Mask Repair: Adjustable Strap Holder

thingiverse

I recently took to wearing my N95 mask while out shopping, only to discover its lower strap had snapped after years of faithful service. Originally purchased for a DIY attic project, I'd been using this trusty mask ever since. The broken strap was an unwelcome surprise, but fortunately, I already had some elastic on hand that could be repurposed as a replacement. However, reconnecting it with household staples didn't seem like a viable option. To solve the problem once and for all, I opted to install a small strap holder that would replace the original staples that secured the mask's rubber straps in place. The elastic I used is 1/4 inch wide and 3/64 inch thick, making it an ideal choice for this project. Before securing everything with medium CA glue, I filled in the holes left behind by the original staples. To attach the strap holder to the mask, I used M3x6 screws, which fit perfectly into slightly undersized holes that I carefully drilled between the original staple marks. The washers I selected have an outside diameter of approximately 8mm. Initially, I was worried that the bolts on the inside of the mask would cause discomfort by pressing against my face, but fortunately, there's enough clearance to prevent any issues.