Thread: Is there any hope?

I've searched for (within Australia) and given up on finding suitable material for a back strop (You know?! The material componant of a double sided strop.) So now, I'm putting it out there, to those who make these things themselves...Where do you source your material componants from? I can find some less than suitable webbing material, usually in no greater than 2" width, but I would really like to find something in 2.5 and 3".

Thanks in advance,
Mick

I don't know where to access nylon webbing that wide but if you have access to some type of military surpluss store, you can usually find some high quality, heavy canvas that can be cut to whatever size you need. At the local surpluss store I found an old canvas army duffle bag for about $10. Had plenty of material for many strops.

Mick,
I've heard of seat belt webbing, fire hose (split) and that ilk.
I stopped by a local rock climbing store and got some 2" nylon webbing that I use while traveling.
I've been considering stopping by a truck stop (18 wheeler, big rig, tractor trailer, lorry, whathaveyou) and seeing if they would have pieces of 3" web for their ratchet straps. I know I've seen strapping that wide holding down pipes and lumber so I figure it's worth a shot on a day when I've time.

Talk to somebody who outfits race cars. You might find some 3" nylon webbing, or a source for it. I think nylon webbing (not linen) is what SRD is using for its strops.

In Vancouver BC, there are two places I'd go to for heavy webbing. One is a large outdoor-equipment store -- Mountain Equipment Co-op. The other is a little place that specializes in "outdoor fabrics" -- awning fabric, Goretex, ripstop nylon, etc.

You could also talk to somebody in the awning business.

charles

Thanks for the prompt replies so far gents. What I have found and tried is 2" nylon webbing, not overly fussed on it, as it doesn't compliment (my) 'roo hide strops very well, and some (slightly but noticably) narrower than 2.5" woven cotton. The cotton is far better, but only available in the one size. I don't want to be going around and cutting strips out of canvas sheet etc as I don't want the frayed edges that go with it, I'm open to ideas/knowledge/insight with this though.
SRD actually has a choice of three or four back strop materials on offer in both 2 and 3"...What I'm after is something in 2.5 to 3" wide with a preference towards natural fibres (cotton, linen, canvas etc) and a preference to 2.5" in all honesty.
While I'm on the subject, I'm also looking out for different types of hardware for strops...Anyone direct me towards a supplier of that sort of thing to look at as well?


Mick

I probably should have mentioned that I backed the canvas with thin rubber using 3m spray adhesive to keep the canvas from fraying.

This is good, now this is one idea I can work with if I have to. Thanks.


Mick

Originally Posted by MickR

While I'm on the subject, I'm also looking out for different types of hardware for strops...Anyone direct me towards a supplier of that sort of thing to look at as well?


Mick

Try this link, Mick.
Products
Hope it helps

Originally Posted by Theseus

I probably should have mentioned that I backed the canvas with thin rubber using 3m spray adhesive to keep the canvas from fraying.

The 3M SUPER 77 adhesive is a good product, however I would suggest avoiding its use on a porous material. Rubber on wood, sure....leather on wood, I'd do that too. It may have worked, but I'd stay away because that product has a 4 time expansion rate.

To stop the frayed ends on canvas, use a small bead of crazy glue. To stop the ends on poly-webbing, use a lighter and melt them. Keep a glass of cold water near by. Melt the edges, dip your fingers in the cold water, and mould the frays together.

I second cpcohen's post. Check a mechanic's garage or junk collector for racing seat belts. Although...if that's the route, they are often somewhat fire retardant, so you'll have to use a bit more heat to melt the frays (I used a cigar lighter when I made my racing-seatbelt-strop).

Good luck

Also, If you have any fabric stores near you, Like the one's the Ladies use to buy bolts of fabric used in sewing or dress making. I've found some interesting material in those type places.