strap webbing slide bar or ladder buckle?

[Zeke]

I've got one of these but there are 4 bars, not 3. I wonder if I can make an adjustable loop with just one piece of hardware. I did it with some thinking but I have no idea how these things are used in rigging for a lift which is what I did. Looks exactly like that with and extra bar and no lift tab.

It's for a 16,000 lb strap or bulk webbing. I like this style better for my purposes but I didn't have any on hand.

Here's one similar but mine is not tapered and not open at the one end.

 

[jakemac]

The loose ends of the straps go against the buckle so that when tension is on the rig, the pressure from the buckle pins the loose end to the rest of the strap. Friction between the straps provides the holding power. If the straps are loose, or don't grip, you could drop the load.

I wouldn't trust this system for lifting. A wrap around hold on a stationary bundle, yes. Lifting, no.

 

[Zeke]

So both ends first thread through the middle opening? Once I did that I couldn't get the other end to go through. What's this thing I have called anyway? I'll get a pic later.

BTW, I was lifting 2-300 pounds with 2" webbing. It didn't try to slip but my truck crane is good for 500 max. After that it's forklift time. (love to have a tiny FL and a flatbed trailer)

 

[jakemac]

You know what ? I've had a rethink. Forget what I said.

After taking another look, and twisting my brain, I see two possibilities.

1) one end of the strap goes under one side, over the middle, and under the other side.
Then the other strap end goes in the same from the other direction so that the straps hold each other in place when you pull tight.

2) sew one end around the center post and thread the other end through the buckle.
Under, over, under.

I still wouldn't lift with it.

 

[Zeke]

I don't have an industrial sewing machine but if one comes along at the right price.....

 

[jakemac]

I've hand stitched 1" 1000lb tie down straps with the same waxed thread I sewed leather with.
But that was a different application.

You could use a regular sewing machine to at least test proof of concept.

 

[Thumper68]

Strapping is amazingly easy to sew with a needle, I use un-waxed dental floss as thread.

 

[jakemac]

True, but you have to be aware of the final application.
A lifting load will put a different stress on stitches than a binding load or a tie down load.
That's why tie down straps have a warning not to use them for lifting, and lifting straps have warnings about vertical and lateral load.

I used to know a guy that built custom harness's for the Cirque du Soleil performers. He had to know what acrobatics were used for each performer. If they played more than one part in the show, they sometimes had to change harnesses. If a harness showed signs of wear, it was sent back to be rebuilt or replaced. He may still be doing it. It was a side job he did in his off time as a firefighter. Last I heard (years ago) he had made it to Chief.

 

[Lelandwelds]

Don't you just buy endless loops for lifting?

 

[jakemac]

It depends on the What and How of the piece you need to lift and whether you need to set it down at hight.

There is more to lifting safely than "Get it off the ground".