At Mac's, we live and breathe tie-down straps and love sharing our knowledge with our customers. Ratchet straps are a safe, convenient way to secure any cargo during transport, and understanding how to use them, care for them, and how to identify the correct strap for your application is a crucial part is being as safe as you can be on the road.
On This Page
- What Is a Ratchet Strap?
- Understanding Ratchet Strap Options
- When Do You Use a Ratchet Strap?
- How to Use a Ratchet Strap, Step-by-Step
- How to Release a Ratchet Strap, Step-by-Step
- How to Properly Store and Care for a Ratchet Strap
What Is a Ratchet Strap?
There are many different types of tie-down straps on the market, and each has its own place and purpose.
Generally, when we refer to a "ratchet strap", we're including three key components: the ratchet mechanism, the loose webbing threaded in the ratchet mechanism, and the fixed webbing that is connected to the ratchet mechanism.
Breakdown of the ratchet parts:
- Handle: Provides leverage needed to ratchet the webbing around the axle.
- Axle: The pivot point the webbing will rotate around in order to tighten or loosen.
- Release: When lifted up, it allows the webbing to loosen and be pulled freely without ratcheting.
- Slot: The webbing is fed through this rectangular hole within the axle in order to create a secure axis around which the loose webbing will rotate and tighten or loosen.
Understanding Ratchet Strap Options
There are many types of ratchet straps on the market, ranging from light-use 1" wide nylon straps all the up to heavy-duty extra-wide polyester straps that support massive working loads. Understanding the options that go into the physical appearance of the strap will allow you to better understand their capabilities and purpose. Once you know what type of ratchet strap makes sense for your application, consider what strength of ratchet strap to use for safe transit.
Ratchet Strap with End Fitting
The most common type of ratchet strap, these straps feature loose webbing threaded through the mechanism with an end fitting on the other side. End fittings can vary based on the use applications, strength rating of the strap, and other factors.
Continuous Loop Ratchet Straps
Continuous loop ratchet straps consist of only one length of webbing and a ratchet tensioner. They form a closed loop that allows you to bundle cargo together neatly and securely without the use of end hooks.
End Fitting Options
Because application is everything for end fittings, we divide end fittings into our 1" and 2" applications. Read more about 1" end fittings here, and 2" end fittings here.
Types include: S-hook, S-Hook with catch, J-hook, transit hooks (end fittings vary), E-track hooks, snap hooks and more.
Material & Length Options
Similar to end fittings, applications plays a large role in what material a ratchet strap is made of and the length that's required to secure the load. Polyester and nylon are the two most common materials used. Although there are some standard lengths, it will ultimately be up to the user to identify (or guess) what length they'll need, and it's always better to go larger than to discover your straps are too short. Some additional factors that go into choosing the best length for a ratchet strap include:
- Dimensions of your cargo
- Number of places you need to tie down your cargo
- The type of vehicle or trailer you have
- If there will be any overhang
When Do You Use a Ratchet Strap?
The purpose of a ractchet strap is to secure cargo down for transport. In some cases, a ratchet strap might be overkill; in other cases, a chain or heavier-duty binding method might be more suitable.
Personal applications
If you're moving items in a truck or trailer, your choice of end fitting, weight rating and ratchet strap type is at your discretion; the caveat being that you should adhere to state and local laws concerning hauling or towing.
Commercial applications
There are strict regulations to ensure safety on shared public roads as well as private job sites and other commercial facilities. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is responsible for the cargo securement rules, and has guidelines on the number of straps, position, strength rating and other aspects of commercial transportation of goods.
Why should you use a ratchet strap over a cam buckle, rope or chain?
- Strength: Cam buckle mechanisms are not as strong as the grip of a ratchet mechanism; however a chain that's fixed in place will be completely immovable if used correctly. Rope has many more failure points, such as knots, risk of fraying, etc.
- Safety Rating/Durability
- Abrasion: If the contact points run the risk of scratching, think expensive vehicles, a ratchet strap with a Fleece Cover will have a much softer touch than a bare chain.
How to Use a Ratchet Strap, Step-by-Step
The purpose of the ratchet mechanism is to add tension to the webbing at a natural point along the webbing, not starting at the beginning of the webbing. To properly use a ratchet strap, understanding how to thread a ratchet strap is key, as well as how to properly lock and unlock the ratchet mechanism.
Start by threading the end of the loose webbing through the ratchet assembly. Here, Colin demonstrates the proper technique:
Then, once threaded, continue getting the straps on your cargo with the following steps:
- Open the handle
- Access the axle assembly
- Lead the webbing
- Attach the hooks
- Remove slack
- Tighten slack
- Close handle
- Secure excess webbing to prevent flapping
To keep your ratchet straps from becoming loose, make sure you've applied enough tension that the straps are taut but not tight enough to damage your cargo. Getting a 45-degree angle can also provide better stability and reduction of movement.
The extra webbing that is loose and untensioned must be tied up and secured prior to travel to ensure that you don't have loose, flapping strap material trailing during transit. Not only will it compromise the strength of the webbing due to potential abrasion, it could create a dangerous driving hazard for other drivers. There are several options for securing excess webbing, each with their own benefits depending on the length of extra webbing and width of the strap.
How to Release a Ratchet Strap, Step-by-Step
When you've arrived at your destination and it's time to release your ratchet strap, follow these steps to safely loosen the tension on your strap.
- Pull and hold the release handle so that the strap starts to loosen
- Pull the strap back out through the axle slot
How to Properly Store and Care for a Ratchet Strap
Treated right, a ratchet strap will give you years of safe, reliable service. Learning how to properly storage and care for your straps will help you prolong the life of your strap and ensure safe use every time.
When not in use, all of the webbing should be folded up neatly to avoid twists and kinks, and secured as much as possible. This will make it more compact for storing, and easier to take out and use when you need them next. No one wants to reach for a strap and be faced with a tangled mess.
Store them out of direct sunlight, moisture and excessive heat or cold
Although a good ratchet strap will be manufactured with UV-resistance, it's good practice to store straps out of sunlight. Not only will that reduce UV exposure, it will also prevent direct heat and weather from reaching the straps.
Store straps in a dry area to reduce the chance of mold and mildew. The goal is to mitigate any factors that will make the material brittle or compromise its strength.
Clean Them Periodically
Depending on what you're hauling, over time your strap webbing absorbs grease, grime and road dust. To preserve the longevity of your strap, take a moment to occasionally clean the webbing thoroughly.
Similarly, cleaning and maintaining the operation of your ratchet will keep it operating smoothly time and time again. The last thing you want is to be rushed on a job and your ratchet mechanism sticks or hits grit. Mac's uses an easy-release ratchet mechanism that has eliminated a lot of the stickiness found in ratchets of lesser quality, however even the most expensive tool needs to be maintained.
Identify Wear and Tear with Regular Inspections
By doing a visual inspection of your straps periodically, you can spot worn webbing before it becomes a hazard mid-transit. Never use a ratchet strap with compromised webbing, or a mechanism that isn't performing correctly.
