Replace Galtech Umbrella RibsAlbert Richardson

Original rib installationA plastic tube covers a stainless steel wire. Find the twist that holds the wire in place and then use a screwdriver as a lever to lift the end a little.

Rib Removial

I use a wire cutter to grip the twist to undo it. The ends of the original wire look like pig tails. They will not fit through the holes in the ribs, but it is not worth the bother to straighten them out.

Pull the ribs away from both the hubs.

Remove the pole to get it out of the way.

Install the wires

Cut the old wires to get them out of the ribs.

Lay out the eight ribs you want to install side by side. The photo shows aluminum ribs laid out with the silver strut expansion buttons on top.

String the new wires in the ribs.

Install the poleUse the lift cord as a guide to get the hubs aligned properly. The lift cord goes straight down the top of the pole.

Set the notches on the underside of the hubs on top of the first rib. Do your best to line the wires up with the grooves around the hubs.

Roll the pole over the ribs picking each one up in the notch it belongs in.

Oval umbrella rib sequence is ‘Short - Medium - Long - Medium - Short - Medium - Long - Medium.

Ribs in position on the hubPull the ends of the wire with a pair of pliers to make sure is it seated in the groove around the hub.

Prepare to twist the wireBend the wire away from the hub. Cut the tube away with a tool for removing electric wire insulation or a small knife.

Bend the wire again to position the part closest to the hub together. I like to stay away from the very center of the space to have room to flatten the wire later.

Twisting the ends of the wire

The photos on these pages show how to twist the ends of the hub wire together. Vise Grips securely hold the wire ends so you can make a perfect twist.

Cut the twist to length and bend it over a little with a pair of pliers.

Flatten your new twist with a small hammer

Finished Hub

The Tools

This photo shows the tools I use to do the job.

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