The plethora of webbings to be had can be rather overwhelming when trying to make a selection on which to use. This article will assist you on making the decision between nylon webbing and polypro webbing. Cotton webbing can also be included in this discussion. The uses of these different types of webbings differ depending on the project at hand.
Nylon webbing is the strongest and most durable of webbing straps. It has a tensile strength of about 4,200 to 5,500 pounds in the 1-inch to 1-1/2 inch widths. Tensile strength is the average breaking point of the webbing under factory conditions. This webbing is extremely abrasion resistant. It is also UV and mildew resistant as well as waterproof. It has a melting point of 300 degrees.
Nylon webbing is employed for many different projects; a list would consist of luggage straps, parachute straps, boat rigging, animal leads, dog collars, climbing harnesses, backpacks, belts and handbags. If your project requires supporting a considerable amount of weight, nylon straps are perfect solution. Most fabric-covered designer dog collars and leashes utilize nylon webbing to make sure your familys dog or cat are secure. For more information about the best collar to suit your dogs needs visit the American Kennel Club.
Polypropylene webbing, or polypro webbing, is a good webbing but not as strong as nylon webbing. It has a tensile strength of 600 to 1000 pounds depending on the width. Polypro is light-weight but is as abrasion resistant and durable as nylon webbing. Polypro webbing can be used for the same projects as nylon webbing, such as harnesses, boat rigging, dog collars and leashes, to name a few, but is also great for belts, luggage straps and harnesses for lighter weight objects.
In spite of having a lower tensile strength, Polypro webbing is also UV resistant, waterproof and mildew resistant. Polypro webbing and nylon webbing are similar in that they share identical melting points of 300 degrees. Polypro webbing does have some advantages over nylon webbing. A couple of these are that it is stretch resistant dry or submerged water, and in addition, it will float. It is also more resilient to alkaline and acid as opposed to nylon webbing. And if is cost you are worried about, polypro webbing is less expensive than nylon webbing.
If you are using a sewing machine in conjunction with webbing, cotton webbing is much softer and easier to use but does not contain the tensile strength of nylon and polypro webbing. Cotton webbing is commonly used for military and space applications because of the need to eliminate static electricity. It is also used in belts, canteen straps, name labels, luggage straps and purses. Cotton webbing is the perfect solution for upholstery projects such as repairing straps weaving seats, under chairs and antique beds.
Most projects using nylon webbing or polypro webbing are in plain view so appearance is also a factor. There is a large variety of colors in both nylon and polypro webbing even some multi-color and neon which can be seen in low light. It is available in the most popular colors with several shades of pink and blue, as well as green, yellow, orange and the basic white and black. There is also a variety of widths and lengths available.
There are so many uses for nylon and polypro webbing that make it impossible to discuss them all in this article. From parachute straps to luggage straps to horse feeding troughs; many more projects can be found on the DIY Network or HGTV, to name just a couple of websites that feature nylon, polypro or cotton webbing.
For more excellent information on Nylon Webbing or other useful webbing ideas, visit Country Brook Design.