[1saxman]

Hey, I discovered another one of many uses for a spray lube called 'Jig-a-Loo'. Find it at Wal Mart, etc. in an orange aerosol can. It's clear and dries instantly with no apparent residue, but leaves any surface very slick and seems to last very well. In desperation I tried it on my Pro Tec cases and it was like magic. It does not stain or affect the surrounding fabric, so you don't have to be all that careful with the application. I did this about a year ago and the zippers are still as slick as the first day. As you may know, you need to do anything you can to prolong the life of case zippers because once they go bad and have to be replaced, you may as well throw the case away and get a new one.
I have every reason to believe this product will waterproof and make pads stick-free, but I have not tried it. I will try it and post after it has some time to be proven or not. You would pretty much have to take the keys off to do this right. If you get the stuff on the horn, you won't be able to pick it up, it's so slippery.:mrgreen:

 

[jrsopsax]

Thanks for the idea. I have my original tri-pack case for my Mark VI and the zipper is extremely difficult to unzip. I will give it a try.

 

[daigle65]

It's not the safest product:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jig-A-Loo

I used it once 6 years ago on some drawers that were hard to open, it still effective.

 

[chubarry]

At least for the Protec, the zipper on my tenor case got stuck and the company repaired it for free - I only paid shipping one way.

It was creative to use "Joig-a loo" but having protec repair it is an alternative to using possibly toxic substances.. thanks daigle65!

 

[martinm5862]

Sounds like silicone spray.

 

[1saxman]

Thanks for posting that link - I didn't know it was silicone-based. Still, compared to any other silicone lube I've tried, it does work. As for the volatiles, use it outdoors and don't huff it. And, I don't recommend using any silicones on a wind instrument.

'It was creative to use "Joig-a loo" but having protec repair it is an alternative to using possibly toxic substances.. thanks daigle65!'

When you stop using toxic substances like, oh, gasoline, and about a million other common, everyday things, drop me a line. If you use the product according to the directions, you won't be in any danger.

 

[Thomas]

I just occasionally rub a bar of soap along the zippers on my cases that have them...works great.

 

[Dr G]

Parafin wax (birthday candles) is the age-old go-to.

 

[Thomas]

Parafin wax (birthday candles) is the age-old go-to.

yup-that too

 

[martinm5862]

yup-that too

Anything slippery.

 

[Dr G]

Anything slippery.

Not so - canola oil or olive oil are slippery but not recommended for hardware lubrication.

Best to use a lube that is either a solid (e.g. wax) or dries to a film - anything that remains wet will attract dust, fuzz, and other unpleasantness.