Frequently Asked Questions - Straps
Can I get strap samples?
Yes. We understand that it could be difficult to select vinyl strap colors just viewing on your computer monitor. We would prefer to send you samples if you are not sure about colors and avoid returns and restocking fees. You can order up to 3 free samples. We’ll get those out to you by US Mail in the order in which it has been received.
How do I replace my old straps?
"Please review our 'How to Install a Strap' guide on the homepage."
Can I measure my old strap?
Absolutely not. Used vinyl straps will stretch and over time will lose its original form. They do not offer an appropriate ordering length.
I need to order new straps. How do I measure it?
Check out our “How to measure straps” guideline on our homepage.
What happened to my straps?
A combination of a few things could have damaged your straps. Here’s a few of them: Fungus, Chlorine, Bleach, Suntan oil, UV Radiation.
I don’t see my type of straps. What do I do?
If you don’t see your strap on our website, you can either convert it to a single or double wrap strap using rivets or convert it to aluminum clips. If you want to convert your straps to single or double wrap using rivets check the next quest…
What should I do if my straps are inserted into a slot?
Most of our customers will convert these type of attachments to a single or double wrap strap.
For a single wrap drill a 15/64” hole into the center of each slot.
For a double wrap drill a 1/4” hole into the center of each slot.
For a single wrap drill a 15/64” hole into the center of each slot.
For a double wrap drill a 1/4” hole into the center of each slot.
My straps measures different than yours. What size should I order?
Vinyl straps are cut shorter than hole to hole measurement on your chair.
When the vinyl straps are HEATED and STRETCHED onto the frame, it’ll narrow down a bit. Knowing that, you must order a wider width.
If you have 1 3/8” wide vinyl you will need to order 1 ½”
If you have 1 ¾” wide vinyl you will need to order 2”
If you have 1 3/8” wide vinyl you will need to order 1 ½”
If you have 1 ¾” wide vinyl you will need to order 2”
How thick are your straps?
The vinyl strapping we offer are made in the USA and 100% virgin vinyl. It has no plastic fillers or recycled material. The 1.5″ and 2″ wide vinyl measures approximate 0.110” thickness. It’s the best Vinyl strap quality you can buy. You will see and feel the difference.
You can order FREE samples before placing your order.
How long does vinyl straps last?
It really depends on how you take care of your vinyl strap patio furniture and what conditions the vinyl strap material must endure. The worst enemy of vinyl is the UV rays of the sun. The UV rays of the sun will cause the vinyl strapping on your patio chairs and chaises to fade and become dry and brittle. You also need to keep the vinyl clean. Body oils and suntan lotions in combination with the UV rays of the sun will stain your vinyl. Over the last 10 years we have seen our customers get 5 – 15 years out of their vinyl depending on conditions
Why are your straps shorter than my straps?
Vinyl straps should be installed shorter than hole-to-hole measurement. They are cut shorter due to being virgin vinyl and if it’s not shorter it will loosen and become baggy on the frame. They will stretch at the first time weight is applied on it. The vinyl strap will be placed in boiling water to make it soft and stretchable like a rubber band. After the vinyl strap is installed on the frame and has cooled down, it contracts to make it firm and tight on the frame. Please check our installation guidelines.
Can I install you vinyl straps?
Replacement vinyl strap is really not that difficult to install for the average home owner. Single wrap vinyl strap installation is a bit easier than the double wrap vinyl strap installation method. American Slings and Patio Supplies provides you with detailed instructions on how to measure and install your vinyl strapping no matter if it’s a single or a double wrap strap.
What rivet should I order?
For most of the frames we recommend 30-516 for a single wrap strap and 30-512 for a double wrap strap. You will only need to order a different rivet if your frame is made out of PVC. As these frames are thicker and you’ll need a longer rivet to pass through the thickness of the PVC wall. For single wrap strap use 30-515, and for the double wrap use 30-513.
Why do I have to through my straps in a hot pot of water?
The vinyl straps must be hot to make it pliable or you will never stretch it onto the furniture frame. The water should be almost to a boil point. When you start to see small bubbles coming up from the bottom the water should be hot enough. If you have a problem and can’t get the strap installed while the strap is still hot, just toss it back into the water. The straps will not be harmed if they sit in the pot for a while. Don’t forget to use protective gloves while installing your straps.
How can I clean my patio furniture?
Never use bleach based products on your vinyl or dip the chairs in your swimming pool to clean them or clean your furniture with a pressure cleaner. The chlorine will cause your vinyl to fade and dry out prematurely. You should use a mild cleaner/degreaser such as Fantastic, 409 or Simple Green. American Slings and Patio Supplies offers a really great cleaner called Casual Clean that is specifically made to clean vinyl. You can find this on our website in the other parts.
