How to sew buckles on cargo strap

How to sew buckles on cargo strap

When using tie down straps that have buckles on them you will notice that over time the stitching around the buckles has a tendency to wear out. This happens from all the tugging, pulling and pressure of holding objects in place. Instead of going out and spending money on new straps, learn how to sew the buckles back on the straps. If the buckle happens to break or get lost purchase new ones from your local fabric store. Instructions 

1. Trim off any unraveled sections of your tie down straps to remove any wayward threads. Cut the end of the strap to make it perfectly straight (It is better to cut Fabric with a Hot Knife, if you have tool like Cowboy #8901hot knife cuter. 

2. Melt the cut end of the strap using a lighter. Hold the flame underneath the end of the strap to melt the threads together. This step is not necessary if you use Cowboy #8901 hot knife cutter (www.cowboysew.com/product8.htm). 

 3. Read through the directions that came with your buckles as the directions may vary a little from brand to brand. 

4. Thread the end on the strap through the buckle. Weave the strap under and over the bar in the buckle. 

5. Test the strap to make sure it will tighten when it is pulled. Check to make sure that the buckle is on the right side of the strap so that when you tighten things down the strap will not be twisted.

6. Position the buckle where you want it to stay permanently on the end of the strap. Make sure you have two layers of the strap together where you want to sew the buckle in place. 

7. Thread your heavy duty sewing machine like Cowboy #7204 (www.cowboysew.com/product2.htm) with a heavy duty needle, such as is used for sewing through layers of denim or leather, and a heavy duty thread.

8. Sew through the two layers of the strap. Sew slowly and go back and forth over the straps five or six times to make sure it is secure. If you are professional manufacturer of cargo lashing strap, an automated industrial sewing machine like Cowboy #71008 extra heavy duty pattern tacking machine ( www.cowboysew.com/product7.htm) could be taken into consideration, for extra reinforcement.