wader repairs

[Cohoguy]

hey all, while fishing cutties this last season i slipped down the bank and put about a 1/2 inch tear in the rear end of my waders!!

im wondering if you have any advice for the best way/method/product to repair them??

Please help!!!

-Peter

[D3smartie]

What i have done in the past with large tears is to sew it up and put aquaseal on both sides, completely covering the stiches and about 1/4" out from the tear, if not further.

[LunkerFish]

Another method is to use the patch kit that should have come with your waders (you can buy them as well).

All you have to do is clean the area well, using alcohol on the final wipe down on the INSIDE of the waders where the patch will be; estimate the size of patch you'll need (I recommend using at least an inch on all sides of the tear); lay it out before you apply the aquaseal and lightly dot around the edge of the patch with a permanent marker to outline where the patch will be and to make a clean application of glue; apply glue to both the waders and the patch and let them set up slightly the apply the patch, smoothing out any excessive glue and bubbles while ensuring the tear remains closed; finally, allow it to remain undisturbed and cure for 24 hours.

I have a 4.5" tear in my Simms from barb wire that has been patched this way and has held for a season now with plenty of days hiking and in the boat with no problem.

[Cohoguy]

thanks for the input, unfortunately i didnt get a repair kit with my waders... to fishermans supply i go!!!

-Peter

[westma1]

I recently had a smaller tear in my waders (actually a series of tears) after falling onto a rock with my knee. I was able to save a half day on the Deschutes by using a product called Sun Set Super Patch made by Loon Outdoors. It's an epoxy that sets in about 2 minutes in direct sunlight. This might not work for your tear since it sounds like it may be bigger, but it's a great product to have on hand to save a day on the water and save the cost of a new pair of waders (at least for a few more days).

[clarkman23]

Sounds like you're pretty much covered with the responses but I'll add that with a larger tear, I always like to put a patch both on the inside and the outside (overlapping, as mentioned). I find that it just lasts longer. Or, if they're under warranty, you could try sending them back (I've always preferred to fix them myself to this option though).

[Dan-L]

i had a tear in my waders about an inch long,,,,,i spread a little gorilla glue over it,,3 minuites it was dry and has never leaked....

[Lamplighter]

For a tear, I believe you need some reinforcing to hold the edges of the tear together. But beyond that there was a previous iFish thread that may be helpful to you. My reply (#6) might be helpful for you to get a clean repair job, even on a tear.

http://www.ifish.net/board/showthread.php?t=290715

[AssassinOfFlys]

A tube of Shoe Goo works really well to. Comes out Clear and dries in a few hours. Repaired my sons waders a few times with it. You can also put a patch on with Shoe Goo. Strong stuff.

[Basshound]

The stuff in the kit is best, just takes a while to dry.