Ceramics Banding Straps > How To

Straps are a secure way to band your mold before casting. The straps are usually purchased un-assembled. This guide will take you through the steps of that first assembly. And it may be helpful.. if the strap comes completely apart and you must begin again.

Note the position of the metal locking mechanism. In this position the right side of the straps are facing you. (the strap is not twisted) Some straps like the one shown have a stripe, and the coloration alerts you to the right and wrong side of the strap.
	Place the strap through the opening shown in the photo.
Using photo as a guide, thread the strap end through the last metal slot.
	Pull the strap through. You can see you now have the wrong side of the strap facing up. The band is now ready to be placed around your mold.
	With the band around your mold, pull the strap end. At this point there should be just enough space between the strap and your mold to slip your little finger under the strap. This looseness is required to proceed to the locking steps.
Grasp the metal end as shown.
	Change hand position and push the metal latch towards the mold.
	Your strap when secure around a mold should look like this.
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