Replacement thumb strap for an English concertina for a friend who has a thick thumb.

[genepinefield]

I'd like a replacement thumb strap for an English concertina for a friend who has a thick thumb.
My friend has his thumb stuck in too far and it's causing him to get a heat rash and hurt his fingers because of sweat.
The screw that secures the strap is stuck at the maximum position and there are no holes any further (the leather isn't long enough).
Do you have any ideas?

[Tiposx]

I have the same challenge, I had to learn how to make longer thumbstraps. It is well worth the effort of making or commissioning straps that fit. It’s a pity you live so far away from me!

[Ludovic]

If you feel comfortable doing the work yourself and taking the risk of messing up, replacing straps is relatively straightforward (speaking as an amateur leatherworker, your mileage may vary).

 

Should you attempt to do it yourself, you'll need:
- a very sharp cutting tool, such as a utility knife with a new blade on it,

- a hole punch (a nail or a screw might do in a pinch but leave a ragged hole),

- leather (I'd recommend finding an old leather belt in a thrift store that has the appropriate leather thickness. Avoid anything marked as "genuine leather", it's the leather equivalent of particle board. Instead, look for belts where you can clearly see a grain side, which will be smoother and glossy, and a flesh side, which will be rougher to the touch.)

- a pen or pencil to mark where to cut the leather

 

Once you have these, detach the thumbstrap you want to replace, trace it on a piece of paper and make sure to mark where the hole are. Trace the extra length you'll need on the paper template, then cut it out and test it on the concertina. If the fit is good (should be just a little looser than preferred, to account for the difference between the thickness of the paper and the actual leather), use your paper template on the piece of leather to trace it out and cut it out.

[Alex West]

Buy Dave Elliott's Concertina Maintenance Manual http://www.concertina-repair.org.uk/page7.html.

 

Section 7 shows you exactly how to make an English concertina thumbstrap. All you have to do is add a little extra length to the dimensions given

 

Alex West

[genepinefield]

@Ludovic
I've made straps that are not the typical wrap-around strap ends that are held in place by screws (some Wheatstone and Stagi).

https://concertina.pinefield.asia/concertina-repairs-stagi-english-concertina-replace-thumb-strap/
 

@Alex West

WOW I remembered I already have his book. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

 

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However, the location where the screws are attached does not fit the existing metal plate, and I'm worried about breaking the original screws.

Also, is goat leather a good choice for the leather type?

[RogerT]

Dave Elliot's thumbstrap design is a good place to start, though I think the template in the book isn't long enough and I lengthened it. I also made a couple of slatted wooden forms to squish the leather/fabric sandwich while it is gluing.,,and this ensures it is parallel and straight and of an exact and consistent width. Having said all that, making thumbstraps is a bit of a pain if you only do it occasionally, and expect to make a couple before you get it right. An alternative is to make thumbstraps from a single piece of thick (but soft) leather, thus avoiding the 'watch strap' design (folded, glued leather encasing bits of felt and cloth). You still need to glue them to the metal brackets (use hide glue), but it's a lot quicker and easier. I've done this a couple of times (at customer's request, not because I'm lazy) and quite like the result. 

Edited October 25, 2024 by RogerT

[Stephen DOUGLASS]

In an attempt to mitigate some thumb pain, I recently replaced thumb straps with Wim Wakkers 'off the shelf' design. They are sturdy, comfortable and well padded. Your friend could enter into some dialogue with him and see if the strap could be extended if they are not comfortable making their own. It does require sending the original straps for correct fitting so the concertina may be out of action in the interim.

Edited November 3, 2024 by Stephen DOUGLASS