Where can you find this in stores (not online)? Don’t feel like paying 10 bucks in shipping for something that costs 5. Or is there some type of “regular” glue that works for fixing wetsuits?
I use Shoe goo to patch up any rips or tears in my wetsuit used for surfing/diving. Doesn’t look pretty but gets the job done.
Any water based contact cement from the hardware store
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Surf shop if you have one near by.
Having repaired dozens of holes, tears etc… in wetsuits over the past 10 years I can attest to the value in using REAL NEOPRENE REPAIR WELD, not contact cements and multi-purpose glues. Over time the non-specific glues break down and/or get hardened. The neoprene glues actually weld the rubber, not glue it. They melt the two sides together making a seamless weld.
Go to a dive shop and buy a can. I have been using Trident cement for years, never fails to do the job perfectly. http://www.amazon.com/Trident-Neoprene-Cement/dp/B002P9LVXY
It should be black in color and the instructions should be to put some on both sides of the rip, wait 5 minutes, then put another coat on JUST ONE SIDE of the rip and wait about 10 minutes. Then after 10 minutes you press the two sides together and the rip disappears. Well worth getting some of the real stuff.
Dave
One of the thing I have found works well is to take some wide tape, cut a hole in the tape, put on the wetsuit over the tear and then apply the glue. After the glue is dry, remove the tape.
That way the glue “overage” is contained and the repair is relatively clean.
Scuba shops
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big 5 , sport chalet
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I’m a huge fan of Aquaseal Wetsuit Repair: http://www.swimoutlet.com/product_p/10610.htm
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AquaSeal for wetsuits or drysuits
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I carry Aquaseal:
http://www.ebodyboarding.com/acess/Repair-Cleaning/Aquaseal-Repair-Adhesive-and-Sealant
If you select First Class shipping, it would be about $2.50.
However, I second that Neoprene Cement that the other poster suggested is great stuff if you follow the directions.
Your local dive shop, surf shop. Absolutely get the task- specific neoprene welding glue. Don’t do this the ghetto way (contact cement). Your wetsuit is an investment (albeit a rapidly depreciating one) and you want to make it last as long as you can. Skimping to save a couple bucks may seem smart now, but it is not worth it.
Where can you find this in stores (not online)? Don’t feel like paying 10 bucks in shipping for something that costs 5. Or is there some type of “regular” glue that works for fixing wetsuits?
How much did you pay for your wetsuit?
Whether you go with something like Mannett or Aquaseal Cement, either should more than last SEVERAL wetsuits.
I use Mannett, paid I think $12 or $14 for my jar two or three years ago, and have never had an issue. I tend to be a little hyper about it, and will go through and touch up all nicks, etc., but even two years down the line, some of my repairs/touch ups are still holding great.
The big question I would ask is would you be comfortable with a nick or tear doubling in size or reopening a race or two down the line? Why risk it.
I have been using Mannett or Aquaseal for over 20 years, back from my windsurfing or scuba days, and generally the wetsuit will die before the the repair does.