Has anyone ever used the aluminum side release buckles from strap works? I’m looking for something robust and UV resistant, for the straps in my RTT cover. I don’t like the cam-style straps it came with, and I’m wondering how well these work. It seems like aluminum won’t release as easily as plastics, but probably holds up to sun and heat far better. Any particular pitfalls to be aware of? Is there a better type of buckle out there?
Aluminum side release buckles from strap works?
- Thread starter NatersXJ6
- Start date
Exploring the outdoors
Exploring the outdoors
I have used them, but at outdoor elements.
I would think this would work: Side Release Buckle Straps w/ 1" Lightweight Polypropylene
www.strapworks.com
This might work as well:
www.strapworks.com
I would think this would work: Side Release Buckle Straps w/ 1" Lightweight Polypropylene
Straps and Tie Downs | Tie down Straps - strapworks.com
Strapworks selection of Ratchet Straps, Cam Straps, and other tough tie-downs are sure to get the job done. You can also find specialty carry straps, for bags, cameras, and other load control applications.
www.strapworks.com
This might work as well:
Straps and Tie Downs | Tie down Straps - strapworks.com
Strapworks selection of Ratchet Straps, Cam Straps, and other tough tie-downs are sure to get the job done. You can also find specialty carry straps, for bags, cameras, and other load control applications.
www.strapworks.com
BritKLR
Kapitis Indagatoris
Cool buckles but, I'd stay away from them for your application. Several unintended consequnces could occur with aluminum on a rain fly....
1) Once the clear-coat wears off you may have black oxidation occur and it will transfer to the tent fabric causing staining.
2) Generally speaking, the nylon buckles are light in weight and should not cause issues of fabric damage due to wind rubbing or other elements causing it to rub against the tent. Metal may cause abrasion wear due to being a heavier material.
3) Never having used these metal side release buckles I'd have some concerns regarding manufacturing quality, durability......some things are just crap.....
4) If fading is an issue then the OEM tent maker is just using crappy, cheap buckles, try YKK, Fastex, etc....brand buckles used by the military for strength and UV stable.
Good luck!
krick3tt
Adventurer
I have only used the nylon (?) from this company, in various sizes. Since the application for use was only on things that are either inside my vehicle or for something that does not stay outside they have never been an issue.
There were plastic ones on my RTT and never gave me problems (sold the tent) as they were not continuously exposed to the sun.
Not a fan of the double ring fasteners.
There were plastic ones on my RTT and never gave me problems (sold the tent) as they were not continuously exposed to the sun.
Not a fan of the double ring fasteners.
For $30 I decided to roll the dice. We will see how they do. My main concern is if they are too stiff to spring open of if they are too weak and don’t make it through a few thousand cycles. I just don’t have faith in the various plastics that claim to be UV resistant. If you happen to get the right ones, winner, otherwise... pain and suffering.
All great points. I think I might have already ordered before this post, but I ordered in any event.
The use is on a travel cover, so I’m not worried about staining. If they don’t work well I might go to Velcro.
Well, they arrived. Thank you Strapworks for decent customer service and quick shipping. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that they are only about 500 miles away in Oregon.
So, I had in my mind that the aluminum would be molded similarly to a nylon or polypropylene quick release, and the “spring” of the tab would be a potential fatigue and failure point. The buckle actually has a separate set of moving parts riveted in with a spring or springs between them.
I have some concerns about gunk/mud/ice long term, but I’m going to give them a shot. They did lock nicely on the polypropylene strap that was also sent.
The listing says they are anodized, they appear to be more of a powder-coat process, and some of it was flaking off. Ultimately, I don’t really care, and probably should have ordered the raw aluminum.
If anyone is interested, I’ll post a pic after I get the sewing machine cranked up to attach the straps.
So, I had in my mind that the aluminum would be molded similarly to a nylon or polypropylene quick release, and the “spring” of the tab would be a potential fatigue and failure point. The buckle actually has a separate set of moving parts riveted in with a spring or springs between them.
I have some concerns about gunk/mud/ice long term, but I’m going to give them a shot. They did lock nicely on the polypropylene strap that was also sent.
The listing says they are anodized, they appear to be more of a powder-coat process, and some of it was flaking off. Ultimately, I don’t really care, and probably should have ordered the raw aluminum.
If anyone is interested, I’ll post a pic after I get the sewing machine cranked up to attach the straps.