Sling Installation Instructions

Installing patio slings can be a bit confusing if you've never had to do it before. Below are some general instructions on how to install replacement slings onto your patio furniture frames. Although there are many different types of sling frames and some sling frame assemblies may vary from the ones shown in the following pictures, the concept installing slings is usually the same. You should try to follow the same steps as outlined below when installing your new replacement slings while improvising for your specific frame when needed. We recommend that you take notes or digital photos of your furniture frames before and during the disassembly of your sling furniture. These will help you when you reassemble your chair frame with the newly installed replacement sling. Make sure you have all of the necessary tools ready before beginning. *

How To Install Patio Slings

Step 1 - Removing plastic endcaps

Your sling frame rail end caps can become dry and brittle from exposure to the sun and other outdoor elements. To avoid breaking, take extra care when removing the end caps from your sling frame rails. You should first check if they can be easily pulled off with your fingers. If they do not come off easily you can try to remove the end caps from the frame rail by gently prying them off using a flat head screwdriver.

Step 2 - Removing old patio slings

Cut The Old Sling
The easiest method to remove an old patio furniture sling is to simply cut the sling material in two down the middle using a pair fabric scissors or a sharp blade. If you would like to keep your old slings simply unbolt the sling frame rail bolts and skip the rest of this step.

Loosening The Sling
Old slings commonly become wedged inside of the sling rails as a result of pressure put on them by the constant weight of individuals. You can try to loosen the sling by trying to push it back into the sling rail opening using your hands.

Pulling The Old Sling Material Out
Using a pair of standard pliers, grasp the old patio sling material close to the frame rail and try to pull the sling out with the pliers using your other hand to hold the sling frame steady. If it is difficult to pull out the sling you can try to spray the sling with a solution of dish soap and water to make it easier to remove the sling. Give the solution a minute or so to soak into the rail opening before continuing.

Further Loosening Of The Sling Material (if necessary)
If the sling material still refuses to budge you can try to loosen it further by pushing the sling retaining rod away from the opening of the frame rail using a flat head screwdriver. Simply push down on the sling using the screwdriver and this should completely loosen the material. Do not pry open the sling rail with the screwdriver as this will cause damage to the sling frame.

Step 3 - Removing patio sling frame rails

Sling rails are usually attached to the frame using bolts on one or both sides of the sling. Before removing the bolts it is suggested that you mark the frames and rails using masking tape to keep track of which rail goes with which frame. Begin removing the bolts that are attaching the rails to the sling frame using a ratchet and the correct size fitting. Spraying the bolts with penetrating oil an hour or so before beginning to remove them will aid in loosening and breaking down any corrosion or rust on the bolts. Replace any bent, rusted or corroded bolts.

Step 4 - Insert retaining rods into the new sling

All of our custom patio slings are shipped with standard plastic retaining rods. We do not ship the slings with the plastic retaining rods installed. When installing the sling, insert a retaining rod into the opening on each side of the sling material. The rods will be longer than the actual material itself. DO NOT TRIM THE PLASTIC RODS until you are completely done with the sling installation. The excess length of the retaining rod tends helps the sling slide through the rails easier during installation.

Step 5 - Slide the new sling on the frame rails

Before proceeding, make sure your rails are on the correct sides of the frame and in the same position as they were before you removed them. Starting with the excess length of the retaining rod, begin to slide the sling fabric through the rails. Make sure the PatioSlings.com tag is on the will be on the top or back part of your sling frame when you finish your installation as this can make a big difference depending on the width variations we were given when the sling was ordered.

Step 6 - Install the sling rails on the frame

Line up the holes of the rails and tighten all of the bolts as much as possible using your fingers. Repeat this step for the other side of the chair frame. If you had any spacers or washers be sure to put them on when installing the bolts.

Step 7 - Adjust the new patio sling's length

Beginning at the bottom or front of the sling frame, pull the sling material until it is flush with the end of the sling rails on both sides. Once the front of the sling material is aligned with the rails you can tighten the bottom or front bolts using a ratchet. This will hold the front or bottom of the sling material in place for the next step of stretching.

Step 8 - Stretch the sling and eliminate wrinkles

Eliminate wrinkles left in the bending areas of the frame by stretching the sling material. It may help to use a pair of common clamps to hold the fabric down as it usually slips back down the sling rail before you get a chance to tighten the bolts. Position yourself on the side of the sling frame that hasn't been tightened yet and stretch the sling upward to the edge of the sling rail using a pair of pliers so that both the sling material and sling rails are even. You should now clamp the fabric down to the rail to maintain it's position while you tighten the remaining bolts. The sling should now be stretched tight and free of most wrinkles. Some wrinkles may remain however these wrinkles should work themselves out after some use.

TIP: Heating your new sling by placing it in the sun for 10 minutes prior to installation will make it easier to stretch.

NOTE: Patio slings may appear slightly short in length prior to being installed on the furniture frame. This is due to the fact that slings are designed to fit tightly on the furniture frame and require some stretching as detailed in this step.

Step 9 - Install frame rail spreader bars *

Some sling frames come with spreader bars on the back of the frame to help with keeping the sling stretched out. If your sling frame comes with spreader bars they must be reinstalled. Flip your frame over onto a towel or blanket to avoid scratching the arms of your chair frame or scraping and damaging your new patio sling. Try to install the spreader bar. If it is to long you can try to bend it on your knee just enough to allow it to fit into place. If the spreader bar cannot be bent you will need to use a spreader tool to spread the sling rails apart enough to allow you to slide the spreader bar into position.

Step 10 - Cut down sling retaining rods *

Using wire cutters or a pair of scissors, cut any excess length from the retaining rods install the end caps back into sling rails by tapping them in lightly and carefully using a soft rubber mallet.

Tools required for sling installations *

* Disclaimer

PatioSlings.com is not liable for any damages caused to sling frames or materials as a result of following the instructions detailed in this sling installation guide. As clearly stated at the top of this page, this is a generalized guide to installing the most common types of slings. Sling frame assemblies may vary from the ones described in this guide. Those using the information contained in this guide do so at their own discretion.