How to tell if cheap straps are nylon or polyester ?

**pig.slayer** · 03-10-2011, 06:45

Thanks, now I'm just confused. LOL

They are only about 1 - 1.5mm thick and very light weight at around 15 gram's per 6' tree strap.

Bugger it I'll just have to try them out one night.

I'm thinking the 100mm stretch I had might not be as bad because the 100mm in theory was over the whole 6' strap as it was in a straight line.
As it's used on a tree, I will not have so much strap in-line, only the 6-10" to the MSH from the tree. If it's like that I might only see a little stretch.

Ahh another reason to sleep in the hammock....again

**thekalimist** · 03-10-2011, 06:47

youll be fine.

when in doubt hang a boots length higher.

**moimeme_81** · 03-11-2011, 08:24

like I said just hang a little higher so you don't touch the ground when it stretches...

**Jsaults** · 03-11-2011, 12:12

https://www.strapworks.com/Articles.asp?ID=144

Not as much fun as outright burning, but you could place fibers from a known source and your mystery webbing on a Teflon skillet and slowly raise the heat. Nylon melts at 480 degF and polyester at 500 degF.

Jim

**PuckerFactor** · 03-11-2011, 15:51

Fire!!

Yeah, I'd do a burn test. Most straps I've seen are polyester or polypro, but you might burn to be sure. And you say hack them up to test. You don't need to destroy it to do a burn test. Just burn enough of an end to get it to melt and be able to smell it, that's all. No more than you would if you were singeing the ends to keep them from fraying.

Here's the burn chart to help identify stuff.
fabricburnchart.gif

Don't burn your fingers!
PF

**grich9860** · 03-12-2011, 09:20

from what i have come into contact with strapping from the elcheapo shops it is mostly nylon. that only time that i use this is for the tie outs on my tarp since they will not be under a large load.