Making new straps so the bro don't fall out of the hammock...

**CrappyfishRman** · 04-18-2014, 15:43

So, went camping last weekend and it was his(my brother) first time ever in one, at least camping . it took all of a second for the strap to break when his weight was in the hammock. They held me fine, not so much 240lbs.

So question, I bought some 1 1/2" camo straps from diygear supply, they hold him just fine but that stuff sucked to sew through. Not sure if it was needle or what but the needle just didn't want to go into the material.

Would getting the regular 1" webbing diy gear has be any easier to sew or am I doing something wrong here?

Luckily I had spare rachet straps in the kayak for him. The other guy with us was in a tent and didnt have much room beings he was in a one man tent.

Thanks guys!

**Bushwhacker** · 04-18-2014, 16:02

I think the 1" and 1 1/2" is the exact same material, but one is just wider.

Have you tried a thinner and stronger needle, in conjunction with a thimble? That usually works well for jeans & leather. Otherwise you can probably order pre-sewn stuff from Dutch at a minimal price increase.

**CrappyfishRman** · 04-18-2014, 18:34

I will check into a thinner needle. I read that some webbing straps have tighter weaves than others. This stuff i have i don't know hownyou could even tie a marlen hitch with. It is some very tough stuff.

**nothermark** · 04-18-2014, 18:43

Easiest thing to do is buy them from Gary at Readystrap. He has the sewing machines to make them. ;-)

**Charliev** · 04-18-2014, 19:11

Been sewing diy gear straps no problem with ball nose needles. Wallyworld has them 8 for around $5. Different ones in pack for different materials. Don't why called ball nose, they are sharp as all get out. Have sewed through 3 layers 1" straps no problem.

**Bubba** · 04-18-2014, 20:00

Originally Posted by Charliev

Been sewing diy gear straps no problem with ball nose needles. Wallyworld has them 8 for around $5. Different ones in pack for different materials. Don't why called ball nose, they are sharp as all get out. Have sewed through 3 layers 1" straps no problem.

Ball point needles feel sharp but are slightly rounded to work their way in between the fibres of the material rather than pierce the material which could cause runs. Typically they are used for heavier looser knits. That's how it was explained to me anyways.

**gmcttr** · 04-18-2014, 20:03

Originally Posted by Charliev

...Don't why called ball nose, they are sharp as all get out...

Look at them under magnification and you will see that they have a rounded point compared to a sharp point needle. A universal point falls between the two.

EDIT...Bubba has it right and beat me to it.

**Bushwhacker** · 04-18-2014, 20:04

Originally Posted by Charliev

Been sewing diy gear straps no problem with ball nose needles. Wallyworld has them 8 for around $5. Different ones in pack for different materials. Don't why called ball nose, they are sharp as all get out. Have sewed through 3 layers 1" straps no problem.

The even rounder ones are excellent for splicing amsteel, I'm not surprised that these would work well for straps.