Ratchet tie down straps provide heavy-duty strength to keep your cargo secure during transit. They are commonly used to secure loads in pickup truck beds, utility trailers, car haulers, flatbed trailers, and other commercial vehicles.
Look for a strap with a working load limit (WLL). The WLL is calculated by multiplying the break strength of the strap and end fitting by three.
How to Secure a Load
If you want your ratchet straps to last, it’s crucial that you take the necessary precautions. This means making sure that your cargo is secure before securing the load with tie down straps and that you regularly inspect them for wear and tear. In addition, a good pair of corner protectors will protect the tie down straps from sharp or abrasive cargo edges that could damage the webbing.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the ratchet strap’s working load limit must not be exceeded during transport. This is calculated by taking the breaking strength and dividing it by three. This ensures that your ratchet straps can handle the pressure from sudden stops and other factors during transportation.
To start, you must make sure that the ratchet strap’s hold handle is open and that there’s no slack in the strap. Then, thread the free end of the strap through the open slot at the bottom of the ratchet. Once the strap is completely through, pull it taut to remove any slack. Finally, flip the ratchet handle back to its closed position and lock it down.
Step-by-Step Guide
When it comes to securing cargo during transport, ratchet straps are one of the most reliable tools that you can use. Whether you’re hauling a prized motorcycle or moving heavy furniture, these versatile tie downs can help you secure your load safely and efficiently. Using ratchet straps effectively can prevent damage and make your transportation process much safer.
When securing cargo with ratchet straps, it’s important to apply tension gradually and evenly. This will prevent sudden jolts that could damage your load or the straps. It’s also important to check and recheck the tension during transit to ensure that your load is secure. Temperature changes and vibrations day tang do chang hang can affect the tightness of your ratchet straps, so it’s a good idea to recheck them frequently.
It’s also important to keep in mind that a ratchet strap’s Working Load Limit Rating (WLL) can change over time. It’s important to inspect your straps regularly and replace them as needed to prevent accidents or equipment damage. Also, be sure to store your ratchet straps in a dry environment, as moisture can cause them to rust or degrade over time.
How to Tighten
Ratchet straps are a simple way to hold large, bulky objects together. They are essentially pieces of webbing outfitted with ratchet hardware that allows the strap to attach to the object, loop over it, and then tighten the webbing to secure the object in place. Our ratchet tie down straps are available in various sizes and break strengths, so you can find one to meet your needs.
A common mistake that haulers make when using ratchet straps is not tightening them correctly. Incorrectly securing a load will cause the strap to fail, and can result in serious damage to your cargo and potentially to you or your truck.
It is also important to store your ratchet straps properly to ensure they last. Over time, long-term exposure to sunlight and water can weaken the polyester webbing that makes up the majority of the strap. Proper storage, such as in our Trucking Depot duffel bags, can help prevent this. We recommend that you only use your ratchet straps when needed, and to store them in a dark, dry environment.
Ratchet Straps for Cargo Transportation
Retractable ratchet straps provide professional movers with a fast and efficient cargo-securing option. Their patented technology helps prevent over-tightening, which could damage the customer’s personal belongings and create a safety hazard on the road. They also include a secure locking mechanism, which minimizes the risk of accidental release during transport and saves time when loading or unloading.
These straps come in various lengths and feature end fittings such as flat snap hooks or d rings for attaching to E-track rails. They’re ideal for transporting ATVs, UTVs, boats, kayaks, lawn equipment, and other heavy-duty loads.
Make sure you select a ratchet strap with a high working load limit that can support the weight of your equipment. Lower-rated straps will break or damage during transportation and should not be used with heavy loads. The working load limit is located on the webbing and is usually 1/3 of the overall breaking strength. The load rating should be clearly visible and legible for easy reference during transportation. In addition, you should always check for tangles and snags before using the straps to avoid any damage to your gear and cargo.
Securing Loads on Trailers
There are many different types of ratchet straps that can secure cargo on trailers including flat hooks, snap hooks, wire hooks, grab hooks, and D rings. They also come in various lengths from 12 to 20 feet and can be purchased with or without an E track system fitting or a cleat for use on a rail-mounted anchor point.
When choosing a ratchet strap always read the working load limit which takes the breaking strength and divides it by three. This allows you to know that the strap is safe for transporting your cargo on public roadways. Straps that are not rated can fail due to several factors such as strong brakes, sudden lane changes, and load shifting.
Ratchet straps can be purchased in a wide variety of colors and end fittings. Choose a color that is easily visible on your load and then look at the available end fittings for securing it to your trailer. These can include E-track system fittings, cleats, or welds. They may also have different breaking strengths for different applications and be available in a retractable option that saves you time by having the webbing already threaded through the ratchet when unbuckled.