Page 58 - D. Raleigh "Knots and ropes for climbers"

tubular. Its advantages are that it is lighter in weight and less bulky than tubular. For those reasons, flat
webbing makes the best aiders and sewn goods, such as harnesses and quickdraws. For regular knotted
products, such as runners, however, tubular webbing is superior.

Cross sections of flat and tubular webbing.

Tubular webbing is woven round, like Chinese handcuffs or tube socks. Its multi- sided design makes
it very strong and durable for its width. For that reason, it is always the webbing of choice. You must
be careful, though, when selecting tubular webbing, as there is good stuff and bad.

The best tubular webbing is woven into a continuous loop, similar to the sheath on a climbing rope.
Avoid the type that is woven flat, then folded into a tube and stitched down the edge. Snag or cut the
edge seam, and the tube falls apart. Surplus stores still carry spools of this seamed webbing, but it is
getting more difficult to find in climbing shops. Just as well.

Common tubular webbing widths are 1/2-inch, 9/16-inch, 1-inch, and 2-inch. Flat webbing is typically
1-inch and 2-inch.

Tie-offs

Half-inch tube is the weakest, but it's the most supple and cinches down the best, making it the top
material for tying off pitons. Make your tie-offs from 2 feet of webbing, and tie the ends with a water
knot. Seal the cut ends with a lighter to prevent them from unraveling.