Removing Chain Strap

[SharonM]

I have a bandana rivets swagger coach bag with the chain strap that is not removable. It is so heavy that I want to replace it with a leather strap. Any ideas on how I can remove the strap on my own without cutting the leather (just in case I want to add it back to this bag or another). Thanks!

 

[foxgal]

Does one of the chain links that attaches to the leather have an opening - like where the link has been closed? Most curb chains are not fused closed but have a thin opening, as in the picture. You can use heavy duty pliars to pry a link open enough so you can unlink it. I’ve done this too with some of my chain straps. Just note that it will be really tough - you’ll have to use a lot of pressure and may end up gouging the metal, or stripping the gunmetal coating, or rendering the chain useless if you can’t reclose it.

 

[snibor]

What about asking a good cobbler?

 

[OogleAtLuxury]

I have a bandana rivets swagger coach bag with the chain strap that is not removable. It is so heavy that I want to replace it with a leather strap. Any ideas on how I can remove the strap on my own without cutting the leather (just in case I want to add it back to this bag or another). Thanks! View attachment 4372011 View attachment 4372012

To add a little more visual to what foxgirl is saying, I was successful at opening links on a thinner chain strap. You just need some pliers.

 

[SharonM]

Yay I did it myself!!! Thanks y’all!

 

[LouisieAnna]

Does one of the chain links that attaches to the leather have an opening - like where the link has been closed? Most curb chains are not fused closed but have a thin opening, as in the picture. You can use heavy duty pliars to pry a link open enough so you can unlink it. I’ve done this too with some of my chain straps. Just note that it will be really tough - you’ll have to use a lot of pressure and may end up gouging the metal, or stripping the gunmetal coating, or rendering the chain useless if you can’t reclose it.

View attachment 4372039

This! I’ve done this more than once. Heavy chains can make a bag weigh a ton, and my neck isn’t a fan of that. I put a pair of pliers inside the chain link and gently open them outward. The chain usually isn’t damaged this way. If I repurpose the chain, I close the opened link through the ring part of a clip. I use a towel around the link to close it gently without damaging it. I’ve found this to be a great way to temporarily alter flap wristlet type slg’s into small crossbodies as the hang tag ring is a great place for the clip.