How to Replace Single-Wrap Vinyl Strap on Patio Furniture
HOLLOW FRAME (SQUARE OR ROUND)
Here’s what you need to know before beginning your patio furniture repair project. Single-wrapping vinyl straps is not difficult, but it can be a little tricky! So before you even order your replacement vinyl straps, read this document carefully.
Figure 1: Using a pair of garden shears cut off all old straps and fasteners. Clean the piece well. If the furniture is in need of structural repair or painting this is the time to do it.
IF YOU ARE USING PRE-CUT STRAPS, SKIP TO FIGURE 6
Figure 2: Using a cloth measuring tape, find the exact measurement from hole to hole, making sure to go around the outside of the frame.
Figure 3: Subtract approximately 10% from the measurement obtained in Fig. 2. Cut a couple of straps off your roll of vinyl. (Do not cut all the straps at once as you may want to adjust the strap length after seeing how the first couple of straps fit around the frame).
For example: Measurement from hole to hole comes to 25”; minus 10% (2.5″) equals 22½”. Cut straps to 22½” (or less).
* Note: You may need to reduce shorter straps by a lesser amount and longer straps a bit more — READ THIS then experiment!
Figure 4: Using garden shears, trim off the corners on each end of the vinyl straps.
Figure 5: Using a leather punch or an electric drill with a 3/16” bit, carefully drill a hole in the center of the strap approximately 1/4” from the end of the strap. Do this with both ends.
Figure 6: Insert a nylon fastener in both ends of the strap. Hint: it is easier to insert rivets if you heat the straps first!
The vinyl straps must be heated and stretched over the furniture frame. If continuous strapping is anticipated a pair of golf gloves will help reduce finger burn caused by handling the heated straps. In addition you may want to wrap some adhesive tape around the top of your thumb and index finger for a bit more insulation before you put on the gloves.
Figure 7: Using a hot plate or other heat source boil a large pot of water. Once the water has come to a boil insert several straps with fasteners inserted. Reduce heat so water remains very hot but not boiling. Allow straps to stay in water at least 2 minutes. Leaving them in longer will not hurt them. Remove one strap and quickly dry with towel.
Figure 8: While the strap is hot, approach the frame from underneath, insert the fastener and bring the strap around the outside of the frame.
Figure 9: Stretch the strap evenly and steadily, pulling the strap over the top of the opposite side of the frame.
Figure 10: Use heavy thumb pressure against the frame to hold the vinyl in place and attach the fastener with the other hand. Relax your thumb pressure and the strap will contract as it cools.
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