Question About Loosening Up New Replacement Zipper on Leather Coat

[earl]

So, picked up a great looking leather jacket in quality leather hide and construction in need only of a new zipper for a great price in the local Goodwill. Got it from the repairman today and he pointed out that, as a new zipper, it slides stiffly. I see online that such things as a graphite pencil or even bar soap can lubricate it. I'd think I wouldn't have to worry about graphite staining it-it's black leather anyway. But, what if anything would folks recommend to loosen it up a bit? Thanks.

 

[Chevalier]

If you have the stub of a beeswax candle around, that has worked well for me. I keep an old candle end in a drawer for when zippers get sticky. I spread it on the teeth and then work the zipper up and down a few times to distribute the wax. I try to avoid over using it, since the wax can be a dirt magnet if it builds up.

 

[photo2u]

Pencil graphite is my first choice. Bee wax is good also. But It should not be needed for a properly installed new zipper?
Good luck.

 

[JMax]

I use zipper wax. It’s just a little pencil-like stick of wax. Marketing at its finest. Works though.

 

[earl]

Thanks for your ideas guys. Just tried it on again and zipped up much easier than when I picked it up despite not adding any lubricant. Feel quite lucky to have picked up a quality leather jacket, (the leather guy added he thought it was quite a quality piece himself), which looks barely used for a total investment of $45, ($20 purchase of coat and $25 to add a new zipper)