From Light Straps to Hose Straps

Everyone usually has some of the light straps around, the standard Streamlight strap. They tend to get taken off as most firefighters prefer their hand light carried somewhere besides their neck. With a little cost and effort you can put these straps that are laying around to use.

Fire get a couple of 2 inch split key rings, hopefully you have some left from putting them on your RIT mask http://epaperflip.com/aglaia/viewer.aspx?docid=123a5afd01b542c78831.... If not catch Lt Mark Gregory's article in Urban Firefighter Issue 4 or the 1st Issue of WYNF.

You will need lineman's pliers, a razor knife and a little time.

First cut the thread which has the strap sewn back on itself on the male end of the buckle. This will allow you to pull it out of the buckle to rethread it through the roller. This will put the strap on top of the hose bundle so you can tighten the bundle.

Next crimp each side of the buckle snaps then pop them off and slide them out.

You may have to remove the roller cover to thread the strap back through. You will probaly break it but without the cover air will be able to get to the roller to keep dirt and rust out.

Now work the split rings into the loops on the end of the straps and you have a hose strap.

Everything you need.