Saturday, August 15, 2009

Nylon Webbing vs Polypro Webbing

By Keiffe Bacon

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.

Among the strongest and most durable is the nylon webbing 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). This webbing is tremendously resistant to abrasion and has a melting point of 300 degrees. It 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.

Polypro webbing, which is short for polypropylene webbing, is not as tough as nylon webbing but is appropriate for many projects. Based on its width, it has a tensile strength of 600 to 1000 pounds. Considering that it is lighter than nylon counterpart, it is also as abrasion resistant and durable as its nylon counterpart. It is quite often used for similar projects as nylon webbing. These projects include boat rigging, harnesses, pet collars and leashes, to name several. But because if its relatively light mass, it works perfectly for belts, luggage straps and harnesses.

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.

Because most projects that use nylon or polypro webbing are usually visible to the eye, physical appearance is essential. Both of these webbings are available in a wide variety of colors. Some examples of the various colors are multi-color and neon which can be seen in limited luminosity. Of most popular shades are pink and blue, as well as green, yellow, orange and your standard black and white. All colors come in a wide in a variety of widths and lengths.

There are scores of uses for polypro and nylon webbing that render it impracticable to address them all in this short article. From parachute straps to horse feeding troughs, webbing has many uses. Additional projects and ideas can be found on the DIY Network or HGTV websites.

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