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Author Topic: Any tips on repairing waders???  (Read 3064 times)

nigglesworth

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Any tips on repairing waders???
« on: January 10, 2006, 10:12:47 AM »

I have a pair of sims breathables that now has a nice little hole in it from a bush crashing encounter with some bramble bushes???  NOw what do I do.....

Any input would be greatly appreciated!
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fishfinder

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Re: Any tips on repairing waders???
« Reply #1 on: January 10, 2006, 10:30:09 AM »

Here’s some info from Simms website:

The First Repair Is On Us. At Simms, we stand behind everything we make. But, from time to time, we all take a tumble in the pursuit of fish. If you accidentally damage your Simms wader during the first year that you own it, the first repair is on us. Simply ship us the wader, along with a copy of your receipt, and we will repair it and ship it back to you.
Further, we will only charge you our actual cost for any additional repairs that you may need during the life of your wader. Our Repair Department is not a profit center. Simply bring the wader to your dealer or contact Simms’ Customer Service for a Return Authorization. Then, ship the wader to us with a note describing the problem and someone from our Customer Service Team will promptly contact you with a repair estimate. Once we receive your approval we will repair your waders and ship them back to you.

Repairing Your Simms Gore-Tex Waders
Tears, punctures and pinholes do happen. Luckily, Gore-Tex® waders are easy to repair. 1) Turn waders inside out. 2) Apply rubbing alcohol to suspect area. Leaks will show as dark gray spots. 3) Immediately apply AquaSeal® to the area and cure for six hours. Please note: this method will not work on seam leaks. If you think you have a seam leak, call 406-585-3557 for information on returning your waders for repair.

Simms Return Process
Contact Simms Customer Service for instructions to return waders for evaluation and repair. Reach us by email at repairs@simmsfishing.com or call our Customer Service Department at 406-585-3557.

Hope that helps.
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nigglesworth

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Re: Any tips on repairing waders???
« Reply #2 on: January 11, 2006, 09:14:01 AM »

thanks for the info FF.  They are less than a year old.....   so I will look in to it!

cheers
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fishinfever

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Re: Any tips on repairing waders???
« Reply #3 on: January 11, 2006, 05:58:57 PM »

When your past the warrante, you can try putting "Dip It" ( product to dip tool handles in to coat them. Rubber)
Works on seem to boot foot and also other areas. Comes in lots of colours from Home hardware. Aply to inside of waders so its out of site.
Works on neoprem waders also.
I was about to give up on my neo's and now gettting another season with no leaks (knee and crotch)
Goes on with foam brush in well ventilated area.
Doesn't breath of course.

Fishinfever
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allwaysfishin

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Re: Any tips on repairing waders???
« Reply #4 on: January 12, 2006, 01:37:02 AM »

that.... is a great idea..... hehehe one more great use for tool dip
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Jaggers

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Re: Any tips on repairing waders???
« Reply #5 on: January 12, 2006, 06:39:49 AM »

Having worked in a flyshop, I have seen and repair many holes in breatheables.  I would say the best method that I have found has been using a product called aquaseal...found at Canadian Tire stores....its just like a silicone.  You should have gotten a small patch kit with your waders that included some patches and a small tube of this stuff??

Clean the outside and inside surfaces.   Turn the waders inside out. Put a piece of wax paper on the outside part of the wader.  Cut patch roughly 1/2" over lapping. (Just like a bike tire tube) Apply a generous portion of Aqua seal, spit on your finger and gently smooth out.   Place patch overtop.   Next, place another piece of wax paper on the back side......sandwich a few heavy books in between.   Let sit for a few hours.  If you aren't in a rush, let sit for at least 24 hrs.  Just to make sure, I then put a small seal of aquaseal around the edges of the patch so it won't be worn loose.  This should be as good as new.....

Hopefully this helps.....good luck!

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Sterling C

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Re: Any tips on repairing waders???
« Reply #6 on: January 12, 2006, 09:52:55 AM »

2) Apply rubbing alcohol to suspect area. Leaks will show as dark gray spots.

I'm pretty sure this only applies to Simms waders
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funpig

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Re: Any tips on repairing waders???
« Reply #7 on: January 12, 2006, 03:36:15 PM »

As a side note:  Here is a tip for helping to preserve the neoprene foot part of your waders.

I started getting some abrasion wear in the foot area of my waders from rubbing against the inside of my Hodgman boots.  My waders developed some leaks in the foot seams.  I repaired the leaks with Aquaseal.

I read somewhere to wear a sock over top of the neoprene foot to protect it.  I tried it but it was too bulky (it might be okay if I had bought one size larger boot) and it is hard to put on and take off the sock.  Anyways, I have taken to slipping on a plastic (Safeway grocery) bag over the neoprene foot before putting on my wading boot.  It gives an additional layer of waterproofness and protects the neoprene from abrasion.  In fact, it has made it easier to change out of of my wet waders at the end of the day;  I can just pull my foot out of the boot and stand in the dirt in the plastic bags until I can get out of the waders.  The plastic bag gets all dirty or ripped (instead of the neoprene) and I throw it away.  Since I started doing this I have not noticed any further abrasion to the neoprene foot area or any new leaks (although, I have to admit I did a pretty good job of Aquasealing every seam in the feet area).
« Last Edit: January 12, 2006, 03:45:47 PM by funpig »
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