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There are three main types of webbing generally available: cotton, nylon, and polypro webbing. Each has its own purpose, benefits, and level of tensile strength. While not as strong as the nylon webbing, polypro has some advantage in strength over the cotton webbing.

Polypro webbing has a tensile strength of 200 up to 2,000 lbs, depending on the width and quality of manufacture. The tensile strength is the point at which the webbing can break, with sufficient pulling. The general rule of thumb is that you should plan on using no more than 75% of the known tensile strength of the polypro webbing you purchase.

If you are, for example, buying a polypro webbing dog collar, you will obviously not need 2,000 lbs. of tensile strength to keep your dog on the leash. (Unless it’s this dog.) On the other hand, you will be grateful for the features of poly-pro webbing’s lightweight feel and mildew resistance.

Polypro webbing is also abrasion-resistant and is more stretch-resistant than nylon webbing. This is especially helpful for use in water. And when using polypro webbing in water, its ability to float is helpful as well.

While polypro does have the aforementioned benefits over nylon webbing, it is still less expensive. The tensile strength of the nylon webbing is the reason people are willing to pay more. They both share a very high melting point of 330 degrees, making them durable for use on even the hottest days.

Whether you are looking for a luggage strap, belt, dog leash, or boat rigging, polypro webbing has widths ranging from ½ inch to 3 inches in both regular and heavyweight construction. In addition, it comes in a wide variety of colors, so your project, whatever it may be, can be both functional and colorful, with the use of polypro webbing.

Nylon webbing is a material that is used for many things. Some of these uses include dog leashes and collars, tow ropes, kayak equipment and lawn chairs.

Polypropylene webbing is used for similar items. But, it differs in the quality of material and strength. To understand the differences of these two types of webbing you must look at the comparisons in all categories.

These categories include stretch and flexibility, temperature, strength, environmental concerns and availability. Consider the type of project you will be creating with the webbing and look at all categories before making a decision.

Nylon webbing and polypropylene webbing both have a rated breaking strength over 20%. This means that if the webbing is stretched, it will stretch at least 20% before it begins to see damage.

In the temperature category you will be able to conclude that most nylon materials can sustain to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Polypropylene only sustains to 320 degrees Fahrenheit. This is important when the products will be used in dangerous environments. The military uses these products for many items.

The difference between strength is considerable. Nylon strength has been rated high. The strength of the alternate material has only seen a strength rating of medium. Using a thicker weave or a specially made type of material for a specific item or project can also magnify the strength.

Environmental concerns regarding these two similar materials are great. If a kayak or marine type of equipment contains these products it is important for the consumer to understand the differences. Nylon webbing does not float in water. Polypropylene does float. They both are rated in the good field for deterioration from sun. They are both very resistant against mold and mildew.

It is crucial to understand the differences of these two similar products. If a consumer is building or creating or simply purchasing an item containing webbing, it is in their best interest to be educated fully on the product’s strength and weaknesses. Outdoor equipment can be dangerous if the materials began to fray or stretch to a point of breakage.

The basic component of our business is webbing and the corresponding plastic and metal hardware, 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 webbings available can be somewhat overwhelming when trying to decide between them. Each of these webbings has advantages and disadvantages and specific uses so let’s get to the core of this debate.

Nylon webbing is the strongest and most durable of webbing straps. It has a tensile strength of about 4,200 to 5,500 pounds in the 1-inch to 1-1/2 inch widths. Tensile strength is the average breaking point of the webbing under factory conditions. This webbing is extremely abrasion resistant. It is also UV and mildew resistant as well as waterproof. It has a melting point of 300 degrees.

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 our fabric-covered designer dog collars and leashes to make sure our family pets are safe. For more information about dogs and the collars needed go to American Kennel Club (akc.org).

Polypropylene webbing, or polypro webbing, is a good webbing but not as strong as nylon webbing. It has a tensile strength of 600 to 1000 pounds depending on the width. Polypro is light-weight but is not as abrasion resistant and durable as nylon webbing. Polypro webbing can be used for the same projects as nylon webbing, such as harnesses, boat rigging, dog collars and leashes, to name a few, but is also great for belts, luggage straps and harnesses for lighter weight objects.

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 belts, 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 using nylon webbing or polypro webbing are in plain view so appearance is also a factor. There is a large variety of colors in both nylon and polypro webbing even some multi-color and neon which can be seen in light. It is available in the most popular colors with several shades of pink and blue, as well as green, yellow, orange and the basic white and black. There is also a variety of widths and lengths available.