Our "Easifit Muffles have elasticated straps and specially designed stainless steel split rings to allow simple and quick fitting and removal, when compared to the original leather strap and buckle design.

These photos show the old 9th clapper with its muffle fitted.

 The original instructions (see RHS photos & doc below) recommend looping the strap through the blind side of the ring and then back round the clapper to the open side of the ring.

A far easier method (see LHS photos) is to just pull the strap twice round the clapper, then hook it on to the open side of the ring. This way it can be fitted without your head under the bell, or even looking closely at the clapper, and is much simpler to remove when the bells are up at New Year.

It  is important to ensure the loops of each end of both straps are well on the split ring.

Muffle before putting round clapper

Close up of the initial orientation of the split ring on the strap. Note the different positions.

Remember -
- to ensure the backstroke of the bell is muffled
- approach the side of the bell with the rope down on your side of the wheel
- then place the muffle on the far side of the clapper.

 Original manufacturers fitting instructions
(Word doc, last updated 13/11/2005)