Making Shouldered Rifle Straps?

[Guest]

This is why I love this forum. It's the simple things that never occur to me but seem so obvious to other people

You and me both

[Guest]

Foil or insulation tape is what I use for strapping one thing I do with the tape is paint the sticky side first. That way it is easier to pick off the surface you have it on.

[spanner570]

Just like our mate Monica, I use wipes for any kind of canvas or leather, be they straps or tents. Just make sure they are single ply - double ply ones de-laminate when paint is applied, and are useless.


I find I can never get the correct bend with any kind of tape...It either creases or doesn't bent and sit in a natural position. Whereas wipes do.


Some folks paint a large area and when dry, cut the thing into the required size. Others cut the strips first and then paint. I use either depending on the application.


Which ever method is used, be very careful as the wet tissue breaks easily.


Once dry, the straps are easily given a sweet bend by just gently easing them into the correct 'lie' with the fingers, or wrapping them around a paint brush handle and unwinding.


Too much pressure will kink the tissue and ruin the strap.


Cut the straps into the required length, glue them at the ends into the required position and then with the end of the paint brush handle ease the straps into the desired shape.


Straight forward process, just be very, very careful!


Ron

[Gern]

Lots of good ideas here but I would go along with Si. My clumsy fingers wouldn't cope with flimsy tissue but masking tape is stronger. Micro tapes like Jammy Dog is already cut into strips too and sticking it to the back of your hand a few times gets rid of most of the glue.

[Guest]

For straps and belts I still use the foil from baby milk powder.


I collected a life time's supply from when my children were babies.

[Tyrel]

Plus Models sells lead wires that range in size from .2mm up to 1.0mm. I just take an appropriate sized piece out, roll my round hobby knife handle over it to flatten and I get instant slings and helmet straps.

[Richi72]

I use solder lead in different sizes which produces the same effect as Tyrels method, and i often use aluminium tape.

[Guest]

If you get some takeaway in aluminium containers you can wash them and cut thin strips out of these to make all sorts of straps, fenders, exhaust covers etc etc.
Much sturdier than normal aluminium foil and it keeps the shape well.

I saw someone doing this on youtube and I've copied this with good results!

[Guest]

I use a piece of the thin lead sheet you can get from the model shops, just cut of a narrow strip to suit then shape it how you want it, it will stay in shape and can be painted and glued.