Squeaky Ristretto hinges?

[miki]

At the warehouse, they mentioned that this was a problem sometimes reported with this design (and the reason for switching to plastic D-rings on the new model), but that since the normal Ristretto strap has a plastic clip, it should be fine.

Well, it turns out that the plastic clip is a plastic coating on a metal clip! And it wears through quickly and then squeaks!

I've tried the pencil lead trick, but it doesn't seem to last long. Are there any good alternatives? I have some machine oil, but I'm worried that it might stain the bag. Maybe plastic carabiners to connect the strap and hinge, but would they be strong enough? I think I'm going to upgrade to the Awesome strap, but I don't think that even has the figleaf of a plastic coating.

[dlg]

Try picking up some graphite lubricant? I think I got mine at a bicycle repair shop.

[miki]

Try picking up some graphite lubricant? I think I got mine at a bicycle repair shop.

Is that significantly better than just rubbing a pencil all over the wearing bits? I've spent many minutes doing the latter, to little avail.

[dlg]

I honestly don't know, I've just always had the lubricant handy and gone straight to that.

[Darcy]

miki -- Could you email us so we can get some more information from you? [email protected] -- thanks!

And don't use machine oil anywhere near your bags!