The Main Use of Slides & Loops

At present, most straps utilize different kinds of slides as adjusters. Lowy's slides are most commonly used with rifle slings, collars, shoulder straps, belts, etc. as a way of adjusting the length of nylon webbing.

Lowy's loops are usually used as connectors. They are also widely used together with Velcro straps and metal fasteners. We provide a large variety of loops in different sizes ranging from 5/8" to 2". Reducing loops can allow you to go up or down in webbing size. Keepers are designed to hold a second piece of webbing up against the first, instead of letting it hang free. The common belt or strap is a perfect example. They can also be used with camera straps, backpack straps, sling straps, purses, shoulder straps, etc. Tri-loops are most commonly used as a finishing hardware on straps. The main use of them is to separate straps from a single to a double, even more! Tri-loops are also famous for being attached to the end of a strap so it can be hung onto an snap hook, eye hook, spring hook, or any other hardware for hanging.

The Pros & Cons of Bonded Nylon Thread

Bonded nylon thread is a wonderful thread to use widely in our daily lives. Developed in the 1930's, bonded nylon is a very resilient thread. When compared to other types of thread, nylon is appreciated because it is extremely strong and flexible.

There are many advantages and disadvantages of nylon thread. On the positive side, bonded nylon thread is coated with a special resin which helps make the thread strong and durable. A middleweight (Size 92) nylon thread has a tensile strength of about 15 pounds. At that strength there are very few people who can break it just by pulling. Nylon thread stretches about 26%. This means that 12 inches of nylon will stretch to 15 inches over time. This is usually good because it lets your seams adjust to movement and changes in temperature. Additionally, nylon thread is lightweight, smooth and does not absorb liquid, which is especially important for clothing applications where underarm seams are prone to weakening because of perspiration.

There are some negative issues with nylon thread, because it tends to get brittle and turn yellow over time. When used for seams on clothing, this issue is likely not a problem because of the overall short lifespan of clothing and the fact that seams are hidden on the inside of a garment. Nylon thread melts when exposed to the high heat of a clothing iron. To avoid fused seams, users should be sure to iron items with a low-temperature iron and with the correct side out, rather than inside out.

Main Uses of Nylon Thread:

Luggage and travel goods

Soft Goods

Outdoor goods and sports equipment

Pet Collars & Leashes

Tie-downs

Cargo Straps & Slings

Harnesses

Leather sewing

Belts

Leather Wear

Furniture Upholstery

Footwear