Safety stopper for binocular strap (1 Viewer)

[KorHaan]

A couple of stitches through the end is my favorite method as well--super secure but easy to undo if necessary.

With pocket roofs I use a different method. Typically, these bins have very tiny strap lugs and the straps thus have very narrow ends (or else the whole strap resembles a thin shoelace). For these, I do away with the tiny little buckles and simply thread the strap through the bin's strap lug on each side and then knot the end of the strap so it is too thick to pull back through. If the strap is very thin (e.g. for Leica Ultravid) use a double overhand knot. This way of doing things results in complete security and a much simpler look (plus eliminates the hard little buckles which can scratch lens or body finish).

--AP

Hi Alexis,

That's a very good method! Simple and secure!
I have tried it in the past on the wider straps of midsized and fullsized bins that had a bad "hang" on the chest, with objectives annoyingly poking in your chest when the strap was fitted the regular way, with buckles and all. I just took off the plastic buckles, threaded the strap ends through the strap lugs of the bin, tied a knot and the result was that the "hang" was clearly better, more flat on the chest. If the strap ends are reasonably thick and rigid, it makes a lot of difference.

Best regards,

Ronald

 

[Purple Martin]

I agree with Hermann. Inserting the strap under the lug is much more secure because of the added pressure--it virtually ensures the strap cannot slip out. I understand that one binoc maker likes the opposite method and some use it, but it simply is not as secure. That said, I like the idea of adding stitches--never thought of that.

Martin

 

[Purple Martin]

Leica also recommends that the strap be threaded through the lug from underneath rather than the top.

 

[NoSpringChicken]

There appears to be two schools of thought on attaching straps to binoculars. You either take the tail of the strap through the outside of the buckle and double it back again or you pass it through the inside of the strap on the buckle and rely on the extra pressure to hold it securely. I am sure both methods work well. I have used the doubling back method on Minoxes as the strap is quite narrow but I have used the 'inside' method on my Swifts and my DSLR. My Leica Trinovids have a completely different system which uses a snap down clip.

The only observation I would make on the two methods is that, by doubling back, the tail of the strap is on the outside and facing forward, whereas with the other method it is on the inside and pointing towards your face. I have noticed that the tails can be annoying as they brush against my face but this is a minor irritation which could be overcome by stitching the tails to the strap.

Ron

 

[Hauki]

I've always used the double back method, I also stitch the tails,cut any surplus strap off and seal with nail varnish hardner to prevent fraying.

 

[Purple Martin]

I've always used the double back method, I also stitch the tails,cut any surplus strap off and seal with nail varnish hardner to prevent fraying.

Sounds secure--but would never work for me. I'm one of those people who decides he has to change the strap every once in a while--so I'll end up with a Zeiss, Swift or Op/tech strap on my Leicas at any given time. This probably means some sort of mental disorder.

Martin

 

[NoSpringChicken]

I finally put the stitches into my strap at the weekend, a perilous operation involving needles, thread and a magnifying glass. Don't try this at home if you are over 60! They seem secure now but I hope I don't need to adjust them.

Ron

 

[Tvc15_2000]

I have had the strap slip out more than once and my solution was similar.

I fold over the end of the strap and stich it for a bump/stop that can't slip out, but I can still adjust the length for summer clothing or winter clothing. With some work I can still remove the strap (but I have not had to do that yet.

Good subject and good responses that are sure to save lots of binoculars.

Thanks.

 

[NoSpringChicken]

Here's an idea for Opticron or another binocular accessory supplier. Little black plastic end caps, hinged in the middle with a spike on the inside of one half, which is pushed through the strap. The other side is folded over and clips into place, providing a neat stopper which can be removed if required. I would buy a pair if the price was right. All royalties should be paid directly into by bank account. The downside is that they would need to be in a couple of different sizes and would probably cost too much to make. Oh well!

Ron

 

[Steve Dudley]

Here's an idea for Opticron or another binocular accessory supplier. Little black plastic end caps, hinged in the middle with a spike on the inside of one half, which is pushed through the strap. The other side is folded over and clips into place, providing a neat stopper which can be removed if required. I would buy a pair if the price was right. All royalties should be paid directly into by bank account. The downside is that they would need to be in a couple of different sizes and would probably cost too much to make. Oh well!

Leica had this exact design some years ago on their first ever neoprene straps before neoprene straps became the norm and came with in the box with the bino. They worked really well but were universally disliked for some reason and were dropped. But I also suspect they were dropped due to production costs combined with user dislike.

So sorry Ron, no royalty check :-C

 

[NoSpringChicken]

So sorry Ron, no royalty check :-C

Damn! Back to the day job. Actually, the attachment on my Trinovid strap is a little like this. The tail of the strap has a hole in it which fits over a peg in the clip and then the hinged cover is snapped down to lock it in place.

Ron