Saddle Bag Lid Strap
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From: Vermont
Saddle Bag Lid Strap
Is there anything out there other than the typical glues to repair stripped threads on the little plastic saddle bag lid towers that the lid strap is attached to? I saw my two strap screws pulling out of the towers when I opened my right bag and went to tighten it down...(No I did not over tighten. In fact I've never tightened these before, this was my first attempt after seeing the screws pulling out). I only took a few light turns and immediately realized that the first screw was stripped, and then tried the other one and it was also just turning. One of the towers is also cracked. Those plastic towers alone sure don't seem like good support for the lid. In any event, I used some JB Weld Quick on the towers where they are cracked and then filled the screw holes with a litle JB and lightly tightend the screws back in. After a few hours I checked and the screws are in fact tight. Not sure how long that will last though. Didn't know if Harley or one of you have an idea similar to the new blind nuts used on the winshields when those strip. This must be somewhat common with this sort of attachment I'm thinking?
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Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Al Bu Ker Key, New Mexico
Yeah, those little screws are a bitch threaded into the plastic. Gotta be really careful with them. I am thinking what you have done to repair is gonna work. Might never get them out again though.
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From: Vermont
So when they break off, the lid is toast? That is a pretty crappy set up. I know I've never touched those screws and the bike hasn't seen a shop for anything except one recall?
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From: Vermont
So when they break off, the lid is toast? That is a pretty crappy set up. I know I've never touched those screws and the bike hasn't seen a shop for anything except one recall? Seems to have been the tension on the strap that pulled the screws from the plastic.
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From: Vermont
Another Question
Hey while I'm thinking about it, I've got another curious question? How do you keep the strap from twising right under those little screws on either end as you tighten them? Once the screws make contact. the strap started twisting under the screw with very little torque.
Last edited by Rickr01; Mar 19, 2012 at 03:05 PM.
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From: The 9th Island
There is a metal bar that runs down a loop at both ends of the strap. For the most part that is sufficient enough to keep it from twisting as you don't need much pressure to secure it. I have replaced my fabric straps with leather straps and it has been working very well for me and it no longer gets caught between the lid and saddlebag lower, double score.
I am sure the JB Weld will hold though. I use that stuff just as much as duct tape.
I am sure the JB Weld will hold though. I use that stuff just as much as duct tape.
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From: Vermont
I was torn about using it, kind of the way I feel about using duct tape.. 
...Don't Jerry Rig anything on the bike or the house for that matter. But I couldn't figure any other way. Plus I smoothed the JB so it blended right in and its hidden under the strap anyway. Right color too...Wish there was another way but I'm not spending 200.00 plus on a new lid. Theres the correct way of doing things and there is overboard!
...Don't Jerry Rig anything on the bike or the house for that matter. But I couldn't figure any other way. Plus I smoothed the JB so it blended right in and its hidden under the strap anyway. Right color too...Wish there was another way but I'm not spending 200.00 plus on a new lid. Theres the correct way of doing things and there is overboard!There is a metal bar that runs down a loop at both ends of the strap. For the most part that is sufficient enough to keep it from twisting as you don't need much pressure to secure it. I have replaced my fabric straps with leather straps and it has been working very well for me and it no longer gets caught between the lid and saddlebag lower, double score.
I am sure the JB Weld will hold though. I use that stuff just as much as duct tape.
I am sure the JB Weld will hold though. I use that stuff just as much as duct tape.
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From: Roswell, GA
Why not provide model and year of bike?
JB weld and/or JB Stik ought to be helpful.
Many folks over-fill the saddlebags which may be an issue. Ditto, putting heavy weight on the lids; e.g. strapping luggage/stuff to the lids that stresses the straps/fasteners when the lid is opened--like leaving luggage attache to the tour pak lid when the lid is opened. Not saying you've done either but it's hard to imagine an unstressed fastener would create a crack or strip threads.
Are you the original owner?
Hope you find a good solution.
Carl
JB weld and/or JB Stik ought to be helpful.
Many folks over-fill the saddlebags which may be an issue. Ditto, putting heavy weight on the lids; e.g. strapping luggage/stuff to the lids that stresses the straps/fasteners when the lid is opened--like leaving luggage attache to the tour pak lid when the lid is opened. Not saying you've done either but it's hard to imagine an unstressed fastener would create a crack or strip threads.
Are you the original owner?
Hope you find a good solution.
Carl
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Joined: Aug 2010
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From: So. Cal.
Hey while I'm thinking about it, I've got another curious question? How do you keep the strap from twising right under those little screws on either end as you tighten them? Once the screws make contact. the strap started twisting under the screw with very little torque.
Casey