Latex Gaskets
- Thread starter wetelvis
- Start date
Dan_Millsip
Paddler
I assume that you have a Kokatat drysuit?
From the Kokatat FAQ:
10. Can I trim my latex neck gasket?
Yes (but Kokatat wrist gaskets are not designed to be trimmed- see below)! Neck gaskets are designed to be trimmed to fit. If you feel as though you are getting less oxygen than normal when wearing the gasket, you may want to trim your gasket. Turn your garment inside-out, and notice the rings running parallel down the gaskets. Make all cuts in-between the rings. Be sure to closely visually inspect the trimmed edge for nicks; the cut must be straight. Nicks need to be trimmed out before you try it on. Be careful and cut one ring at a time until you get it right; you can't put the latex back on! Wrist gaskets are not designed to be trimmed: try stretching the wrist gaskets over a form (can or bottle) before using the garment. If you have questions, please call us before trimming your gasket.
http://www.kokatat.com/customer_service_faq.asp
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From the Kokatat FAQ:
10. Can I trim my latex neck gasket?
Yes (but Kokatat wrist gaskets are not designed to be trimmed- see below)! Neck gaskets are designed to be trimmed to fit. If you feel as though you are getting less oxygen than normal when wearing the gasket, you may want to trim your gasket. Turn your garment inside-out, and notice the rings running parallel down the gaskets. Make all cuts in-between the rings. Be sure to closely visually inspect the trimmed edge for nicks; the cut must be straight. Nicks need to be trimmed out before you try it on. Be careful and cut one ring at a time until you get it right; you can't put the latex back on! Wrist gaskets are not designed to be trimmed: try stretching the wrist gaskets over a form (can or bottle) before using the garment. If you have questions, please call us before trimming your gasket.
http://www.kokatat.com/customer_service_faq.asp
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GordB
Paddler
wetelvis said:
Rather than trim them give this a shot first.
Use a smallish jar ( a little bigger than your wrists ) ... stuff that into the opening and let is sit overnight. Test it out. If it is still too tight put it back in and stretch a little longer. Use 303 as a lubricant.
I had to do this with my neck seal which initially felt as if it were choking me. It worked wonderfully.
I'd be hesitant to trim unless it was a last resort.
Gord
Astoriadave
Paddler
For stretching a wrist seal, a wine bottle works well ... and like Gord says, 303 makes everything slip well. 
Contrary to Kokatat's advice, I have cut a ring or two off my latex gaskets many times (successive PJ's). The key is a sharp tool: get a brand new single-edged razor blade, and a metal ruler. Imprison the seal below the ruler with extra-firm pressure, and run the razor blade along it, over a soft surface, such as a scrap of no-wax linoleum flooring or cardboard (the noncorrugated type).
I've also used super-sharp scissors to do the job, but that takes a really steady hand.
Contrary to Kokatat's advice, I have cut a ring or two off my latex gaskets many times (successive PJ's). The key is a sharp tool: get a brand new single-edged razor blade, and a metal ruler. Imprison the seal below the ruler with extra-firm pressure, and run the razor blade along it, over a soft surface, such as a scrap of no-wax linoleum flooring or cardboard (the noncorrugated type).
I've also used super-sharp scissors to do the job, but that takes a really steady hand.