double thickness on tree huggers
Since strapman is the resident expert on straps, I have a question for him:
Last year, as I was browsing through Harbor Freight, I noticed that the straps used for car towing have the strap folded in half thus doubling the strap in the end loop.
I thought this would be a good idea for tree huggers. It isn't going to make the hugger any stronger, but I thought the double thickness on the loop would take a lot longer to abrade through the strap.
Accordingly, since then I have been doing the following:
Before sewing the loop, I fold one side to the middle and sew it down, then fold the other side to meet and sew it down and then bar tack across the folds in 2, 3 or 4 places. Then I sew the loop. The folds are only about 2/3 to 3/4 of the loop. The end of the loop then ends up doubled and half the width of the strap. Sewing the folded parts takes maybe an extra 5 minutes per loop now that I have done it a few times.
http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...p.Loop.001.jpg
I like the half width part, it makes it easier to use with carabiners if nothing else. Also, since the doubled part is stiffer, that also makes using the carabiner easier.
I haven't been doing this long enough to have noticed any longer life because of abrading the webbing though.
In reflecting on this, I think it may also make the strap stronger since the most likely point of failure is in the end loop where the strap is bent around the carabiner, suspension rope or other device. The doubled thickness may help with that mode of failure.
So, strapman, my question: Do you think the doubling is worth the effort or am I wasting my time?
Anybody else have an opinion - please add yours also.