How to Cut Nylon Webbing (Strap)

[illzoni]

How can I cut nylon webbing (strap) and get a clean, non-fraying end?

Among other projects, I want to make a new, custom bikini (or is bimini?) top for my 4Runner. I have most everything I need, but want to ensure clean cuts and no fraying on the straps.

Can anyone offer any useful advice?

Thx,
Jon

 

[turbodudey2]

A hot-wire or knife. It's what I use for cutting climbing ropes and webbing.

If you can't find one (only place I can think of off the top of my head would be REI), you can just tape the place you want to cut (masking tape or electrical tape), and then use a razor blade. Then go back and melt the end with a torch. I've had to do it that way too... works just fine.

 

[Zulu95]

I picked a hot knife up on e-bay quite cheap. Somewhere in the $30 range.

 

[Edubsam]

Can't just hold an old knife over the BBQ?

 

[illzoni]

"hot knife"

Great. Now that I know a name for it, I can find myself one.

Thx,
Jon

 

[KidVermicious]

Can't just hold an old knife over the BBQ?

Not if you like your knife. Get it hot enough to melt nylon and you'll ruin the temper.

 

[illzoni]

This is working well:
Hot Knife - Great Deals on hot knives at Harbor Freight
Purchased at my local Harbor Freight.

Thx,
Jon

 

[Edubsam]

"old" was the operative word... Maybe it's just me, but I have about a million old knives laying around.

 

[KidVermicious]

"old" was the operative word... Maybe it's just me, but I have about a million old knives laying around.

Huh. Dad bought me a Buck when I was 12 years old. I like my old knife.

 

[Kraeken]

When I cut any type of nylon webbing or cord I just cut it with a good sharp knife then melt the ends a little with a lighter...

 

[illzoni]

The hot knife is very effective in cutting and sealing the edge. However, that edge isn't the smoothest possible or lowest profile. I have made several cuts with good scissors, then used the hot knife to seal the edge with pretty good results. Overall, I'm very pleased with this tool and do anticipate using for other projects.

BTW, I need to stop by Harbor Freight. I paid $19.99. Inside Track members (I am) now have coupons for it at $9.99. I need to go get my $10 bucks!

 

[glock56534]

I just heat up a utility blade with a torch or lighter, then slice through it on a wood surface. I use the utility blade because I don't want to deal with cleaning the melted nylon off of any of my nice edged tools and I can replace them whenever I need a fresh one.

 

[brian2sun]

If you can't find one (only place I can think of off the top of my head would be REI), you can just tape the place you want to cut (masking tape or electrical tape), and then use a razor blade. Then go back and melt the end with a torch. I've had to do it that way too... works just fine.

That works good. I've cut a lot of nylon bimini straps (for boats) and I just used masking tape, cut it with a razor and melted it with a cigarette lighter.