I'm repairing a chair with hardened and missing elastic webbing that I showed in a previous post. Webbing is the kind that takes the clips you squeeze with a vise. It had a black non-Pirelli webbing originally, so I've ordered the elasbelt black with red stripe webbing, which was discussed here as a good and somewhat cheaper alternative to the Pirelli webbing. But I'm not sure how long to cut the pieces I have to get the proper stretch?I found a youtube for installing Pirelli webbing, and he measures the distance between slots and cuts to that length. Since the clips hold 1/2" of webbing each, that means 17" of webbing would be pulled across 18" distance.If you have experience doing this with the elasbelt webbing, how do you measure the pieces to use before cutting them? Would the above technique work, or should I cut them a bit shorter, and if so by how much?
i'm using the kit now on one side of the kofod larsen selig sofa. when you receive your kit you need to determine which way to use the clips. there is not enough room on mine for the clip to "seat" in the frame. i had to flip the clip over and bend the tab on an angle as the slots on mine are cut in frame at an angle. this means you have to double the amount of strap required per clip. my distance measured 19.5 and straps ended up cut at 20.25. i think mine are still too long. the clips can be reopened and used again. the straps are more elastic than i expected. by the time they are tight enough i think it will take pulling the strap with both hands to install them.
I've used it once before. I think I installed it a bit too loosely. I think I would try to determine the appropriate length based on deflection while test stretching it. In other words, pirelli rubber straps do not deflect much when installed, and elasbelt should be installed stretched sufficiently that it deflects equivalently.
(sorry for using so many adverbs in one sentence).
Hi Lief, thanks for your answer. I like adverbs, but was hoping for numbers! I will probably end up doing as you suggest, though, and figure out the length by trial and error. Unfortunately I don't have a properly tensioned Pirell strap to compare it to. I'm also a bit concerned that if I make the web tight enough to get good tension then it won't be possible to stretch it enough to install the second metal clip in its slot; I don't think there's a tool to do this so I'll just be using my hands - but I guess the only way to find out is to try it.
Powbum, are you using the Elasbelt or Pirelli webbing? I may not understand what you're up to, but I would guess that 20.25 for a 19.5 distance would definitely be too loose? Have you installed them yet? Did you have trouble stretching it enough to get the second metal clip in?
Glue from a minor repair should be dry so I'll probably give the straps a try tonight.
Yes, I finished the chairs. Wow - I have new respect for the workout you get doing upholstery - its better/worse than going to the gym. I may have overdone the tightness of the straps but I did manage to get them on without mishaps. I decided to go with about 12% stretch, so for a 18-1/8" distance I cut the straps at 17" one direction and 17-1/4" in the other where I had to weave them.
I'm still interested if anyone has any thoughts on where this might have been made. I think its likely American since there was a 1958 US patent number on one of the metal clips (though for a UK company).
powbum, I think you might be better of with clips designed for the purpose. The clips you're using don't have much bite, and look like they could pull out pretty easily? Fagas straps were probably used originally, and were designed for 45 degree; here's a look at some of the clips that should work better: http://www.fagasstraps.com/clips.asp
Just to add a little more info, original replacement Fagas straps are still available from the site I linked to, and probably others. Those have the advantage of being molded together and permanently attached to the hooks, and would be the most correct replacement for what you had originally. The clips I linked to can apparently be used too, and while not as authentic as the Fagas straps, would certainly be much better than what you're trying to use now.
powbum, I think you're using the clip backwards. The main clamped portion of the clip should go in the angled groove of the frame. The radiused lip of the clip is on the underside to avoid the webbing rubbing up against the sharp edge of the groove. You might need to do a little hammering or harder pliers squeezing to get the clamped clip thin enough to fit in some grooves. Light tapping with a hammer also helps to get the clip in the groove, but somewhat difficult with one person if you are stretching at the same time.
And since Mark is not here, I should add that I could be wrong.
You may be able to flatten the clip you're using, but the fact remains that it is the wrong clip to use, and wasn't designed for this purpose. The Fagas clips, or replacement I showed, would be the correct clips to use.
Since you already own those clips, it would be worth trying to flatten them, but it sounds like when you tried that it cut the straps. If that doesn't work, then personally I wouldn't enlarge the slot, because that is a hack and you are making it impossible to use the right part (Fagas straps) if you or the next owner decide you want to go original.
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