I remember when the only tie-down options around were ropes and chains. I guess that makes me old. Nonetheless, I am thankful that both have been replaced by webbing straps. The straps are extremely durable and can be secured by either ratchets or cam buckles. It is the durability I am truly interested in.
A good webbing strap will last for years as long as it doesn’t get cut. It will not attract and hold water either, minimizing the risk of mold and mildew. Finally, there are lots of great brands out there. One of my favorites is Rollercam. Their cam straps have a unique, patented cam that rotates as you pull the strap through.
So, what is the secret to webbing straps and their durability? The webbing material itself. Choose the right material and weave it tightly together, and you have a strong strap capable of withstanding a tremendous amount of punishment.
3 Primary Materials
Almost all of the webbing straps now on the market are made from just a small number of materials. Here are the three primary choices for manufactures:
- Polypropylene – Polypropylene is a form of plastic that can be spun into threads and then woven into straps. Its most attractive property is that it is hydrophobic. Not only does polypropylene not absorb water, but it also actually repels it.
- Polyester – You are probably familiar with polyester already. It has been around for a long time. Polyester is the material most automotive seat belts are made out of. Its best feature is its superior UV resistance.
- Nylon – Nylon isn’t used as frequently as the other two materials to make webbing straps. However, it offers an exceptionally high tensile strength, making it ideal for ratchet straps designed for commercial applications.
I have seen some webbing straps made of canvas. While I appreciate its durability and reliability, I still don’t think canvas is the best choice for tie downs. But that’s just me. I am sure there are quite a few consumers out there who would prefer canvas over the other three.
The Weave Matters a Lot
Regardless of the material one might choose for webbing straps, the weave matters considerably. Weaving is what gives fabrics strength. The tighter the weave, the stronger the finished material. If you’ve ever wondered why, it’s all in the physics.
Imagine relying on five single-ply ropes to suspend a heavy weight from a ceiling. Five ropes are better than one but weaving them together to make a single rope is even stronger then leaving them separate. Why? Because weaving creates contact which then evenly distributes the weight across the entire surface.
Weaving webbing material works the same way. Weaving multiple threads together creates more contact surface between the threads. When a load is placed on the webbing material, it is evenly distributed across every fiber. No single thread is at risk of breaking due to excessive load.
Webbing Material and the Weather
In closing, webbing straps are ideal for outdoor use because they stand up well against the weather. Most webbing materials are either naturally waterproof or can be made waterproof with the addition of chemical coatings. As a result, there are no worries about mold and mildew.
Webbing straps hold up against UV exposure as well as temperature changes. So as long as you choose a reliable brand with a quality ratchet or buckle, there are no worries about using webbing straps outdoors.
I remember the days when rope and chains were the only game in town. Those days are long gone thanks to webbing straps. Guess what? I don’t even miss ropes and chains.