Nylon Webbing vs Polypro Webbing
The variety of webbing’s available can be somewhat overwhelming when trying to decide between them. So it is always good to have a discussion about the differences between nylon webbing and polypro webbing. Cotton webbing can also be added to the conversation as well. The variety of webbing’s available can be somewhat overwhelming when trying to decide between them. Each of these webbing’s has advantages and disadvantages and specific uses so lets get to the core of this debate.
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 is used in many projects including climbing harnesses, parachute straps, boat rigging, animal leads and dog collars. Backpacks, luggage straps, belts and handbags can also use nylon webbing. Nylon straps are required on any project where weight-bearing is essential for safety. Nylon webbing is used as the core of most fabric-covered designer dog collars and leashes to make sure your family pets are safe. For more information about dogs and the collars needed go to American Kennel Club (akc.org).
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.
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.
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 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.
For more excellent information on Nylon Webbing or additional webbing projects, check out Country Brook Design.
