How to Replace Seating Slings
Just as there are several ways to remove fabric slings from outdoor patio furniture frames,
there is more than one way to replace them. The steps shown below are almost the reverse of the procedure for
removing the slings.
Let's take a typical chair as an example. Similar design and construction are used for
all types of sling patio furniture, so pretty much any other type of sling can be replaced using the same
principles. Please read the steps below completely before starting your sling replacement project.
How to remove seating slings
[1] Lubricate the Rails There is a lot of friction involved when
dragging a sling fabric through the side rail channels. First lubricate the channels with a
spray lubricant, or soapy water to make the job easier. |

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[2] Insert the Sling into the First Channel Feed one end of the
sling into the channel of the first side rail. Obviously, the hemming edges should be behind or
under the chair. Note: Do not cut the plastic spline to length until
after the sling is completely installed. |

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[3] Sling Fully Inserted When the sling is inserted into both side
rails, it should look something like this. |

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[4] Do Not Trim the Splines The ends of the splines should be left
sticking out of the channels, because they tend to move when strretching the sling fabric in the
side rails. Cut them off later. |

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[5] Mount the Sling Rails into the Frame Start by loosely
bolting one of the side rails into position. Screw the bolts/nuts only enough to hold the rails in
position so the other side can be mounted before tightening. |

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[6] Stretch the Sling and Tighten the Bolts Use a pair of pliers
to stretch the sling fabric from top to bottom in their channels, then gradually tighten each nut
or bolt in turn, a little at a time for each one.Note: Make sure the
sling remains stretched so it reaches both ends of the rails. You cannot stretch the fabric
after the side rail bolts are tightened. |

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[7] Insert the Spreader Bars This is the most difficult stage of
replacing your slings. We have a spreader tool for rent to make this easier, but an ingenious person might
devise a way to stretch the side rails apart enough to insert the spreader bars. |

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[8] Trim the Splines
Now you can cut off any excess spline. Make sure it is trimmed flush with the end of the side rail,
or even shorter, so the end caps will insert fully.
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[9] Replace the End Caps
Using a plastic or wooden mallet, tap the end caps back into position on the ends of the side
rails.
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