Attaching Webbing To Plastic Clips: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to attach webbing to plastic clips

Plastic fastening clips are a versatile and durable option for a wide range of applications. They are lightweight, sturdy, and corrosion-resistant, making them ideal for securing webbing. Whether it's for an outdoor chair, a garage wall storage solution, or any other DIY project, understanding the correct way to attach webbing to plastic clips is essential for a secure and long-lasting hold. This involves considering the type of clip, the direction of the webbing, and the appropriate tools to use for fastening.

Characteristics Values
Webbing material Nylon
Plastic clip properties Corrosion-resistant, durable, lightweight, strong, sturdy
Attachment methods Rivets, screws, washers, grommets
Additional tools Vice, nail, candle/torch

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Use a washer between the screw head and the webbing

When attaching webbing to plastic clips, one of the recommended methods is to use a washer between the screw head and the webbing. This method can be used when attaching nylon webbing to a stud, for example, when building a garage wall storage solution.

The washer increases the bearing area, providing better support for the weight that will be hanging from the webbing. It is recommended to use a screw with a flat head, such as a pan head screw, as it has a good bearing on the washer. Cone-shaped screws, such as flat-head screws, will not have as much bearing on the washer. Fender washers are suggested as the best option for this purpose.

To implement this method, you can double the webbing over and create a hole through both pieces. Heat a nail with a candle or torch and use it to melt a hole through the webbing. Then, use a screw with a fender and regular washer to secure the webbing to the stud.

It is important to note that there are alternative methods to attach webbing to plastic clips. For example, you can use grommets to hook the webbing to the wall, or you can use Chicago screws (binder posts) to connect the webbing loops.

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Use a vice to attach the clips

When attaching webbing to plastic clips, using a vice is a simple and effective method. Firstly, ensure you have the correct type of clip. The clip should have a lip on one side and be flat on the other. Place the clip with the lip facing the rough side of the webbing, as it will go across the chair. It is important to note that placing the clip the wrong way around will result in the webbing being cut.

Now you are ready to use the vice. Place the flat side of the clip towards the outside of the vice, which is the handle side. The webbing should be placed in the bottom of the clip. Next, tighten the vice onto the clip. Be careful not to over-tighten, as the vice is not meant to go all the way through the clip. The teeth of the clip are designed to grip into the webbing. When the webbing and clip are in the groove across the chair, the rough side of the webbing should be facing up, and the smooth side facing down. Before putting the other side on, stretch the webbing by taking up 10% of its length.

Using a vice is a straightforward method for attaching webbing to plastic clips. However, if you do not have access to a vice, a pair of pliers can also be used to squeeze the clip into place. The vice method is generally considered simpler, but pliers are a good alternative if that is your only option.

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Rivet into the tubing

If you are working with a hollow frame tubing, riveting into the tube is a good option. This method will allow you to hide the "ugly" side of the rivet inside the tube. This technique was used in the Barcelona Chair for US production.

To attach webbing to plastic clips using rivets, you will need to follow these steps:

  • Prepare the materials: Ensure you have the appropriate size and type of rivets for your specific application. You will also need the necessary tools for riveting, such as a rivet gun or hand rivet tool, depending on the scale of your project.
  • Position the webbing: Place the webbing in the desired position on the plastic clip. Make sure that the webbing is centred and securely held in place.
  • Mark the rivet location: Identify the exact spot where you will be drilling and placing the rivet. Mark this location with a pen or marker to ensure accurate drilling.
  • Drill the hole: Using a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the rivet shaft, carefully drill a hole through the plastic clip and the webbing at the marked location. This will create a snug fit for the rivet.
  • Insert the rivet: Place the rivet into the drilled hole, ensuring that it passes through both the plastic clip and the webbing. The rivet should fit securely, with the "head" of the rivet resting on the surface of the plastic clip.
  • Secure the rivet: Using the appropriate tool, apply force to the rivet to deform the tail end, creating a second "head." This will secure the webbing to the plastic clip. For larger rivets, a rivet gun may be required, while smaller rivets can often be secured with a hand rivet tool.

