Ring Mechanism Tabs

The tabs on the ring mechanism are those parts at the each end of the mechanism that you push down on to open the rings. 

Here is a ring mechanism with the top cover removed to show the inner details of the mechanism. The top cover actually holds the tabs in place as well as making the mechanism look more attractive to look at! Without the top cover in place the tabs might fall out when the rings are open. 

If we zoom in now on one of the tabs. The two lugs on each of the tabs go through the rectangular holes in the ring base plates (The plates that the rings are attached to). In the closed position you will notice little or no movement in the tabs. 

When you push down on the tabs, this results in a small upward movement at the opposite end of the tab. That upward movement pushes the ring plates up and the rings open. In the open position you should find that the tabs are quite loose. 

Here are the tabs themselves. The two outer lugs are the ones you see in the photos above and the larger central lug is the bit that pushes upwards when you press down on the tabs to open the rings. 

You can't close the rings by using the tabs, only open them. However, sometimes when you close the rings with your fingers a tab can get partially stuck and that can then hold the rings slightly open, causing gaps in the rings. 

If you see this, lift the two tabs upwards to see if that solves the problem. In addition check that the top cover hasn't moved, as that can impede the movement of the tabs or the rings themselves. 

A simple check is to open and close the rings a few times and see if that frees things up a bit. 

I have been asked in the past if the ring mechanism needs any lubrication. The only thing this will do will be to prevent parts from rusting, generally the parts aren't under any stress and the movement is so small that lubrication will not normally be necessary. However, a small 'squirt' of WD40 or similar will not do any harm, just don't over do it and make sure you wipe off any excess with a paper towel otherwise it might stain the leather/fabric covering of the organiser. 

On ring mechanisms that can be taken apart like the ones above, I usually apply a small amount of vaseline to assist in reassembling the rings, but again I'm careful to wipe off any excess before reattaching the ring mechanism to organiser back plate. 

As always if you have any problems with ring mechanisms that you haven't been able to solve yourself please feel free to contact me.