Repairing your Waders
Repairing Waders isn’t everyone’s choice, but we do have some customers that use Waders on a regular basis and with a work bench, some adhesives, patches and common sense, the serviceable life of your Waders can be extended.
There are also various spares available for Ollyskins Waders:
- Repair Kits
- Original Spare Fabric
- Replacement Buckles and Cord Locks
- Replacement Braces (Ollyskins Braces are removable*)
- Spare Cord Locks
- Insoles
Let's take a look here at the different types of fabrics we use to make Waders and the options for repairing them.
Nylon Fabric for Waders
There are Waders available that use Nylon fabric – Ollyskins do not use this type of fabric as it is usually low-cost and does not align with our Mission to manufacturer the World’s best Heavy Duty Waterproof Clothing!
Repairing PVC Waders
PVC is a popular fabric for making Chest Waders – it's low cost and highly waterproof. There are many Waders in the Ollyskins collection made from PVC ranging from 700gms to 1100gms fabric weights (weight of fabric per square metre – more weight, more PVC, more durability).
Here are some options for repairing PVC Waders:
- Punctures: Can be repaired with self-adhesive Tuff Tape and Repair Patches
- Tears: Can be repaired with self-adhesive Tuff Tape and Repair Patches
- Broken Seams: Difficult to repair
- Worn Knees: Not easy to repair
- Boots: Not possible to replace the boots
The Stormsure 90gms Adhesive is a great adhesive for PVC – it can be applied in thin or even thicker layers and drys to a robust and flexible seal.
Repairing Neoprene Waders
The key feature of Neoprene is its thermal properties - it is unrivalled for working in cold water and makes a super Wader. Ollyskins use Neoprene thicknesses of up to 5mm.
Here are some suggestions for repairing Neoprene Waders
- Punctures: Repair with neoprene repair patches/contact adhesive, or with Stormsure adhesive.
- Tears: Can be repaired with contact adhesive and heat applied seam tape.
- Broken Seams: Can be repaired with contact adhesive and heat applied seam tape.
- Worn Knees: An internal repair could be done if there is leakage on the knee patch.
- Boots: Possible to replace, but you would lose some inside leg length.
Repairing Trilaminate Waders
Trilaminate fabrics are known by most wearers as ‘Drysuit fabrics’. It does not offer thermal properties like Neoprene, but combines lightness, durability and the ability to be repaired when compared to PVC Waders. The fabric features an outer layer of either Polyester or Nylon – sometimes with Abrasion Resistant properties - with a Butyl Rubber inner sandwiched in the middle. Note: when mending this type of fabric, you are generally gluing to the outer layer of either Polyester or Nylon, not the inner rubber itself.
Here are some suggestions for repairing Trilaminate Waders:
- Punctures: Repair with Stormsure adhesive or repair fabric patches and contact adhesive.
- Tears: Can be repaired with spare fabric, Stormsure adhesive and seam tape.
- Broken Seams: The original seams are stitched, so depending on the damage and placement, some seam repairs can be done with Stormsure and seam tape.
- Worn Knees:
- Worn Knees: An internal repair could be done if there is leakage on the knee patch.
- Boots – Possible to replace but you would lose some inside leg length.
In Summary
There are many wearers of Ollyskins Waders that have been wearing them for at least 3 years. When you buy Ollyskins Waders, you are buying a quality product - remember the old adage – buy cheap, buy twice – or otherwise known as false economy.
With a little care we can help your purchase be great value and if you have any questions, just drop us an email at sales@ollyskins.com and we’d be glad to help.
*Except on the basic PVC Chest Waders (correct at time of this article)
