X
You may not know this, but when you think of seatbelts, cars are probably the first thing that comes to mind. But nylon seatbelt webbing—an invention born to keep us safe on the road—has received a second life in an astonishing array of uses. Because of its flexible, strong and versatile properties, this material is used in vehicles and is valued for its wear resistance, durability, and light weight, but also finds uses in outdoor gear, industrial applications, and even fashion.
Nylon seat belt webbing is a tightly woven flat strip of synthetic fiber, typically nylon, or high-strength nylon. The webbing is designed to behave in a manner that absorbs and dissipates extreme forces, while being lightweight and flexible. The webbing weave is smooth and not as abrasive as webbing made from other weaves. Therefore can be used in applications where comfort and aesthetics count – passenger vehicles and wearables.
Nylon has excellent tensile strength and is resistant to ultraviolet rays and mildew. Nylon’s ability to quickly recover after stretching makes seat belt webbing a superior alternative to webbing made from other materials in applications with either dynamic or static loads.
Although seatbelt webbing was developed for motorcar safety belts, it has been extended to various fields and consumer goods. In the world outside, it is employed in backpacks, camping equipment, and climbing harnesses. Its strength and light weight are suitable for load distribution in harsh environments.
Nylon seatbelt webbing is also used in industrial applications such as tie-down straps, slings, and lifting assemblies. It maintains good strength and resistance to damage even under high loads. It is very useful in applications subject to tensile loads such as transportation and construction.
When it comes to heavy duty leashes and collars, customers have been choosing seatbelt webbing for years. The fashion and DIY crowd, meanwhile, frequently repurpose them for everything from belts to bags to custom accessories, because of their polished appearance and enviable strength.
It’s no wonder that nylon seatbelt webbing remains so popular, as there are few other combinations of features that can beat it. With a tensile strength frequently more than 6,000 pounds for a 2-inch strap, it can handle significant weight. Its slick weave won’t catch on rough skin, and the nylon provides just the right amount of strength and give.
Unlike cheaper competitors, the nylon seatbelt webbing is UV resistant and mildew proof to ensure you have more than one season of reliable use, even in the harshest conditions of the outdoor environment. Its flexibility enables it to be used in situations of both rigid and dynamic loads, and its flexibility gives both comfort and protection.
No matter what kind of load-bearing material you are using, it is essential to understand its strengths and limitations. The breaking strength is the amount of force this material can take before it fails, whereas the working load limit (WLL) is what we consider a small portion of the offered strength, usually 4 to 7 times lower. For example, if a webbing is rated for 6000-lbs, it likely has a WLL of 1000-lbs – 1500-lbs.
To be safe, it’s a good idea to regularly inspect the webbing for wear issues or signs of damage. Some of the things to look for are, cuts, frays, fading, or if any chemicals have affected the webbing. Store your webbing where it will be cool and dry, and preferably out of direct light. Never exceed the WLL, or cause shock loading in the webbing; shock loading can damage a webbing beyond its WLL.
Nylon seatbelt webbing is not just for car parts—it’s a multi-use material used for its unmatched strength, safety, and durability across industries. Whether you are scaling a mountain, carrying gear, or creating a customized accessory, this ultra-durable webbing demonstrates its sturdiness over repeated uses.
COMMPANY