Seating Sling Removal

How to Remove Seating Slings

There are various methods that can be used to remove the fabric from your outdoor patio furniture frames. The method we use is shown below. In most cases, time, dirt and weather elements will cause the slings to be adhered to the channel in the side rails of the frames, so force as well as technique may be required to remove them.

Let's take a typical chair as an example. Similar design and construction is used for all types of sling patio furniture, so pretty much any other type of sling can be removed using the same principles. Please read the steps below completely before starting your sling removal project.

[1] Remove the End Caps
Using a flat screw driver, carefully pry all the end caps out of the side rails, top and bottom. Keep them aside for later replacement.

remove end caps

[2] Slit the Sling
With a utility knife or scissors, cut the sling in two from top to bottom. Note: This is an optional step to make it easier to remove them. It is a good idea to keep at least one sling of each kind intact to send to us for sizing!

slit the sling

[3] Loosen the Bolts
Remove all the bolts holding the side rails to the seat frame. Keep the bolts aside for later replacement. If there are any bolts of different sizes, note where they came from.

loosen the bolts

[4] Remove the Spreader Bars
Now that the side rails are loose and in two parts, you can easily remove the spreader bars. Keep them aside for later replacement.

remove spreader bars

[5] Free Up the Splines
The sling is usually stuck in the side rails. To free it up, carefully push the hem and spline of the sling into the side rail channels. You might hear a slight cracking sound as the fabric breaks free from the metal side rail channels. Be careful not to damage the side rails.

loosen splines

[6] Lubricate the Channels
To make it easier for the slings to slide out of the side rail channels, spray a lubricant like WD-40 or even liquid soap into the channels along the length of the groove.

lubricate the channels

[7] Remove the Sling
Use a pair of pliers to pull the sling out of each side rail channel.

remove the sling

[8] Replace the Sling
Replacing the sling is pretty much the reverse procedure.

First lubricate the insides of the channels first, then slide the hem [with the plastic splines in them] into the channels. DO NOT cut off the ends of the splines yet!

Then loosely fit the side rails in place, threading the bolts just a little way until you have them all started.

This is your last opportunity to ensure the sling is correctly positioned top to bottom. Use your pliers to grip the fabric at the hem while holding the rail in the other hand, and stretch the fabric so it reaches both ends of the rails.

Now simply tighten the bolts, each one a little at a time, until the fabric is stretched tightly between them. The bolts should be tightened as far as they will go, but don't over-tighten them and strip them.

Lastly insert the spreader bars into the holes in the side rails. This may require some ingenuity or special tool. More on that later...