ketch

this one is reasonably priced and works good https://tandyleather.com/products/pocket-leather-gauge?_pos=1&_sid=16c28d9af&_ss=r

Thanks for the responses, I learned a lot.

Hello everyone, been a member for a while now but this is my first post. I repaired a loop on a nylon tow strap using a zig zag pattern sewing from one edge angling down a little and to the other edge working to the end of the loop then back up using the same method ending where I started. This gave me a total of 351 stitches. Is it safe to say 351 stitches using a thread with a breaking strength of 45 lbs will give the repair a breaking strength of 15795 lbs (351 x 45 = 15795) ? I am using 277 thread with a #25 needle and a Cowboy 4500 machine. The needle is a diamond point but I ground it to a point so as not to cut the fibers on of the strap. I can't find a #25 spear point needle. How are other people sewing tow straps? I would appreciate to know your set up. Thanks Martin