TM 9-1345-203-12
(3) Insert one strap end into strap stretcher so
(2) Cracked or penetrated panels may be
that strap is held firmly by stretcher, with
reinforced by nailing a similar or smaller sized panel
about 3 inches of strap protruding.
from a scrap box over the damaged one. Nail from the
inside and hammer over the nail points.
(4) Place clip over strap end.
(3) Broken wires may be spliced with
(5) Thread loose end of strap through clip and
available scrap wire. Twist the splice wire together with
into stretcher head.
the broken ends for at least 6 inches on each side of the
(6) Tighten strap by repeated movement of
break and hammer the wires flat against the panel(s).
ratchet lever until edges begin to cut into
d. Repair of Broken Cleats, Battens, or Wood
box.
Handles.
(7) Using banding crimper, crimp clip in two
(1) Remove broken cleat with claw hammer
places.
or pry bar.
(8) Release locking pawl on stretcher and
(2) Remove serviceable cleat with claw
slide stretcher out.
hammer or pry bar from an otherwise
(9) Cut off excess strapping.
unserviceable box.
(10) Repeat (3) through (9), above, for each
(3) Position serviceable cleat in box and
strap.
secure with three to five small nails.
(4) Bend nails over inside of box with
hammer.
Materials
e. Repair of Rope or Strap Handles.
a. Cleaning of Wood and Wirebound Boxes. Using
(1) Remove cleats holding handle with claw
rags, soap and water, wire brush, or sandpaper, as
hammer or pry bar.
necessary, remove mud, dirt, or foreign material such as
(2) Remove serviceable handle from an
slightly dry rot, mildew, or fungus.
otherwise
unserviceable
box
by
b. Repair of Cracks and Splits in Wood.
removing the holding cleats with claw
(1) Hold board tight so that the crack or split
hammer or pry bar.
is closed.
(2) Hammer corrugated fasteners into wood
NOTE
at 4 to 6-inch intervals. Fasteners should
Do not remove nails or staples
be centered across crack.
attaching handles to cleats.
c. Repair of Wirebound Panels.
The normal
method of repair for wirebound boxes is replacement of
(3) Position serviceable handle and cleats
the damaged section or the whole box with a good
and attach to box with three to five nails in
section or box from expended ammunition. Always
each cleat.
assure that the correct markings, including lot number of
(4) Bend nails over inside of box with
the items within it, are on the replacement box. If no
hammer.
replacement section or box is available, minor repairs
may be made to damaged panels to restore the box to a
f. Painting of Wood Boxes. Normally, used boxes
serviceable state.
will not be painted except to obliterate previous
markings or to indicate less than full pack (paragraph 4-
(1) Splinters should be scraped off and the
10).
area smoothed with a pocket knife and sandpaper, if
necessary.
