"Frank Hayes" wrote in message
news:2lUCi.1031$h06.335@trnddc03...
I am repairing an old (1960's ?) vinyl strap patio chair. The chair is
made of solid tube aluminum 5/8 inch thick. The aluminum has a 1/4 inch
slot cut into it where the vinyl strap is inserted. The original strap had
small rectangular aluminum tabs that were crimped over each end. When I
crimp an old tab onto the new vinyl strap, the end is difficult to insert
into the slot. I can get it on the first end ok using pliers, but the
second end is very difficult since I can only get to one side, due to the
wrap of the strap. Is there a special tool or trick I need to know about?

Thanks

Frank Hayes

Better tubing than the old poly webbing. (My grandpa used to work for Arvin,
which made that kind back in 50s and early sixties. He'd drag the rejects
and webbing roll ends home- we sat on that junk till the 70's.) Only trick I
know is to leave the tubing sitting out in the sun, till it is almost too
hot too handle, before you lace up the chair. It is a lot stretchier then.
You can pull the other tubes that are blocking access to the side till you
get the end seated, and then push them back in place.

aem sends...