Easy Procedure Of Repairing Chair Straps And Webbing
Whether made from vinyl, nylon or other material, t is highly possible that the webbing on outdoor chairs eventually breaks down. Exposure to sunlight and weather as well as day-to-day wear are some of the main reasons that frays nylon and stretches vinyl. Due to the fact that chair framework typically remains solid, repairs involve removing the old webbing as well as replacing it with fresh material. You can easily buy replacement supplies from hardware stores or home centers.
Things You Will Need
- Plastic Rivets Or Metal Clips
- Roll Of Vinyl Strapping
- Scissors & Utility Knife
- Measuring Tape Or Twine
- Web Repair Kit Or Roll Of Nylon Webbing & Awl
- 1/2-inch (12-mm) Sheet Metal Screws
- Rubber Mallet Or Hammer & Screwdriver
Step 1: Turn The Chair Upside Down
- First of all, you need to turn the chair in or into an inverted position. In case the damaged straps are held on by metal screws, then pull out the screws and when it comes to plastic rivets, you need to pop them off with the help of a flathead screwdriver. If in case the fasteners are inside a slot in the frame, then it is important to cut the strap using a utility knife very close to where it goes into the slot, which in turn make the fastener fall loose.
Step 2: Measure The Length Of The Strap
- Now, you need to calculate or estimate the length of the strap that you need with the help of a measuring tape. It is important to make sure that the measuring tape covers the slot in the frame, around the frame as well as over to the other side. After that, around the frame again in order to cover the opposite slot. Pull as tight as you possibly can when you measure the length of the strap. After measuring the length, you need to cut a length of strap at least 1 inch shorter then the actual measurement. This, in turn, will help you in stretching the strap as tightly as possible when installing it.
Step 3: Make A Hole From Each End Of The Strap
- Next, make a hole around 1/4 inch from each end of the strap with the help of an awl or the point of a screw. Attach or secure one end of the strap using a sheet-metal screw. When it comes to using plastic rivets, drive them in with the help of a rubber mallet or very gently using a hammer. Bend or twist the other end of the strap around the other side of the frame, pull tightly before attaching in the same manner. Replace any other straps as necessary.
Step 4: Remove The Screws Or Metal Clips
- Get rid of the screws or metal clips that are taking hold of the webbing with the help of a screwdriver. If you notice that only one or few straps are torn and the rest are looking good, then you only need to replace the torn straps. If the chair has a seat that is bending or hanging downwards limply or many frayed straps, then it is important to remove all the webbing.
Step 5: Measure The Distance From The Slots For Each Of The Horizontal Straps
- Calculate or compute the distance from the slots for each of the horizontal straps. Keep in mind that the chair back as well as seat may not be of the same width, therefore, you need to take measurements for each. Outstretch a length of nylon webbing. If you are securing or affixing the horizontal straps using screws, then you need to add 2 inches (5 cm) to each measurement, before cutting the roll into strips of that length using scissors. If you are using clips, then add 1 1/2 inches (4 cm).
Step 6: Fold Down The Corners At One End Of The Strap
- For chairs with screws, you need to fold down the corners at one end of the strap in order to form a point. Make a hole with the help of an awl or screw at least 1/2 inch (12 mm) from the tip of the point. Screw in one end of the strap, pull it around tightly, before screwing in the other end. If you are using clips, you need to fold 3/4 inch of strap around the clip before inserting it in the slot.
After you are done with all the horizontal webbing, you need to install the vertical webbing exactly using the same methods as for horizontal webbing. You will need to weave the vertical straps in as well as out of the horizontal webbing. It is important that the vertical straps all run behind the bar that is the pivot betwixt the back and the seat.