By following these steps, you can effectively attach webbing to plastic clips using rivets, creating a strong and durable joint. This method is particularly useful when working with hollow frame tubing, as it allows for a clean and aesthetically pleasing result.

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Use Chicago screws (binder posts)

Chicago screws, also known as binder posts, are a simple, fast, and machine-free way to bind documents. They can also be used to attach webbing to plastic clips. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use Chicago screws for this purpose:

Step 1: Prepare the Materials

Firstly, gather your materials. Ensure you have the correct size and type of Chicago screws for your specific application. They come in various materials, including plastic, aluminum, and steel, as well as different colours like white, black, clear, silver, and gold. Plastic Chicago screws are designed for use in 1/4" holes and are available in white or black.

Step 2: Create Holes

Create holes in the materials you want to bind together. This can be done using a simple hole puncher or a drill, depending on the thickness of the materials. For webbing and plastic clips, a standard hole puncher should suffice.

Step 3: Insert the Post

Insert the post, also known as the female end, through the hole from the bottom of the stack. The post is the internally threaded, barrel-shaped component with a protruding flange that provides a bearing surface. Ensure it is securely in place.

Step 4: Attach the Screw

With the post in place, attach the corresponding screw. Insert the screw into the hole from the opposite side and thread it into the post. Tighten the screw until it creates a flush surface with the material.

Step 5: Adjust as Needed

One of the advantages of using Chicago screws is the ability to easily adjust your binding. If needed, you can simply unscrew the binding to add or remove materials, then screw it back together.

Tip for Smaller Posts:

If you're working with smaller plastic binding posts, you may find it challenging to align the threads. In such cases, snapping the pieces together instead of screwing them might be easier. This method creates a tight grip that is difficult to pull apart, resulting in a semi-permanent bind.

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Sew reinforcing stitches before punching holes

When attaching webbing to plastic clips, it is important to reinforce the webbing with stitches before punching holes to avoid tearing and ensure a secure hold. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Firstly, cut the webbing to the required length, ensuring that it is long enough to wrap around the object and provide sufficient surface area for attachment. Before punching any holes, it is crucial to sew reinforcing stitches along the edges of the webbing. These stitches will provide additional strength and prevent the webbing from fraying or tearing when holes are punched. Use a strong thread that matches the colour of the webbing for a neat finish. Sew a straight line of stitches along each long edge of the webbing, approximately 1/8 inch from the edge.

Once the reinforcing stitches are in place, you can proceed with punching holes in the webbing. Space the holes evenly along the centre of the webbing, leaving enough material between them to prevent tearing. The holes should be just large enough for your chosen plastic clips to fit snugly. You can use a hole punch or a sharp tool to carefully create the holes. It is important to test the size on a scrap piece of webbing first to ensure you don't cut the holes too big.

After punching the holes, you can now attach the plastic clips. Choose clips that have a lip on one side and place them with the lip facing the rough side of the webbing. This will ensure that the clip doesn't cut through the webbing when tightened. Insert the plastic clips through the holes, with the flat side facing outward. Secure the clips by tightening them with a vice. Ensure that the teeth of the clip grip onto the webbing securely.

By following these steps, you can securely attach webbing to plastic clips while ensuring that the webbing is reinforced and less prone to tearing. This method provides a strong and durable hold, making it suitable for various applications, such as outdoor furniture or other DIY projects.

Frequently asked questions

If you are attaching webbing to a stud, you can use a screw with a flat head and a washer. You can also use a vice to attach the clips. Place the flat side of the clip towards the outside of the vice and put the webbing in the bottom of the clip. Then, tighten the vice.

Yes, you can use Chicago screws (binder posts) to connect the webbing loops. Alternatively, you can use grommets to hook the webbing to the wall.

If you are attaching webbing to a metal frame that does not have holes for clips, you can use poly straps to wrap around the frame. You can also use rivets, especially if the frame tubing is hollow.

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