Introduction: Subway Strap
Being on transit making your arms tired?
This little device seeks to allow those who are shorter to comfortably ride transit standing up and hold on to the bar on the ceiling of many buses and trains.
I thought i invented this device myself but it looks like a company is selling some under the name Transtrap, check those out here: http://www.koyono.com/TranStrap-p/trns.htm
But of course here at instructables we make it ourselves!
Step 1: Supplies
For this project you will need:
4 feet of "Seat Belt Fabric" : I got mine at REI for .50 cents a foot. You could try fabric stores or salvage yours from a car junk yard. You could use more fabric for this project if you want something for someone shorter.
1 "Closet Hook" : I found mine at a hardware store, there were many different kinds i chose the most heavy duty one.
Tools you will need:
Dremel
Heavy Duty Sewing Machine
Scissors
Step 2: Cutting the Hook
First you need to cut the second hook off of the closet hook, I used a dremel for this, but if a dremel is not available, use a hack saw.
Step 3: Sewing the Hook Pouch
Once the hook is cut, it's time to sew together a pouch for it.
Take one side of the seat belt fabric and loop it around so it would cover the hook. Then sew down each side to create a little pouch.
Step 4: Feed the Hook In
Once you have the pouch sewn, feed the hook through. Then you can sew off the open end to keep the hook in there.
Step 5: Sewing the Handle
Then you want to take the other end of the seat belt fabric, loop it and sew it. This will be the hook's handle
I tried to do a little box with an x on it, but my sewing skills need some work...
Step 6: Finished and Final Thoughts
When done the hook should look something like this, then it's time to try it out on transit!
The best way to improve this project would be to make the inside of the hook more grippy, by adding rubber or something. This would prevent slipping on metal poles which can happen.
Hope you enjoyed this instructable!
16 Comments
8 years ago on Introduction
GET SOME GRIP WITH PLASTI -DIP IN A SPRAY CAN. COMES IN COLORS & CLEAR. ABOUT $8.00 AT HOME DEPOT. VLAD
8 years ago on Step 6
Great project! If you're not going to wrap the strap around your wrist, how about embedding a section of pipe in the webbing to make a rigid horizontal handle?
13 years ago on Introduction
What a great idea! Much better than using a strap that every nose-picking slob has clutched in his grimy mits.
13 years ago on Introduction
Just carry one of these:
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
on a bus they may look illegal
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
What are these? I don't recognize it.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
It's a fishing gaff hook
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
I would never have guessed that. Wouldn't that be a bit too pointy to carry around in close quarters? But then, maybe that's the idea?
13 years ago on Introduction
This is great! I really could have used one on the subway this morning--rush hour-packed trains make it pretty much impossible to hold on if you can't reach the ceiling!
13 years ago on Introduction
You could add a sucker to the back of the hook, then you could strap-hang from windows or corridor walls as well.
13 years ago on Introduction
This is a great idea. On the train here they move. There is never one when you need it and I always have one hand on a bike. I'm not shy, I'd latch on where I need to! Thanks
13 years ago on Introduction
Be sure to make a few extra and carry them on the train or bus with you. People are going to say "Cool! Where can I get one?" and then you're all like, "Well I just have a couple extra here for say... $14.95....How many would you like?"
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
Totally, i support this idea!
13 years ago on Introduction
clever, but they have these permanently attached to trains here, and i would be sooo embarassed to have my own. still good job.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
I think the problem is that if you're short you can't reach the ones already on the train. In SA we don't have much in the way of public transport but in Germany I could barely reach the ones in the train. My tall boyfriend could reach, but I would have to hold onto him and hope he stayed steady. If I needed to commute on public transport regularly, I would have to make one of these! :) Well done! You get anti-slipping mat that they put under carpets to stop them from skidding that might work quite well on the inside of the hook.
13 years ago on Introduction
oh, i like this! some of the buses around here have straps and some don't... very clever, frenzy!