The Significance of Webbing

Webbing comes in a variety of shapes, styles, sizes, colors, and strengths. While it can be used to create many different things, it is generally used for the production of high-quality straps. Whatever purpose it is used for – lifting, securing, towing, recovering – webbing is typically the heart of the strap’s strength, giving it the power needed to get the job done with confidence and dependability.

Webbing can be made from different materials, such as nylon or polypropylene, but many manufacturers like B/A Products Co. choose to engineer their web products with polyester. This type of material is much denser than nylon with much less stretch, which means that it will typically retain its original shape for much longer. A polyester strap can be thinner than a nylon strap of the same working load limit, allowing for more versatility and control. It can conform to the overall shape of the load so that the strap can grab it in a viselike grip once tension is applied.

Webbing plays a significant role for a number of different applications within numerous industries. This is why it is important to take the time and consider all of your options. You need to make sure that you are choosing the right webbing that not just meets the requirements of the job but also greatly surpasses your expectations.

Webbing Safety

One of the most important factors of the job is adhering the working load limit of the webbing. The WLL is the maximum weight that the strap is allowed to handle under normal working conditions. It must never be exceeded. Doing so carries the risk of causing the strap to overload and fail, which can result in disastrous consequences. Remember that the strap is only as strong as its weakest component. For example, if the working load limit of the webbing and the ratchet buckle are 3,000 lbs., but the end fitting has a working load limit of 1,500 lbs., then the overall working load limit of the strap is 1,500 lbs. because of the end fitting. Therefore, you must never use the strap to secure or transport anything that is over 1,500 lbs.

Webbing must always be inspected prior to use. All tie-down assemblies and slings must be removed from service if they have any of the following conditions:

• holes, tears, cuts, or snags
• tag illegibility
• excessive abrasive wear
• knots
• burns or weld splatter
• chemical burns
• damaged loop
• webbing cut at fitting

All of these defects weaken the overall strength of the webbing, which can compromise the safety and security of the job. The resulting damaged of a snapped strap can be irrevocable. Make sure that your operators are keeping safety a priority and are performing frequent checks on their equipment before, during, and after the job.

The most common web failures occur when the webbing is cut and/or overloaded. Even what appears to be a smooth edge can still slice right through webbing when the strap is under tension and the vibration of a vehicle going down the road is introduced. Products like protective sleeves and Guardian Angles are designed to help protect the strap from constantly rubbing against the edge, effectively preserving its strength and service life.

When not in use, webbing should be carefully stored in a cool, dry, dark place. Do not leave it in direct sunlight or in moist conditions for long periods of time. The webbing should be cleaned with plain water only, and it should never be machined washed.

Strong Webbing Paired with Durable Hardware

Webbing pairs exceptionally well with a variety of tensioning devices, such as cam buckles and winches. Once of the most commonly used devices is the ratchet buckle. This is a solid and durable contraption that is incredibly easy to use. They come in a range of sizes and designs with the larger ones being able to take on the more challenging loads. Some are designed with longer and wider handles to give better leverage for easier operation. Ratchets offer incredible strength for many different applications, including industrial, cargo securement, fire rescue, towing, and auto transport, among others.

Threading the strap through the ratchet buckle is incredibly straightforward. The first step is to full open the ratchet. There is a release lever usually located under the handle. When pulled, the safety lock is released, and you can pull the ratchet until it is fully opened and can be laid on the table with the cogs facing upwards.

Next, once the buckle is opened, you can see the slot at the bottom. This is the mandrel, and it is designed to hold the longer length of the strap. Push the open end of the webbing through the mandrel and keep feeding it through until it feels nice and taut. Now you can release the handle of the buckle and start pumping it to get rid of any remaining slack in the strap. When the strap is tight, you can close the handle of the buckle completely in order to lock the strap in place. Now you have a fully functioning ratchet strap that is more than ready to face whatever challenges are in the way.

Webbing is also often equipped with one or two end fittings. These fittings can be hooks, rings, or a combination of both. They are designed to provide optimal security as they can easily be attached to a variety of anchoring points. Hooks are especially useful in many industries and come in many different shapes and sizes, each one offering superior holding strength to add stabilizing support to the job at hand.

