Spreader Tool for Sling Replacement

One of the most difficult aspects of seating sling replacement is replacing the spreader bars that help to keep the sling fabric taut between the side rails.

To help with this task, we have made available one of our spreader tools. This is a lever-action device that is adjustable for use with just about any sling chair type.

Rental Fee

The spreader tool is available for rent for $25 per week. You are required to place a $100 deposit when renting it, and when it is returned to us in good condition, we will refund you the difference after deducting the rental price, based upon the length of time you have had the tool in your possession (shipping time is not counted).

The above does not include shipping & handling charges, which are additional. We always ship via FedEx ground to enable tracking. Return shipment is at your expense also.

Note that if the tool is returned damaged, or is not returned, your deposit will be forfeited and no refund will be given. We strongly advise return shipping by a trackable, insurable method, such as FedEx or UPS.

How to Use the Spreader Tool

Get the best performance and reduce the risk of damaging the tool by following the steps below during your replacement sling project. The stretching task is much easier if two people work together.

• First mount the side rails into your chair frame by loosely attaching the bolts that hold them in place.
  
• Make sure the sling fabric is stretched from top to bottom so it reaches all the way to the ends of the side rail channels.
  
• Tighten the fastening bolts fully.
  
• Lie the chair down so the back of the sling and rails are exposed, and the point at which you want to position the spreader tool is on the floor or as close as possible to it (see picture).
  
• Open the spreader tool by raising the lever.
  
• If necessary, adjust the tool's length by screwing the nut at the tail end [the single nut].
  Important: The tool should NOT be adjusted such that the lever is fully open. This will place too much strain on the tool and may break it, and also make it too hard for you to press the lever down.
  
  Hint: If the tool is too long, remove the tail end assembly altogether, and place a rag between its end and the frame to prevent scratching the frame. If the tool is too short, use a small block of wood between it and the frame to extend its range.
  
• When the tool is in place and in alignment, slowly compress the lever. This causes the base of the tool to expand, pushing your side rails apart. Expand the rails only enough to insert the spreader bars.
  
• If your spreader bars are the curved steel type, you may need to bend them more to make them smaller. Then after the ends are positioned in the holes in the side rails, and with the spreader tool still in place, use a wooden mallet or heavy block of wood to hit the curved spreader bar to straighten it out again. Sounds primitive, but it works!

If you have questions during the use of the spreader tool, please contact us.