RIGGING SUPPLY YOU CAN DEPEND ON

Professional Webbing - Tree Climbing & Safety Equipment

Polyester Webbing

The most popular choice for climbing and arborist applications due to excellent UV resistance, low stretch, and minimal water absorption.

Key Characteristics:

• Superior UV Resistance: Excellent for outdoor and long-term exposure
• Low Stretch: Minimal elongation under load (8-12%)
• Water Resistant: Doesn't absorb water, maintains strength when wet
• Abrasion Resistant: Durable for repeated use
• Chemical Resistant: Good resistance to most chemicals
• Minimal Creep: Little permanent elongation over time
• Ideal For: Climbing slings, tree anchors, outdoor applications

Nylon Webbing

Higher strength and better shock absorption than polyester, making it ideal for dynamic applications and situations requiring energy absorption.

Key Characteristics:

• Higher Strength: Strongest common webbing material
• Shock Absorption: Stretches to absorb energy (15-25% elongation)
• Excellent Abrasion Resistance: Very durable
• Water Absorption: Absorbs water, loses some strength when wet
• UV Sensitivity: More susceptible to UV degradation than polyester
• Good Chemical Resistance: Resists most chemicals
• Ideal For: Fall arrest applications, dynamic loads, indoor use

Tubular Webbing

Flat, hollow construction that's lightweight and versatile. The most common type for climbing slings and general-purpose applications.

Key Features:

• Hollow tube construction
• Lightweight and flexible
• Easy to tie and knot
• Good for creating custom slings
• Available in various widths (typically 1" most common)
• Economical and versatile

Flat Webbing

Solid, flat construction offering higher strength and better abrasion resistance than tubular webbing. Preferred for heavy-duty applications.

Key Features:

• Solid flat construction
• Higher strength than tubular
• Better abrasion resistance
• Stiffer and less flexible
• Ideal for anchor straps and tree slings
• Professional-grade applications

Mil-Spec Webbing

Military specification webbing meeting strict government standards for strength, durability, and performance.

Key Features:

• Meets military specifications
• Consistent quality and performance
• Rigorous testing standards
• Various types (Type III, Type IV, Type VII, etc.)
• Trusted for critical applications

Standard Widths

• 1" (25mm): Most common for climbing slings and general use. Typical strength: 4,000-6,000 lbs
• 3/4" (19mm): Lighter weight for minimal applications. Typical strength: 3,000-4,000 lbs
• 2" (50mm): Wide for load distribution and tree protection. Typical strength: 8,000-12,000 lbs
• Custom Widths: Various widths available for specialized applications

Important: Strength ratings are for new, unknotted webbing. Knots reduce strength by 30-50%. Always check manufacturer specifications for exact ratings.

Cutting & Sealing

• Cutting: Use sharp scissors or hot knife for clean cuts
• Sealing Ends: Heat seal ends with flame or hot knife to prevent fraying
• Proper Technique: Melt ends just enough to seal, don't over-melt
• Safety: Work in ventilated area, avoid breathing fumes

Tying Knots in Webbing

• Water Knot (Ring Bend): Standard knot for joining webbing ends
• Overhand Knot: Simple knot for creating loops
• Figure-8: Stronger alternative to overhand
• Strength Loss: All knots reduce webbing strength by 30-50%
• Tail Length: Leave adequate tails (3-4 inches minimum)
• Inspection: Check knots regularly for slippage

Sewing Webbing

• Professional Sewing: Sewn terminations are stronger than knots
• Bar Tack Stitching: Standard for high-strength connections
• Box-X Pattern: Common reinforced stitching pattern
• Thread: Use appropriate high-strength thread
• DIY Caution: Home sewing not recommended for life safety applications
• Professional Service: Have critical items professionally sewn

Key Considerations

• Material: Polyester for outdoor/UV exposure, nylon for strength and shock absorption
• Width: 1" for general climbing, wider for load distribution and tree protection
• Construction: Tubular for flexibility, flat for strength and abrasion resistance
• Strength Rating: Ensure adequate for your application with safety factor
• Application: Climbing, rigging, safety equipment, or general use
• Environment: UV exposure, water, chemicals, abrasion
• Certifications: Ensure meets applicable standards if required
• Quality: Choose reputable manufacturers for life safety applications

