How to remove strap handle?

[1980s_john]

Hi,

I would like to remove a rusty strap handle to clean it, but I can't work out how to remove the end caps. These cover the bolts which hold the handle in.

Attached are some photos.

I think these new ones are similar:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Strap-han...e/333042185605

Thanks,
John

[ajgriff]

They usually clip into place. A little gentle levering with a small screwdriver should do the trick. You may find that the other side of the clip isn't rusty. I've turned them inside out before now as the metal is quite thin and is easily manipulated. The rusting looks quite light anyway so they may clean up with some metal polish.

Alan

[stevehertz]

Originally Posted by ajgriff

They usually clip into place. A little gentle levering with a small screwdriver should do the trick. You may find that the other side of the clip isn't rusty. I've turned them inside out before now as the metal is quite thin and is easily manipulated. The rusting looks quite light anyway so they may clean up with some metal polish.

Alan

You've turned a metal, press formed decorative end clip inside out?!

[Nuvistor]

I thought they slid down to remove those clips.

[ajgriff]

Originally Posted by stevehertz

You've turned a metal, press formed decorative end clip inside out?!

Slightly different fixing arrangement but same principle.

Alan

[60 oldjohn]

Originally Posted by 1980s_john

Hi,


I think these new ones are similar:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Strap-han...e/333042185605

Thanks,
John

No I don't believe these are the same. Is there not a nut inside the case? Think of this as a bolt with a fancy polished (or in your case rusty head)
I have just done one on an Ever Ready Sky Emperor, I was lucky many sets used this make of fastener around the 1950s I had an Identical handle on a scrap set that was in better condition. It cleaned up really nice.

Edit, just seen your second picture, If the nuts are part of the case (Have you tried moving ONE of them?) then I think the metal Cover should knock to the left using hammer with a scrap off wood to protect the metal.

John.

[stevehertz]

Originally Posted by ajgriff

Slightly different fixing arrangement but same principle.

Alan

Well ok, but that's a totally different kettle of fish to the one that the OP has, hence, with respect somewhat misleading advice. If he tried to turn that one inside out it would be scrap.

[1980s_john]

Originally Posted by 60 oldjohn

Is there not a nut inside the case? Think of this as a bolt with a fancy polished (or in your case rusty head)
I have just done one on an Ever Ready Sky Emperor, I was lucky many sets used this make of fastener around the 1950s I had an Identical handle on a scrap set that was in better condition. It cleaned up really nice.

Edit, just seen your second picture, If the nuts are part of the case (Have you tried moving ONE of them?) then I think the metal Cover should knock to the left using hammer with a scrap off wood to protect the metal.

The nuts inside the case are welded in place. I will try the hammer and piece of wood, I tried levering with screwdrivers without success.

Thanks,
John

[ajgriff]

Originally Posted by stevehertz

Well ok, but that's a totally different kettle of fish to the one that the OP has, hence, with respect somewhat misleading advice. If he tried to turn that one inside out it would be scrap.

My advice was offered in good faith and I don't think that John's clips are a 'totally different kettle of fish' so we'll have to agree to differ. Who'd have thought that a simple clip would cause such controversy?!

Incidentally the clip in question may well have a lip on its leading edge preventing it from being slid or knocked backwards. On the other hand it might not.

Alan

[ajgriff]

Here's a photo of a similar cover once removed. On this one there's a lip at the front and a dimple at the back to retain the cover over the handle fixing. I removed it by levering with a screwdriver at the back (dimple end). I hope nobody finds this misleading.

Alan

[60 oldjohn]

Originally Posted by ajgriff

Incidentally the clip in question may well have a lip on its leading edge preventing it from being slid or knocked backwards. On the other hand it might not.

Alan

That is possible. In that case best use the two sides to tap on, one side at a time unless you have four hands, two hammers and two pieces of wood!

John.

Crossed with Alan, If Johns handle is like Alans my idea would not work. I had only seen them with a small downwards lip.

[Refugee]

Last time I removed one I just put a small leaver under the end furthest from the strap and it just clicked off. When done it just pressed back on by hand.

[1980s_john]

Originally Posted by Refugee

Last time I removed one I just put a small leaver under the end furthest from the strap and it just clicked off. When done it just pressed back on by hand.

Thanks, this was exactly right. I only proved this after a bit off hammering, no equipment was harmed! Not sure what type of handles these are, bracket says 'Made in Germany', equipment was from around 1979.

Regards,
John

[Refugee]

That strap cap sure has kept the fixing hardware underneath clean and shiny.

[DMcMahon]

Very interesting and useful to see this Thread as I have several rusty handle straps on some of my tape recorders.

David