Detatching/Reattatching NH strap

Repairman Jack · Post by **Repairman Jack** » Thu Dec 04, 2003 12:10 pm

I've just picked up a NH MK-VII, and while it's in absoloutely wonderful condition, the strap is on backwards.

When I wear the strap with the buckle across my chest, the bag itself sits on my right hip instead of my left.

Does anyone know how to remove a NH strap, and then put it back on unharmed? I can't for the life of me figure out how to remove those rivits without damaging them...

Thank you,
-RJ

Mulceber · Post by **Mulceber** » Thu Dec 04, 2003 3:39 pm

For me it's the exact same problem. First of all, take a razor blade, and slice it in between the tab the used to connect it and the strap (hint: this area is the area that has the rivet that's closest to the bag when you wear it) next pull the rivet apart. (this may seem hard but if you tug then press it together again, it really loosens up). Now you can take the strap off and put it back on the other way. Once this is done, you can take a new rivet, rivet the the strap together and use super glue to seal the two pieces of leather together. Just wait a while and then your done. Hope this helps! :junior: -IJ

Herr Doktor · Post by **Herr Doktor** » Thu Dec 04, 2003 3:53 pm

Ok...let me preface this with "I don't have a MKVII yet" but, from what I've seen in photos:

Wouldn't it be easier to use a pair of pliers to bend the metal rings apart at the seam/joint (whatever), take the strap off and reverse it, then bend the metal rings back into place? Might also be safer, so you don't damage the leather strap by mistake.

Just a thought.

Best,

Chris

Gater · Post by **Gater** » Thu Dec 04, 2003 3:55 pm

Rather than a razor-blade, I might suggest a flat-headed screw driver, so the leather won't be damaged if you slip. Just jimmy it back and forth, and the chicago screw will seperate.

Mulceber · Post by **Mulceber** » Thu Dec 04, 2003 4:33 pm

We're talking a rivet, not a Chicago screw. With a razor blade, even if you slip, the only thing you damage is the inside of the leather. Those instructions may have been unclear. What your slicing is the glue they used when they wrapped the end of the strap around the the ring and riveted/glued it together. It works pretty well. Like Indy says "Trust me..." :junior: -IJ

Post by **Mike** » Fri Dec 05, 2003 8:42 am

There's another technique to try that won't do any undue damage to the leather.

Simply take a power drill and drill throught the back of the rivet. This'll allow you to remove the now usless rivet without slicing the leather, or shortening the strap with cuts. I personally wouldn't trust the longevity of supergluing a sliced piece of leather... maybe if you never carr anything in it, but if there's wait in it, I would think it'd put a strain on a glued strap.

After removing the rivet, you can either get it re-riveted or put some Chicago screws in that you can find at any hardware store.

Mike

Gater · Post by **Gater** » Fri Dec 05, 2003 11:51 am

"We're talking a rivet, not a Chicago screw"

Actually, we ARE talking Chicago Screw, because it was me who sold him the bag

I stand by my screwdriver suggestion.

Mulceber · Post by **Mulceber** » Fri Dec 05, 2003 5:51 pm

Oh. sorry. Like I said, you aren't slicing the leather, your just cutting the glue that holds it together. Anyhoo, if you don't have any glue, then just take out the chicago screw. :junior: -IJ