So, I went out for a paddle the other day and was bummed to find out part of one ratchet on my backband had broken off. As a result, the band would not stay where I wanted it to, obviously leading to a somewhat uncomfortable trip.
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| Broken Ratchet |
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Thankfully the
Immersion Research website had new backbands for sale, as well as replacement parts for original ones. So, I took a chance, figuring I could fix it myself, and ordered two new ratchets (plus a t-shirt of course). That was on a Friday. Amazingly, the new parts were at my doorstep the very next Monday!
With the new ratchets in hand, the next step was to peel the neoprene cover back enough so that I could drill out the rivets holding the old ratchets in place.
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| After drilling out the rivet |
Then, I used a stainless bolt, putting it through the hole in the
ratchet, small washer, nylon strap, large washer, and backband, and
threaded a stainless nut on the end. Because some of the foam had been
compressed by the nut, I cut some small pieces from old foam I had
laying around and filled in the depression, covering it with a tiny bit
of good 'ol duct tape.
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| Nut and bolt, as seen from the front |
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| Foam patch and duct tape cover |
All that was left was to pull the neoprene cover back over the band and put it back in my boat.
My foam patch might be a bit too thick, but I was expecting it to
compress a bit with use. If it doesn't, I can always remove a bit of it
and make it flush with the original foam. Quite a nice fix if I do say
so myself!
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