Help Installing Shock Cord Heel Strap

[Footslogger]

I just received my Force Fin Heel Strap Replacement Kit. Have read over the instructions and attempted to remove the original Nylon Strap but have been unable to break th locktite seal.

Instructions indicate that I should hit the the screw and bushing but not the screw head, using a hammer and the end of a screwdriver. Have attempted that maneuver but can get the screw to come loose.

What other things can I try to get the old straps off ???

Thanks in advance ...

Mark J

 

[Kupu]

Its been a few years since I switched the straps, but I believe I ended up bending out the flange on the inside of the footpocket enough to get some needlenose visegrips secure on the flange, stopping the rotation. From there, another pair of pliers or visegrips on the outside and twist...of course that means the original strap assembly will be kaput, but I never had a reason to go back to the nylon strap since the bungee works great.

Like I say its been a while and I no longer have the FF for reference, but I think thats more or less what I had to do. The hammer and screwdriver method did not work for me either, I got tired of trying that...

i just noticed your a 2000 miler...congrats...do you still like ramen?

 

[Blair Mott]

Your best bet is to take vice grips and adjust them so you can clamp down on the bushing on the inside of the foot pocket to the outside of the foot pocket. Take you time getting the right adjustment as you will want to squeeze the bushing hard enough to the foot pocket to stop the bushing from turning, but light enough so you are not completely squeezing the foot pocket and marking the material. Once you have found this adjustment use the allen key and break the tension of the lock tight. Use all new bushings and screws with a drop of lock tight and you should be set. Let me know how this works. This is a change out from nylon straps or a full replacement of the bungie straps?

 

[Lursxt]

This is the best advice. I just received a new pair of FF from LP along with the shock cord kit. Use a pair of vice grips to straddle the side of the foot strap (the part that goes over the arch of your foot). One side gripping the brass bushing and the other side gripping the steel washer (don't clamp the screw). First, tap the screw head lightly with a hammer, then attach the vice grips as above. Next use the allen wrench to remove the screw. Took me about 10 minutes to change out both straps!