TM 10-8400-203-23
13-4. ORGANIZATIONAL MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS–Continued
1. Inspect cloth for rips, tears, holes, cuts, broken or missing stitches, and badly worn areas.
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2. Inspect leather for cuts, holes, broken or missing stitches, and badly worn areas.
3. Inspect webbing for cuts, rips, tears, broken or missing stitches, and signs of extreme wear.
4. Check to see that all hardware, slide fastener w/thong, and drawstring are present and in a
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serviceable condition.
(b) Replace. Replace complete assembly when beyond repair and parts replacement authorized.
(2) Fabric. Repair minor rips and tears in rucksack body by hand sewing. To mend ripped seams, place
the two edges together and sew, keeping the stitches small and in line with the original. To repair small
tears in the fabric, pinch the two edges together on the underside and sew together neatly. A straight
tear over ¾-inch (1.91 cm) long or an L-shaped tear requires a patch. For details on patching and
sewing of canvas see FM 10-16.
(3) Back strap. Replace entire backstrap (9, Fig. 13-2) if missing or if webbing is damaged; replace end
clips if damaged or missing, provided the webbing is serviceable.
(4) Shoulder strap billet. Replace entire shoulder strap billet (8, Fig. 13-2) when missing, badly frayed, or
damaged; replace missing or damaged end clips, provided rest of billet is serviceable.
(5) End clips. Replace defective or missing end clips with serviceable ones. When replacing an original
strap or billet, cut off a small portion of old webbing so it will be straight at point of entrance into the
clip. Insert webbing into clip and flatten with hammer (or appropriate machine if available).
(6) Waist strap. Replace waist strap (13, Fig. 13-2) when damaged or missing.
(7) Drawstring. Replace drawstring (3, Fig. 13-1 ) when damaged or missing.
(8) Slide fastener.
(a) Lubrication. Wipe slide fastener with clean cloth to remove foreign matter, and apply stick
lubricant. Work slider back and forth a few times to lubricate and to check for proper functioning.
(b) Replace thong. Replace missing or damaged slide fastener thong (5, Fig. 13-1). Fabricate thong 7
inches (17.8 cm) long and in width to fit slider from appropriate leather; insert into slide fastener
pull, center and tie knot.
13-8
