Page 27 - Rappelling

Nylon webbing comparison. Top to bottom: 1-inch tubular nylon webbing tied with water knot
(Sterling Tech Tape, rated at 4,300 lbs. tensile strength); 18mm Metolius Nylon Sling, rated at 22
kN loop strength (4,946 lbs.); 18mm Black Diamond Runner, rated at 22 kN loop strength; ⁄16-inch
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Sterling tubular webbing, tied with a water knot (rated at 3,000 lbs. tensile strength).

more than five years, and also recommends retir- Knots for Webbing
ing a nylon sling if it has been subjected to tem- Nylon webbing is an inherently slick material and
peratures above 176°F, is scorched or glazed from a should be tied with care. There have been many
rope being pulled across it, shows signs of UV deg- accidents where poorly tied knots in nylon webbing
radation from being left out in the elements (faded have failed. The two recommended knots for tying
color and/or stiffness), or if it has been exposed to nylon webbing into a loop are the water knot (also
acid or bleach. Like a nylon rope, nylon webbing known as the ring bend) and the double fisherman’s
can lose an appreciable amount of strength when knot (also known as the grapevine knot). The water
wet or frozen. knot should be neatly tied, with the finished tails a

16 RAPPELLING

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