Installing Chair Slings
Ready to Begin Installing Chair Slings?
Order custom replacement slings using your chair’s measurements, choose your preferred fabric color, and give your patio furniture a comfortable new look.
Installing Chair Slings: Frequently Asked Questions
Find helpful answers about Installing Chair Slings, choosing the correct spline, preparing the frame, creating proper tension, and completing your patio chair restoration.
Can I install replacement chair slings myself?
Yes. Many homeowners can complete Installing Chair Slings with basic tools, patience, and accurate replacement slings. The difficulty depends on the chair design, the condition of the hardware, and the amount of tension required.
What tools are needed for Installing Chair Slings?
Common tools include screwdrivers, Allen wrenches, a socket set, pliers, clamps, a rubber mallet, work gloves, and penetrating lubricant for corroded hardware. Some chair frames may also require a spreading tool.
Why does my replacement chair sling look too narrow?
Replacement slings are normally manufactured to fit under tension. Before installation, the new sling may appear narrower than the finished seating area. The correct width is created when the sling rails are reattached and properly spread.
Should I replace the spline when Installing Chair Slings?
New spline is recommended when the original spline is brittle, stretched, cracked, or incorrectly sized. The spline must fit securely inside the rail channel without making installation unnecessarily difficult.
Do I need to remove the chair’s side rails?
Most sling-style patio chairs require the side rails to be removed or loosened. This allows the spline-covered edges of the replacement sling to slide through the channels inside the rails.
Why will the new sling not slide through the rail?
Check the rail channel for dirt, corrosion, bent areas, old fabric, or pieces of damaged spline. You should also confirm that the sling is facing the correct direction and that the spline diameter is appropriate for the rail.
How tight should the sling be after installation?
After Installing Chair Slings, the fabric should feel firm, even, and supportive. It should not sag excessively, pull strongly toward one side, or display large diagonal wrinkles.
Why do the bolt holes not line up?
The rails may need to be spread slightly, or one side may have been tightened too early. Begin by inserting every bolt loosely. Then tighten the hardware gradually, alternating between both sides of the chair.
Can I install a new sling on a damaged chair frame?
Bent rails, cracked welds, heavy corrosion, and damaged hardware should be repaired before Installing Chair Slings. A new sling cannot correct structural problems and may be damaged by an unsafe or uneven frame.
Where can I order custom replacement chair slings?
American Slings manufactures custom replacement slings using your chair measurements. Review the measuring instructions carefully before ordering to help ensure the correct fit.
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