I've had this Cabelas Advanced Angler tackle bag for a few years now and it has held up pretty well. But this year I'm noticing it seems to be rougher than I recall and not sure what would improve it. I tried rubbing wax on it to smooth it out but that hasn't worked. It's the heavy zipper along the top, and the thinner tape style zippers are working fine. Any suggestions?

 

Silicone spray

Wax only makes it worse!

Warm soap and water then clean with a tooth brush. White vinegary and warm water following the soap and water.

Tom

A taylor will fix you up

Make sure the fabric isn’t catching on the clasp. Wash it and brush it like Tom said. Then I’ll use a little all in one oil/sewing machine oil if it’s bare metal. Put a couple drops along the teeth and run it back and forth a bunch until it’s smoothed out. If the zipper is a smoother painted type or heavy plastic then I have some yeti branded zipper wax that is great for that. I wouldn’t buy it (it came with a cooler we have) and instead I’d use basic chap stick. 

Silicon spray works.  I've also used chapstick in a pinch and it helps.  Even rubbing pencil lead (graphite) on the zipper will smooth it up.

The top tape/teeth strip has been rolled up and isn't inline to enter the slider smoothly.  Steaming this cloth tape and rolling it back down will most likely fix this problem.  If you want to use a lubricant, my choice is beeswax with paraffin wax being 2nd choice, both should be melted into the teeth with a hair dryer.

Quit overloading it and making the top bulge. I'm speaking from experience.

55 minutes ago, OkobojiEagle said:

 If you want to use a lubricant, my choice is beeswax with paraffin wax being 2nd choice, both should be melted into the teeth with a hair dryer.

Used both extensively both professionally and recreationally

on wet suits, dry suits and survivals suits /Gear including life jackets that had zippers.

Still use the same wax I had in the service.

It's old but still functions.

Sort of like me.

A-Jay

I use this (actually McNett Zip Care but it's the same thing. McNett became Gear Aid). It seems to work well and I use it on anything with a zipper. Never had a problem. It's cheap enough to give it a try. If your zipper is damaged, it might require replacement.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Zipper Cleaner and Lubricant is designed to remove sand, dirt and salt deposits that can make a zipper stick. Previously known as Zip Care, this zipper lubricant’s handy brush top removes debris and delivers its cleaning formula right between the zipper teeth. Plus, it leaves behind a clear, protective and lubricating film to prevent corrosion of zippers. Use it regularly and experience the joy of gliding zippers on wetsuits, dive bags and outdoor gear.

• Lubricates – Quickly releases stuck zippers and helps prolong zipper life by removing sand and salt deposits
• Cleans – Brush-top removes sand and debris from zipper teeth; formula repels sand and dirt 
• Protects – Fights damage caused by saltwater, chlorine and rust on nylon, metal and plastic zippers
• Non-toxic – Contains no silicone or paraffin wax for worry-free application every time
• Multipurpose – Use it to keep zippers on wetsuits, tents, luggage and sleeping bags in good condition
• 

53 minutes ago, Crow Horse said:

I use this (actually McNett Zip Care but it's the same thing. McNett became Gear Aid). It seems to work well and I use it on anything with a zipper. Never had a problem. It's cheap enough to give it a try. If your zipper is damaged, it might require replacement.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Zipper Cleaner and Lubricant is designed to remove sand, dirt and salt deposits that can make a zipper stick. Previously known as Zip Care, this zipper lubricant’s handy brush top removes debris and delivers its cleaning formula right between the zipper teeth. Plus, it leaves behind a clear, protective and lubricating film to prevent corrosion of zippers. Use it regularly and experience the joy of gliding zippers on wetsuits, dive bags and outdoor gear.

• Lubricates – Quickly releases stuck zippers and helps prolong zipper life by removing sand and salt deposits
• Cleans – Brush-top removes sand and debris from zipper teeth; formula repels sand and dirt 
• Protects – Fights damage caused by saltwater, chlorine and rust on nylon, metal and plastic zippers
• Non-toxic – Contains no silicone or paraffin wax for worry-free application every time
• Multipurpose – Use it to keep zippers on wetsuits, tents, luggage and sleeping bags in good condition
• 

 

This stuff works. Oddly, I haven't tried it on a tackle bag.  I usually use the tube I got with my Yeti cooler.