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How to Repair a Folding Aluminum Lawn Chair

Camela Bryan

Replacement webbing for aluminum folding chairs is available in many different colors and two sizes, 3 inch and 2 1/4 inch. The webbing is attached to the chair with either clips or screws. The webbing is inexpensive, so it it is practical to repair the chair, rather than replace it. Aluminum chairs are lightweight and easy to carry. They are nice on a summer day because they allow the breeze to blow through the strapping.

Chair with Screws

If one screw is missing, remove another, to help find a match.
  1. Remove any worn or broken straps. Set the screws aside. Examine the frame to see if any screws need replacing. Buy replacement screws if necessary.

  2. Measure the distance between the holes in the frame of the chair with a measuring tape. For the straps that run from one side of the chair to the other, measure the distance between corresponding holes on either side of the top of the seat. Add 4 inches to this measurement to calculate the length of the horizontal straps.

  3. Measure the distance between the holes for the vertical straps with the chair folded. Measure the distance from the center hole on the front of the top of the seat, down around the metal bar at the back of the seat, and up to the center hole on the top of the front of the seat. Add 4 inches to this measurement to calculate the length of the vertical straps.

  4. Cut your strips to these measurements. Fold the end of the strip at a 45-degree angle so the top of the strip is touching the side of the strip. Fold this side down so it is perpendicular to the side of the webbing. The end of the strip will be a 90-degree point.

  5. Stick a screw through the center of this point. Screw it into the hole on the bottom or back of the frame where a strip is missing, so the strip sticks out from the frame. Wrap the strip of webbing around the frame and weave it over and under every other strip. If the strips on either side go under weave it over, if they go over weave it under. Weave vertical strips with the chair folded. Be sure to go under the bar at the bottom (back) of the seat.

  6. Fold the other end of the strip into another point with the folds facing down. Wrap the end of the strip around the other side of the frame. Stick another screw through the strip so it aligns with the hole in the frame. Screw the screw in. Replace any other missing strips in the same way.

Chair with Clips

  1. Remove any worn or broken straps. Measure the distance between the holes in the frame of the chair. For the straps that run from one side of the chair to the other, measure the distance between corresponding holes on either side of the top of the seat. Add 4 inches to this measurement to calculate the length of the horizontal straps.

  2. Measure the distance between the holes for the vertical straps with the chair folded. Measure the distance from the center hole on the front of the top of the seat, down around the metal bar at the back of the seat, and up to the center hole on the top of the front of the seat. Add 4 inches to this measurement to calculate the length of the vertical straps.

  3. Cut your strips to these measurements. Push one of the clips from the webbing kit through one end of the webbing, 2 inches from the end. Be sure the curve on the clip faces up. Insert the clip in the hole in the frame.

  4. Wrap the strip up around the frame and over to the other side, weave it over and under every other strip. If the strips on either side go under, weave it over; if they go over, weave it under. Weave vertical strips with the chair folded. Be sure these strips go under the bar at the bottom (back) of the seat.

  5. Wrap the strip around the frame. Mark the location of the hole with a permanent marker. Stick another clip through the webbing at the mark. Be sure the clip points toward the frame and curves up. Fold the excess webbing up and under the frame. Insert the clip into the hole. Replace any other missing strips in the same way.