There are S Hooks that can be quite versatile and are often used for the securement of smaller recreational vehicles such as motorcycles or dirt bikes. Double J Hooks, or wire hooks, are often the choice for heavier loads and are designed to lie at a 90-degree angle to the strap, which helps prevent the strap from twisting. Flat Hooks are one of the most popular fittings when it comes to securing heavy-duty cargo since their flat and thin design makes it easier to attach them to the side rails and stake pockets of flatbed trailers. Snap Hooks are also another popular option thanks to their reliable latch feature that increases the security of their grip on the anchoring point.

One of the most common end fittings in the towing and auto transport industries is the J Hook. This type of fitting comes in many different sizes and styles, such as the 15” Forged Clevis J Hook or the 8” Classic Style J Hook. These hooks are long enough for easier handling and are large enough to easily connect to the upper carriage side of the vehicle. They are a staple in these industries for the their ability to provide optimal security using unparalleled strength and durability.

There is also one of the most versatile end fittings for a tie-down strap and that is the RTJ Cluster Hook. You get three incredibly strong and reliable hooks to help you out. The R Hook is designed to fit into the small, oblong holes along the frames of Ford vehicles. You just twist it about 90 degrees, slide the big end into the hole, then rotate it back 90 degrees to put the small end through too. The T Hook is designed to fit the oblong holes on the frames of General Motors/Chrysler vehicles. It just needs to be rotated 90 degrees to fit through the hole and then rotated back 90 degrees to lock it in. The Mini J Hook is designed to fit right into the small holes in the undercarriages of foreign or imported vehicles. You just stick it right into the hole for a reliable attachment. Sometimes a grab hook is added into the mix, bringing you more securement strength and versatility. The grab hook is engineered with a deep throat that allows you to easily hook it right into the anchoring point for a solid connection. This cluster hook is one of the most versatile end fittings that you can have for this industry as it allows you to continue to work with several different types of vehicles without needing to constantly switch your tie-downs over and over again.

B/A Webbing Types

At B/A Products Co., we manufacture different types of webbing in order to meet your standards for a variety of difficult applications. We have webbing types that can be used for the everyday jobs, types that are engineered to take on more abuse, types that are designed to be more vibrant, and much more. You can take the time to decide exactly which strap type meets your expectations.

The B/A Polyester Classic Webbing is engineered to be the workhorse strap for decades, providing industries with superior strength that you can trust. It has become the standard for everyday use in the towing industry and the auto transport industry, offering high-quality performance for other industries as well. It exceeds expectations and has the durability to withstand the constant demands of the everyday job time and time again.

The B/A Tower’s Edge Webbing is PVB impregnated to give optimal protection against the elements and for an increase in resistance to water and other fluids. A modified acrylic web coating provides further protection from the elements and offers a more durable permanent finish. The thread is also weaved tighter for added flexibility and tear resistance. This makes it the ideal webbing to have when constantly working in moist conditions.

The B/A Heavy-Duty Webbing is manufactured with over 50% more fibers than the Classic webbing. With this thicker and heavier design, it has an increase in longevity, durability, and abrasion resistance, making it the superior choice when it comes to handling the extra-rough jobs. This webbing is available in classic yellow for greater visibility as well as a natural color that resists fading.

The B/A Hi-Viz Webbing is designed with an added reflective thread that effectively increases visibility while out on the roadside. It features the same specs and standards as our Classic webbing, meaning that it can offer high-quality strength for the type of jobs that you constantly encounter every day. This Hi-Viz Reflective Web takes roadside safety a step further, offering a highly visible solution in low-light situations.

The B/A Extreme Webbing is engineered with a special, patented weave pattern. The webbing is designed to slow unraveling due to small cuts and abrasions, adding length to the life of the assembly. It offers better flexibility along with stronger resistance to weather. It is also bright green for an increase in visibility.

There are many different strap options available for these different webbing types. Each option is designed to provide optimal holding power that you can trust with getting the job done with greater efficiency. B/A Products Co. has been creating straps and web slings since 1980, and we are proud to have helped create the standards across the automotive industry, and we continue to stand by our products as they continue to improve the industry.