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.
Above all the different types of webbing, nylon webbing is the strongest having a tensile strength of about 4,200 to 5,500 pounds in the 1-inch to 1-1/2 inch widths (average breaking point of the webbing under factory conditions). Among being tremendously resistant to abrasion nylon also has a melting point of 300 degrees and is waterproof, UV and mildew resistant.
Nylon webbing can be used for many projects; a few of these include climbing harnesses, parachute straps, boat rigging, animal leads, dog collars, backpacks, luggage straps, belts and handbags just to name a few. Where weight-bearing is essential for safety, nylon straps are ideal. Nylon webbing is used as the central part of most fabric-covered designer dog collars and leashes to make sure your family pets are secure. For more information about dogs and the collars needed 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.
Like nylon webbing, polypro webbing is UV resistant, waterproof and mildew resistant. Polypro webbing and nylon webbing have the same melting point of 300 degrees. Polypro webbing has some advantages over nylon webbing. It is stretch resistant, even in water, and will float on water. It is more acid and alkaline resistant than nylon webbing.. It is also more economical.
Cotton webbing is softer and easier to sew on but does not have the strength of nylon and polypro webbing. Cotton webbing has military and space applications when the elimination of static electricity is needed, and is used in belts, canteen straps and name labels. It can also be used in luggage straps and purses. Cotton webbing, as well as nylon and polypro, is used in upholstery projects, such as weaving seats and repairing straps under chairs and antique beds.
Most projects that use nylon or polypro webbing are usually visible so appearance is a must. There are a wide variety of colors available in both nylon and polypro webbing. Some are multi-color and neon which can be seen in low light. The most popular colors are shades of pink and blue, as well as green, yellow, orange and the basic white and black. It also comes in a variety of widths and lengths.
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.
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