Those who want to know how to replace patio chair slings should check out this quick and easy guide. By the end of this article, we will also mention some tips that you should do while replacing the patio chair sling, so make sure you continue reading this article until the end.
What Are The Materials Needed?
Before proceeding to replace your patio chair sling, you have to gather these materials. Then, if you have the complete materials, you are good to go!
- Penetrating oil
- Flathead screwdriver
- Watered down dish soap in a spray bottle
- Wire cutters
- Utility knife
- Pliers
- Hammer
Replacing The Patio Chair Slings
Step #1. Remove old plastic end caps on the patio sling rail
Use a flat head screwdriver or a plier to remove the plastic end caps on both ends of the sling rails. In this step, you have to be careful when you remove the old end caps, and they usually break easily when they are dry.
Note: Remember that you need to disassemble your chair to install the new fabric.
Step #2. Remove old sling materials from the patio chair frame
To easily remove the old patio sling, you need to slice it down to the middle using the utility knife or any heavy-duty scissors. However, if you do not want to destroy your fabric by cutting it in half, you will have to unbolt the sling rails before you proceed.
Note: When the old patio sling fabric is a bit stubborn and doesn’t want to detach from the rail, use a flat head screwdriver to loosen up the material.
Step #3. Remove the bolts from the sling rails
Use the appropriate tools to remove the bolts from the chair frame. If there are some instances when the bolts are difficult to remove, spray them with penetrating oil. The oil will help loosen the bolt; soak for an hour.
Note: Don’t force the bolt out of the frame. If you do, it’ll break.
Step #4. Insert the sling or plastic sling rod
Insert the sling spline into each side of the sling. If you’re having trouble inserting the sling spline, you can sharpen the end using a pencil sharpener. Next, you need to push the pencil to the end.
Step #5. Insert new replacement sling fabric and spline into the sling rails
Ensure that your chair’s rails are in the same position before removing them when you’re about to slide the sling to the rail. Then, slide the fabric to the railings. Keep the tag on top of the chair to know the difference between the sling top and bottom.
Step #6. Start the bolts through the sling rail
Place the sling rails with the new sling installed to the chair frame.
Note: Don’t tighten the other side of the sling rail just yet. You will never get the sling stretched to the other side.
Start #7. Tighten bolts
It would help if you pulled the sling from the bottom of the chair until it is even with both sling rails. Then, you can tighten the bolts when the string is flushed on both rails. This will help you keep the bottom of the sling tightly in place.
Step #8. Stretch the sling materials from the top and bottom
Use a pair of pliers to stretch out and pull the fabric through the rails. Please be careful to avoid the sling fabric from tearing apart.
It would be best to use a clamp to hold the material as it usually tends to slip to the sling rail. If you do not have any clamps, it would be best if you can call a friend while doing this process.
Step #9. Install spreader bar
When the chair’s equipped with a spreader bar, it must be reinserted. Next, flip the chair upside down to avoid scratching the arms of the chair. Finally, try to bend the spreader bar over the knee to allow the spreader bar to set into place.
Step #10. Cut excess spline and re-install end caps
You have to cut all the excess sling with your scissors or pliers to reinstall the end caps to the sling rails. Carefully tap the sling spline with a rubber mallet.
Conclusion
You have reached the end of the article on how to replace patio chair slings. It is essential to remember while doing this replacement.
You must completely disassemble the patio sling chair to install the new sling you placed to establish the chair. When the rails of the chair come off, it can make the installation much more manageable.
If you’re a bit worried that you’ll forget how to assemble it back, you can have a guided reference, and we advise you to take a picture of your old patio sling chair on your phone before you disassemble the chair. Kindly try your best to install it before you call for help. Just take note of the tips given and follow the steps, and you’ll be able to sit back and relax!