Inspection Guidelines

• Visual Inspection: Check for cuts, abrasion, fraying, or damage
• Tactile Inspection: Feel for stiff spots, thin areas, or inconsistencies
• UV Damage: Look for fading, discoloration, or brittleness
• Chemical Damage: Check for stains, discoloration, or stiffness
• Stitching: Inspect sewn areas for damage or separation
• Knots: Check tied knots for slippage or loosening
• Overall Condition: Any doubt requires retirement

Retirement Criteria - Retire Webbing If:

• Cuts, tears, or damage to webbing
• Severe abrasion or fuzzing of fibers
• Stitching is damaged or separating
• Discoloration from UV, chemicals, or heat
• Stiff or hard spots in material
• Webbing has been shock loaded
• Chemical contamination or exposure
• Age exceeds 10 years from manufacture
• History is unknown
• Any doubt about integrity

Care & Maintenance

• Cleaning: Wash with mild soap and lukewarm water. Rinse thoroughly
• Drying: Air dry completely away from direct heat and sunlight
• Storage: Store in cool, dry location away from UV and chemicals
• Avoid Contamination: Keep away from acids, solvents, fuels, and corrosives
• Proper Use: Use only for intended purposes within rated capacities
• Documentation: Track purchase date and usage for life safety applications

Should I use polyester or nylon webbing?

For outdoor climbing and arborist work, polyester is preferred due to superior UV resistance and minimal water absorption. Nylon is stronger and better for shock absorption, making it ideal for fall arrest applications and indoor use. Polyester maintains strength when wet and doesn't degrade as quickly in sunlight, making it the standard choice for tree climbing and outdoor applications.

Can I sew my own climbing slings?

While possible, home-sewn slings for life safety use are not recommended unless you have proper equipment, training, and quality control. Professional manufacturers use industrial sewing machines, specific thread, and proven stitching patterns with rigorous quality control. For life safety applications, purchase commercially sewn slings or have custom slings professionally made.

How much does a water knot reduce webbing strength?

A water knot (ring bend) reduces webbing strength by approximately 40-50%. This is why sewn slings are preferred for maximum strength. If you tie webbing, account for this strength reduction in your safety calculations, leave adequate tails (3-4 inches), and inspect knots regularly for slippage.

What's the difference between tubular and flat webbing?

Tubular webbing is hollow, lightweight, flexible, and easy to tie, making it popular for general climbing slings. Flat webbing is solid, stronger, more abrasion-resistant, but stiffer. Flat webbing is preferred for heavy-duty applications like tree anchor straps and rigging slings. Tubular is better for creating custom tied slings and general-purpose use.

How long does webbing last?

Lifespan depends on usage, UV exposure, and care. With minimal use and proper storage, webbing can last 5-7 years. Professional outdoor use may require replacement within 1-3 years due to UV degradation and abrasion. Maximum shelf life is typically 10 years from manufacture. Polyester lasts longer outdoors than nylon due to better UV resistance. Always inspect before use.

Professional Webbing from US Rigging

US Rigging is a manufacturer and master distributor of climbing ropes, fall protection equipment, and industrial rigging equipment located in Santa Ana, California. With over 40 years of experience serving arborists, climbers, safety professionals, and riggers, we offer comprehensive webbing solutions in polyester and nylon construction, various widths and strengths, meeting climbing and safety industry standards.

Our webbing collection includes tubular and flat webbing, mil-spec webbing, and various widths from 3/4" to 2" and beyond. Whether you need polyester tubular webbing for creating climbing slings, flat webbing for tree anchor straps, nylon webbing for fall protection applications, or custom lengths for specialized projects, we have the reliable material engineered for strength and durability in demanding climbing and safety applications.

Browse our webbing selection and contact our knowledgeable team for expert guidance. Trust US Rigging for professional-grade webbing for your tree climbing and safety needs.