DIY 1.9oz Ripstop Layer Treestrap ??

[pig.slayer]

I'm just chasing a local source in Australia for some 1" webbing to use for tree straps.

I've checked the local spotlight (large fabric wholesale shop) and a few automotive stores for webbing. It's all bloody expensive, heaps more than it's available for in the US.
7 yards was $29 oat spotlight on a roll.

But, spotlight are selling out all there 1.9oz ripstop ($3 per meter) so I was wondering if it could be used as a tree strap.

Maybe cut say a 4 or 6" wide strip to the desired length, Then fold and fold etc until it's a 1" wide, 4 or 6 layer thick strap of ripstop.
Simply just run a hem down each edge to hold it all together and sew then end loops like normal.

Do you think that would be strong enough as other than the time it's a cheap enough solution ??

Any comments or experience appreciated

[Crismateski]

I am using tubular webbing from REI you can order it from there website at .36 a foot in many colors

http://www.rei.com/product/783605

[JayS]

Nylon stretches (not a good quality for suspension) and I imagine a folded and sewn strap of nylon would also. Have you looked at shipping from Strapworks? I have no idea if it would be reasonable but it's worth a look.

[thekalimist]

ive never heard of it but it seems like it would work... are you trying to replace your entire suspension with straps or just the treestraps? if its just the tree straps might i suggest going to an automotive or department style store and find some cargo tie-down straps. I was able to find some here for like $3 for two straps and they were PLENTY (i think i cut ~5' extra feet off both) long enough with loops already sewn in.

[pig.slayer]

Thanks for the few responses.
I had a look at a few auto shops today, couldn't find much that the price was cheap for.

I'll check out strapworks and see what the postage is like.

I actually have treestraps myself, I'm just making some gathered end hammcoks for friends and am trying to do things a cheaply as possible.

These straps will be used with dynaglide whoopie slings, so would be about 6' long and be marlin spickeddd to the whoopie.

[JohnSawyer]

Why not go check an auto-wrecking yard and get some old used seatbelts?

Or an auto-body shop. At least here in the US, when a seatbelt has experienced a strong collision, they get replaced...

The other option would be to get polyester tie-down straps. My first tree huggers were cut from a ratcheting tie-down like this:

http://www.harborfreight.com/media/c...image_1368.jpg $8 US.

Try these guys:
http://www.crashrepairs-maitland.websyte.com.au/

I bet they throw away more broken seatbelts than we'd ever use...

[pig.slayer]

Thanks for the few responses.

I'll check out strapworks and see what the postage is like.

I actually have treestraps myself, I'm just making some gathered end hammcoks for friends and am trying to do things a cheaply as possible.

These straps will be used with dynaglide whoopie slings, so would be about 6' long and be marlin spickeddd to the whoopie.

[Browny]

Hey PS. I went to Ranger Camping and just got some standard black nylon webbing and sewed loops in the ends, price was ok enough to get 10 metres. Works ok if you keep the length reasonable. Probably not too good for full length straps.
Getting some gear together to make 2 diy's for my kids too, so I got a set of ratchet straps from Bunnings (I think) cheap and you get a fair amount of strong webbing, enough for a few sets of tree huggers. (I'm gunna use em as full strap setups though, for now)

[WV]

I have tried old seatbelt straps from a junkyard, and they are strong and cheap but heavy. I tried cutting the 2" width in half with a hot knife (small soldering iron), but it's an effort and it leaves a rough edge where the polyester has melted. They are usable, though.

I investigated folding pack cloth to make my own straps, but concluded that they would weigh about the same as the cheap hold-down straps from auto supply stores.

Then I sought polyester strapping in bulk that would be similar to the material used in the hold-down straps, calculated the cost, and found it's cheaper to buy the hold-downs, even though you have to cut off the ratchets and throw them away.

I still use some 1" polyester straps because they are so strong and probably resist abrasion better, but the yellow hold-down straps from the discount places have worked fine too. They are the cheapest and lightest, and their flexibility makes them better for using toggles and marlinspike hitches.