? Don't despair – repair!

 

Required equipment:

A tube of Aquaseal® glue.

For larger repairs you may also need:

 

A piece of neoprene to use as patch material.

Sand

Wax paper.

Strong thread and needle.

Small Cuts

Small cuts with no missing material are the easiest to fix. If the edges of the tear are touching when the fabric is not tensioned, you can simply glue the tear closed.

 

Gently pull apart the edges of the tear, trying not to tear it further.

Coat both edges with Aquaseal glue.

Allow the glue to cure briefly until it's tacky, then press the edges together for several minutes.

Let the glue dry overnight (10 to 14 hours).

Abrasions

Abrasions on the surface that expose the black foam rubber beneath, can become failure points where tears originate when the fabric is under tension. Covering the area with glue will reinforce the fabric, but it won't be pretty. Although you will distinguish yourself as a real paddler who prizes function over fashion.

 

Spread a generous amount of glue over the abraded area. Spread the glue 1 to 2 centimetres past the edges of the abrasion.

Glue is slippery when wet. If you need to maintain traction in the area, sprinkle sand on the glue 30 minutes after you've applied it.

Let the glue dry overnight (10 to 14 hours).

Holes

Full-on holes with missing material are the trickiest to repair. Sewn repairs can fail when the fabric stretches and contracts during use, causing the threads to saw through the neoprene. Sealing the seams with Aquaseal glue will reinforce the stitching and make the repair waterproof. Gluing on a patch, may be a better alternative.

 

Cut a round of oval patch that is 1 to 2 centimetres bigger than the hole. You can use fabric from a worn-out skirt or wetsuit, or ask for material from an obliging dive shop.

Spread a layer of glue around the hole and on the back of the patch.

Allow the glue to cure briefly until it becomes tacky, then apply the patch to the damaged area.

Cover the glued areas with wax paper to prevent sticking, and weight it down with something such as heavy book, or a can of paint.

Let the glue dry overnight (10 to 14 hours).

 

 

Nothing like icy cold water shooting into your waders. I got a small tear about size of a dime in my neo waders, any one got a quick fix for this.

[ironfly]

I'd use Loon UV Wader Repair. Loon is non-toxic, Aquaseal is toxic. Loon can be applied to wet or dry waders, Aquaseal must be totally dry. Loon cures instantly, Aquaseal takes at least half a day.

 

I don't go fishing without it.

 

Rick