case repair

[montage]

Is anybody experienced with case repair? The clasps for my fender bass case aren't exactly "clasping" anymore (see attached pics) so I've taken to using a pair of bungee cords. I think I've found some replacement clasp parts at http://www.reliablehardware.com but as far as tools and techniques I'm not certain about what to do. Do anyone have some advice/experience?

Thanks for all replies.

 

[lpdeluxe]

I replaced a locking latch on a '70s-era Fender bass case I got for $40.

Luckily the local music store had a used latch just like the broken one. I had to drill out the rivets holding the latch in place and re-rivet the replacement piece. I don't remember how I peened over the rivet (been maybe 20+ years) but I still have the case and the latch is still in place.

Of course, I'm quite gentle with my instruments...but the latch doesn't have any load bearing on the rivets directly, so they don't have to be super robust.

I recently acquired an Epiphone Sheraton II with a hard case that had a broken clasp. In addition, the strap that keeps the lid from flopping all the way open was broken.

I've already repaired the strap. First I found a nylon web piece:then I pulled away the plush lining from around the ends, yanked the old staples out, and stapled in the new piece using an industrial-style stapler designed to staple into wood, as opposed to an office type that has an anvil to form the staple.

I ordered a new clasp from www.stewmac.com and I hope to get it today (along with some mini-pots for the guitar -- it's getting Seymour Duncan humbuckers). I couldn't find a clasp with the same rivet spacing as the existing part so I'll have to drill out the rivets and drill new holes for the replacements.

I'll have to find rivets -- I saw some at the local Hobby Lobby where I bought the nylon strap, but wanted to wait until I had the clasp in hand so I'd get the right size.

Anyhow, it's not difficult, but it's easier when you have actual matching parts.

Thanks for the link: I appreciate knowing a source for all those little gubbinses.

 

[Dani Pace]

Lowes carries them, they call them "cargo latches" and they come in various sizes and platings so finding a close match isn't hard. Pop rivets will hold them in place as strongly as the original and are easy to use, just be sure to use the same size pop rivet as the holes in the latches and be sure to get the right length. I replaced the latches on an old bass case recently, 3 plain latches and 1 locking latch, total cost was around $20 and took about half an hour to do. The repair was much easier than I was expecting.

 

[lpdeluxe]

I didn't use pop rivets because I didn't want the ends sticking out...although I have an ancient guitar case that I pop riveted a new hinge on.

 

[montage]

Lowes carries them, they call them "cargo latches" and they come in various sizes and platings so finding a close match isn't hard. Pop rivets will hold them in place as strongly as the original and are easy to use, just be sure to use the same size pop rivet as the holes in the latches and be sure to get the right length. I replaced the latches on an old bass case recently, 3 plain latches and 1 locking latch, total cost was around $20 and took about half an hour to do. The repair was much easier than I was expecting.

Thanks, there's a Lowe's near me. I'd much prefer the short drive than to order online. Also, thank lpdeluxe; I've got zero experience doing this so your posts have been informative as well.