how I eliminated the cause of chafed thumbs

[Lappy]

The metal retainers on the straps were chafing the sides of my thumbs.
While I was at it, I made a more substantial set of leather straps.

Edited June 20 by Lappy
Wrong term

[Clive Thorne]

That is a very good idea. I get the same problem with the metal "loop" digging in to the side of my thumb.

[Parker135]

Same here.  The loops on mine were larger than necessary so I made new ones with 1/16" stainless steel welding rod.  It took a few tries to match the quality of the originals, but I ended up with loops that didn't stick out so far. Solved the problem. 

[John, Wexford]

I have used cable ties in the past.

[Parker135]

Great idea.  I wonder why Jeffries didn't think of that!

[Graham Collicutt]

I am not a fan of bent wire. I had the webbing in stock, to adjust just poke a hole with a tapered bradawl and work fast to insert strap screw; the hole disappears.