Cutting down the strap (sung to the tune of 'Burning down the house') (1 Viewer)

MacGee · Dec 24, 2006

I've got a Nigeloh strap that's a bit long and I'd like to cut it a bit shorter, but how do I avoid the ends fraying? I'm thinking of painting the cut ends with PVA glue, but does anyone have a better idea?

Michael.

ceasar · Dec 24, 2006

If the strap is made of synthetic material that melts when a match is put to it then do just that to the frayed ends. The frayed ends will melt into each other and the fraying will cease.
Bob

mook · Dec 24, 2006

MacGee said:
I've got a Nigeloh strap that's a bit long and I'd like to cut it a bit shorter, but how do I avoid the ends fraying? I'm thinking of painting the cut ends with PVA glue, but does anyone have a better idea?

Michael.

Hi MacGee,

As Ceasar said, if the strap is synthetic fibre you should have no problems sealing the cut ends by passing a naked flame (i use a lighter, stops me fingers burning) over them - that type of material will melt & seal quite well just in close proximity to the flame (move the flame around as the ends start to melt). You can use your fingers to 'crimp' the edges whilst they're still warm. I've used this method for years on camera & binocular straps, it works. Just don't make the ends too big/thick to fit through the binocular strap holders!

You can always practice first on the pieces you cut off!

Cheers & Best Wishes,

Mook

stuart C smith · Dec 24, 2006

mook said:
Hi MacGee,

As Ceasar said, if the strap is synthetic fibre you should have no problems sealing the cut ends by passing a naked flame (i use a lighter, stops me fingers burning) over them - that type of material will melt & seal quite well just in close proximity to the flame (move the flame around as the ends start to melt). You can use your fingers to 'crimp' the edges whilst they're still warm. I've used this method for years on camera & binocular straps, it works. Just don't make the ends too big/thick to fit through the binocular strap holders!

You can always practice first on the pieces you cut off!

Cheers & Best Wishes,

Mook

thats how i do it, but i pass the strap back through the buckle to leave me some spare strap for the future before cutting.

matt green · Dec 24, 2006

ceasar said:
If the strap is made of synthetic material that melts when a match is put to it then do just that to the frayed ends. The frayed ends will melt into each other and the fraying will cease.
Bob

Geeeze-I thought I was the only person who did this!

It's a bit like a ceremony,an initiation ritual for any new pair of binoculars

Matt

Alexis Powell · Dec 24, 2006

I hold the blades of an all metal scissors in the flame of my kitchen stove until they are hot, then use them to simultaneously cut and melt the cut ends of synthetic straps.
--AP

MacGee · Dec 24, 2006

Thanks, everyone; that's exactly what I was looking for. I'll try out the flame idea (since I don't have all-metal scissors (though that's an elegant solution, Alexis)). I'll do it in the garden so there'll be no chance of burning down the house.

Michael.

Cutting down the strap (sung to the tune of 'Burning down the house') (1 Viewer)

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