Replacing shoulder straps

[hesnojedi[TK]]

I need to replace my shoulder straps due to cracking. What is the best way to unglue the existing straps that I'm pretty sure glued with E6000? I didn't build the kit but I'm pretty sure that's what was used. Thanks for any help.

[ukswrath[Staff]]

Well, carefully 

 

Over the years what worked best for me. E6000  or CA glued.

 

E6000 - take an old butter knife slide it between the two plastics, then pry and slide. Avoid damaging surface areas visible to the eye once finished.

 

CA is a bit more difficult.  Though I still use a butter knife, if I quickly tap it with a small hammer, parallel between the two plastics. Most of the time the cover will just snap off however, be mindful not to tear the plastic. Take your time

 

Hope this helps

[Doggydoc[Staff]]

I used a sharpened popsicle stick to remove my cover strips on my forearms when they needed adjustment.  It lifts the parts off the E6000 glue nicely and does not run the risk of scratching the armour

[hesnojedi[TK]]

Thanks guys! I'll give it a try

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

You will find with some pressure they should easily come off.

 

If you have any ABS plastic left over you could add a stiffener pieces under the shoulder strap, either heat with a heat gun or on a tray in the oven, then form to the shape of the shoulder, this extra piece helps to prevent cracks. Just remember to rough up both pieces with coarse sandpaper before gluing

 

 

[JBar[TK]]

Sadly my left shoulder strap cracked on my first few troops so I would definately recommend reinforcing them once you're done. Since I've done this they've been very sturdy. I just used my heatgun to curve some abs plastic leftover from cover strips so that they reinforce the crack points in the shoulder straps. I sanded the contact points as normal and used e6000 for the flex

Edited August 21 by JBar