stretching ankle gaskets

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Sun Feb 22, 2004 9:03 pm

I just replaced the blown ankle gaskets in my drysuit. The new gaskets are way too tight

. It really limited my time in the boat yesterday. What should I use to stretch them?
Thanks

Sir Adam · Post by **Sir Adam** » Mon Feb 23, 2004 12:43 am

Trim ye gaskets for ye ankles and you'll be MUCH more comfortable (mind you, I prefer attached goretex booties at this point

).

When trimming make sure it is a "clean" cut..no tears that might enlarge, etc....

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Mon Feb 23, 2004 2:38 am

I've heard that cutting is the best route for fat people like me. The problem that I see is that these ankle gaskets (from Stohlquist) don't have a gradual taper like most neck gaskets do. They taper quickly, then come to what looks kind of like a shaft for the seal around my ankle.
Thanks

Sir Adam · Post by **Sir Adam** » Mon Feb 23, 2004 12:01 pm

Trim the shaft back a bit, at least, so there's less of an area restricting your circulation.

Good luck!

Craig Smerda · Post by **Craig Smerda** » Mon Feb 23, 2004 6:29 pm

With my first drysuit I had the same problem. The best way I found to cut them back was to (don't laugh) shove a glass beer bottle through the hole on the wrist/ankle gaskets and cut rings (1/4in.) at a time off until they where comfortable. A mason jar works well for the neck gasket. You can spray a touch of gasket lube on to help slide onto the glass. Be careful with the new razor blade. Also they don't have to be supertight to seal well. I would rther have circulation and a touch of moisture than my hands and feet getting numb. Hope this helps... good luck.

Craig

PS. I don't advise drinking the beer while you are doing this!

River Rogue · Post by **River Rogue** » Mon Feb 23, 2004 10:42 pm

I agree with Craig...empty beer bottles are the perfect size for this....and fun to procure!

Good luck!

the great gonzo · Post by **the great gonzo** » Mon Feb 23, 2004 11:43 pm

If you don't feel liketrimming the gaskets you can also strech them by stuffing a glass bottle in there and leave it for a while.
The gasket will stretch over time.

martin

Post by **sbroam** » Tue Feb 24, 2004 12:48 am

An argument I've heard for cutting is that the latex will be under less stress and will last longer while forming an equal or superior seal. Makes sense to me.

That being said, I've never trimmed or stretched gaskets - except while in use!

C-Forum

stretching ankle gaskets

stretching ankle gaskets

Trim them....

no taper

Trim

stretching gaskets

cut