How to Replace Double-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. Double-wrapping vinyl straps is not too 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 TWICE. This illustration only shows the tape measure as a single wrap.
Figure 3: Do a test: Subtract approximately 10% to 12% from the measurement obtained in Fig. 2. Cut one strap off your roll of vinyl. (Do not cut all the straps at once as you will probably need to adjust the strap length after seeing how the first strap fits around the frame).
For example: Exact measurement hole to hole comes to 25”; deduct 10-12% (2½” to 3”). Cut Straps to 22″”. MORE EXAMPLES
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!
Figure 7: 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.
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: Insert rivet into hole in frame and wrap strap tightly around itself (stretching as you go), covering the rivet head as you bring the strap around the outside of the frame the second time.
Figure 9: Stretch the strap firmly across the frame at an angle about four or five inches above or below the rivet hole you are going to use for this strap. Stretch until you have pulled about eight to nine inches past the frame. Using heavy thumb pressure of one hand, hold strap in position and begin wrapping the strap completely around the frame with your other hand.
Figure 10: While holding the strap firmly in place with your thumb, wrap the strap around the frame twice.
Figure 11: Insert the rivet into the hole in the frame.
Figure 12: Pull the strap back and in an upward motion to bring the top wrap over the bottom wrap.
Figure 13: Slide the strap up over itself, covering the rivet.
Figure 14: Adjust strap as necessary to obtain uniform appearance.
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