Vehicle Accessory Webbing

Intro: Vehicle Accessory Webbing

There are some things you don’t always need, but when you do, having them makes all the difference. Like an umbrella when you didn't expect rain. Or flip flops, because fancy shoes are only comfortable for so long. To keep it all available and out of the way, I made these gear straps. They are made from 12 inches of durable nylon webbing fitted with 2 neodymium magnet assemblies.

The magnets are adjustable so you can fit the straps around different items like sun screen, paper towels, or, rope. When you're working on a car you can wrap a flash light and stick it under your hood. Or you could even stick it on the side of you car when you're changing a tire at night.

I've also included a few other projects for your ride in the next step!

STEP 1: Other Vehicle Projects...

If you're looking to add a locking safe to your trunk check out Doughnut Safe.

Need a better way to serve lunch in the back seat? Make a Backseat Caddy.

Or you could add a roof rack on a budget. DIY Roof Rack Cross Bars.

Maybe some valve stem caps Rambo would be proud of? Bullet Shell Valve Stem Caps.

Finally a way to store your headphones on road trips. Headphone Keeper.

STEP 2: Get Your Supplies.

First of all you'll need neodymium magnets. You can find all kinds of sizes by doing a web search. Amazon has a bunch. I'm using 1/2"X1/4" magnets.

If you're using multiple magnets you'll need backing discs. This will keep the magnets from flipping onto eachother. The ones I'm using are laser cut from 22 gage sheet metal. Of course you could always use metal shears instead of sending the file off to a laser cutter.

Lastly you need tubular nylon webbing. I'm using 1" width. You can typically find it at sporting good stores.

Each section of webbing will have 2 magnet assemblies.

STEP 3: Make the Magnet Assemblies.

It's a good idea to use glue that has a setup time here. Super glue bonds in seconds so you have to work fast to line up the disc with the magnets. Wear gloves to avoid touching the glue.

Place a small drop for each magnet onto the backing disc. Stick the magnets on and line them up. Wipe off any residue.

When you're done you should have at least two assemblies, one for each side of the strap.

STEP 4: Make a Fusing Tool.

Cut out a strip of 22 gauge sheet metal. Use a socket and pliers to form a curve. Finally, trim it so it's just longer than the width of the webbing.

STEP 5: Seal the Magnets In.

Since this is tubular webbing it has an open space within it. Place one magnet assembly into each end of the webbing. Push them far enough in so they don't interfere with the sealing process.

Hold the metal strip within locking pliers. Heat the strip with a flame so it's hot enough to melt nylon. Set the strap on a piece of wood and press the hot strap through the webbing. This will cut and fuse the webbing at the same time. Do this to each side. Now the magnet assemblies are sealed in.

STEP 6: Other Uses.

Here are a few other uses you can do.

• Bobby pin keeper for your wrist.
• Stick a notepad and pen of your refrigerator.
• Find a stud in a wall by locating the metal screws.
• Glasses/headphones holder on the corners of your walls.

Thanks for reading.

Comments

[dorybob]

well done.

[tkleinauskas]

Cool idea!

[PainKing]

super glue forms a tight bond, but it's kind of brittle. JB weld maybe?

[IanStofiski]

another way to fuse the ends might be to use that superglue you used for the magnet backs to glue the ends of the nylon tube. I know we used to do that with our nylon web belts in the service, and while it makes some nauxious fumes (do it outside!) It might be an alternative to those who might not want to use the torch. Also, it should leave the ends clear/blue instead of blackened. I should try it with what I have around here to make sure I'm not spreading bad info... might depend on what kind of glue and nylon. Impracticle for string (lighter's good in that case) but for webbing, it's an idea

[docron75]

Very clever, especially the neat way of fusing the ends. i think I would immobilize the magnets on one end, leaving the other end free to move. That would allow easy length adjustment without having the two magnet assemblies to stick together at random spots within the tube.

[testmonkey]

Great love the K.I.S.S. engineering.

[ElectroFrank]

I have never seen tubular webbing before. What kind of shop sells it ?

[Pat_Maroney]

REI and Sport Chalet both sell it by the foot.

[oldhess]

Any sporting goods store that sells rock climbing equipment will have many different colors and sizes

[MrRedwood]

I tend to repeat this whenever I see a post about neodymium magnets: if you periodically go through earbuds (or any other speaker), never through a pair away without breaking them apart and salvaging the magnets inside.

For this project the magnets in earbuds will be awfully small, but they can still be repurposed many ways. One trivial idea: Gluing them to keys popped of a discarded keyboard and using the result as a refrigerator magnet.

[snoopindaweb]

Endless possibilities. ~:-}

[alcurb]

Very nice idea and easy to implement. Thanks.

There's a message coming through my crystal ball. It says "As seen on TV". You should market it.

[calum.swanson]

Thats simple but clever! Away to give it a try, thank you

[throbscottle]

Genius.

[thundrepance]

the paper towel roller [in the trunk] & the bobby pin holder are SO great!! i've needed both of those since the beginning of time, but never thought about how to remedy the problems! :D

[taktrashe]

very good !!

thanks

[londobali]

great idea..
Thanks for sharing..

[Jobar007]

Cool idea. Just so I'm clear though, you don't fix the magnets into the ends at all, right? They can be moved up and down the tube?

[Mrballeng]

Yes. The magnets are adjustable. That way you can change the diameter to fit different objects.

[falcotheimpaler]

I'd pop a couple dabs of Gorilla Glue in before I slipped in and sealed the magnets, just so you don't have to split apart magnets from INSIDE the tube