Sling Installation
Step One: Tools
Basic tools you will need to install your new slings.
1. Rubber Mallet 2. Vice Grips
3. Flat Head Screwdriver 4. Razor Knife
5. Cloth Tape 6. Tape Measure 7. Sling Spreading Tool
8. Lubricant (such as "Casual Clean")
9.Snips or Wire Cutters
10. Battery Drill
Step Two: Removing End Caps
Carefully remove end caps with a flat head screw driver.
If you break one, (they may be brittle) not to worry.
We can send some with your order.
Most end caps come in white and black.
"CLICK HERE FOR A LINK TO OUR PARTS PAGE"
STEP THREE: OLD SLINGS "BYE-BYE"
Carefully cut down the center of the old sling fabric with a razor knife or similar.
Pull the sides of the old sling material back and forth, left and right. You may hear a Cracking sound. Perhaps spray some soapy lubricant such as our own Casual Clean down the tracks in the side rails.
This will make the next move far smoother.
Let your lubrication set for a few minutes.
You may need to use a flat head screw driver and stick it
between the fabric and rail to further help loosen your old sling
material from the frame.
Use your pliers to help pull the old sling out of the track.
Push Down from the top and Pull Out from the bottom. It may help to have a partner for this move.
STEP FOUR: MEASURING
All measurements should be round up to the nearest 1/8″, 1/4", 1/2" or Whole Number
Use a cloth tape to get us your length. Start from the top, at the very end of the metal frame, and follow the contour of your furniture's side rail, to the bottom end of the metal frame. Do not include end-caps.
Make sure your measure tape does not slip !!
If you need to, secure the measure tape down at the top and middle of the frame with blue painters tape or similar.
"CONTACT US" if you have any Questions :)
Measure the Width, from Middle of the Track on one side, to Middle of the Track on the other side of the chair. Inside Track to Outside Track will also work. Remember to round up to the nearest 1/8″, 1/4", 1/2" or Whole Number.
It is Best to Take the Measurements Where the Side Rails are Bolted to the Frame.
If you Need Any Help What-so-ever Feel Free to "CONTACT US"
THIS NEXT PART IS VERY IMPORTANT
---All Sales Are Final, Remember to Measure Twice, and We'll Cut Once---
Thanks and Have a Great Day
Our Part:
Sling material ready to be sewn.
All slings are double stitched with the finest UV resistant thread.
Your Stichologist, Kelly.
STEP FIVE: NEW SLINGS :)
Insert the provided nylon spline into your new slings. We cut the spline to match the length of the slings with a little left over. Keep this in mind if you have different sizes in your order.
Spline rod should stick out of both ends of your sling.
Do not trim the excess until you are finished putting on your sling.
Insert your new sling into the track on the side of your furniture frame.
It may Help to wiggle it around a bit, to get started.
Feed in the new sling from the top, being careful not to snag the fabric on the metal frame, and pull thru the curves to the bottom.
For beginners having a partner makes the job much easier.
Using your pliers, grip your new sling material on the seam and pull to the end of the frame, whereas the fabric lines up with the end of the metal frame.
Your excess spline should be sticking out an inch or more.
Use your Drill to Remove the side rail from the frame side that
you have just installed the sling on.
You will find 2 or 3 bolts on either side of the frame typically.
It is best to turn the chair on its side.
We use a battery drill to remove the bolts, but if
you don’t have one a ratchet set will work.
Remove the curved (or straight) tension bars from the chair.
They are usually found on the tops of furniture and under the seat.
Insert the other side of the sling in the track, remembering to wiggle it in the beggining to get started, then feed in from the top and pull thru the curves to the bottom, using your pliers gripping on the seam if needed.
STEP SIX: FINISHING TOUCHES
Turn your chair on its side and insert your bolts.
A helpful hint is to loosen the bolts on one side to give yourself extra width.
We use clear grease as a lubricant for our bolts in the shop, Vaseline will work just as well. You may also want to use some form of spreader tool to aid in this move.
"CLICK HERE FOR OUR SPREADER TOOL"
Below we are using our Spreader Tool to stretch the fabric.
Your new sling fabric will have to be stretched to install tension bars, and perhaps to get your screws back in.
Some Kind of Stretching Tool is Needed in most cases.
See the bottom of our "LINKS" page for examples.
Tension Bar Installed
Now its time to trim your excess spline. Use your wire cutters or snips to cut the excess spline as close to the end of the metal frame as possible.
Install your new end caps using your rubber mallet or similar.
You can have pretty nails and get the job done!!!
STEP SEVEN: ENJOY