Can I match my old vinyl strap color?
NO for 2 reasons:
1- Once the vinyl strap has discolored, there is really no matching color. Body oils, suntan lotions and the UV rays of the sun have permanently stained the vinyl. Using bleach-based products will only make it worse.
2- If you purchased your furniture from one for these stores such as Lowes, Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Target and Costco to name a few, most likely you won’t be able to match these straps because they bought there Patio Furniture from outside USA. These companies use their own color pallet. Our color pallet is made in USA for patio furniture assembled in USA.
1- Once the vinyl strap has discolored, there is really no matching color. Body oils, suntan lotions and the UV rays of the sun have permanently stained the vinyl. Using bleach-based products will only make it worse.
2- If you purchased your furniture from one for these stores such as Lowes, Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Target and Costco to name a few, most likely you won’t be able to match these straps because they bought there Patio Furniture from outside USA. These companies use their own color pallet. Our color pallet is made in USA for patio furniture assembled in USA.
How quick can I get my precut straps?
They can take up to 5 days to be shipped. Then add the transit time you’ve selected.
Can I use slings to replace my straps?
There is no way to convert your vinyl strap patio chair frame to a sling chair frame.
How to take care of my Patio Furniture?
Furniture Maintenance
Fine outdoor furniture deserves exceptional care. Your furniture can be enjoyed for many years when well maintained. Wash the furniture with a solution of mild detergent and water, rinse with clear water and dry thoroughly. A clear automobile wax can be applied to smooth frame finishes to provide better protection against harmful ultraviolet exposure and salt air. DO NOT use any kind of wax, abrasive materials or strong detergents on Select finishes.
To vinyl, strap and sling seating surfaces, apply a quality vinyl protectant to guard against the effects of air pollution, salt air build-up, and mildew growth. Wash outdoor cushions with a solution of mild detergent and water and thoroughly rinse with clear water. Allow cushions to air dry completely.
For best protection, perform this maintenance two to three times a year, although these durable materials can be safely cleaned as often as desired.
Light stains can be removed with a solution of mild detergent and water, rinsed with clear water and dried thoroughly. Mildew and heavy stains can be removed with a quality commercial outdoor furniture cleaner and protectant.
Note: Some suntan and sun block products may be harmful to cushions, sling and vinyl and straps. Do not allow such products to come in contact with any seating surfaces to avoid deep penetrating stains, which are not covered under warranty.
Do not steam or use water at temperatures above 100°F when washing.
Note: Be careful to keep the cleaner from contact with the cushions of your furniture, as it will cause discoloration. Do not use bleach on printed acrylic fabrics. Do not use solvent-type materials on woven vinyl, woven blend or ultra woven blend fabrics as they will damage the yarns. Do not use chlorine based cleaners.
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Our Customers speak for us
I ordered and appreciated detailed diagrams on how to measure the replacements. I emailed pictures to the company, and got a verify. The replacements arrived quickly and we used video to install. The replacements fit tightly and the chairs are in use.
I purchased replacement slings and they look wonderful. The directions for taking measurements could have been clearer. I installed that sling halfway and it looked like id messed up. I couldn't get it to stretch all the way across the chair. Customer service wasnt very supportive. They just told me to follow the directions. You may need to use a reverse pipe clamp if you don't have a son with seemingly bionic hand strength. I got the slings installed and they look wonderful.
Great team to work with. We've replaced slings on about 2 dozen chairs around our pool over the last couple of years, all came very quickly, and all were custom sized dimensions and all have fitted perfectly in matching fabric (Montego Bay), including 2 we just replaced this week. Use American Slings - easy to deal with and great value.
Staff at American Sling were very helpful. I was a little nervous about measuring for the custom slings I needed. They reviewed the pictures I sent in and advised us on what to do. I ordered free swatches and one of them matched up perfectly with the old slings I had. They fit as expected. I received my order a lot sooner than the expected delivery time frame.
My 30 year old Winston patio chairs are of excellent quality and the slings began to fail in recent years. I was torn regarding starting over or refurbishing the old chairs. After researching how to revive the oxidized paint and replace the slings, I decided to give it a shot. American Slings had great fabric choices and their customer service was very helpful, so I selected them over other companies. The website was easy to navigate and I was able to place my order without any difficulty. After receiving the new slings and installing them, I could not be happier. I would not hesitate to use American Slings again and I have recommended them to friends.
