Ratchet Tie-Down Straps Overview

Ratchet Tie Down Straps can be used in so many ways. They are a versatile tool for securing cargo in a truck or for just fastening down something in your yard.

Tie-down straps (also called ratchet straps) are used to hold down cargo or equipment during transport. Tie-down straps are basically webbing that has tie-down hardware sewn to them. The hardware allows the tie-down strap to attach to the area surrounding the cargo or equipment, loop over the cargo or equipment, and/or attach to the cargo or equipment. It usually also provides a method of introducing tension to hold the item in place. There are a variety of choices for hardware; ratchets, cam buckles, snap hooks, flat hooks, wire hooks, S-hooks, and much more.

How to Use a Ratchet Strap

The two common types of tie-down straps are endless loop straps and two-piece straps.

LOOP RATCHET STRAPS
Endless Loop Straps As the name implies, loop straps are a single piece of webbing that is looped around the item to be protected and brought back together at the tie-down fastener (ratchet or cam buckle) for fastening and providing tension.

TWO-PIECE RATCHET STRAPS
Camo Ratchet Strap Two-piece tie-down straps are a single assembly that is constructed out of two separate pieces of webbing each with its own hardware that is fastened at one end to the area surrounding the equipment to be protected and connected to each other, at the ratchet or cam buckle.

Top sites to buy ratchet tie-down straps:
www.ratchetstraps.com
www.shipperssupplies.com
www.lodimetals.com

Ratchet straps are manufactured to secure cargo in place on trucks, trailers, boats, and other freight carriers. Most ratchet straps are made with polyester webbing to minimize weathering and damage. There is a wide variety of hardware for ratchet straps, such as; flat hooks, snap hooks, wire hooks, grab hooks, S hooks, chains, e-fittings, and more.

You should inspect your ratchet straps before each use and replace any tie-down strap assembly that is not in excellent working condition. You should never use a ratchet strap if there is abrasive wear, broken or worn stitching, holes, tears, cuts, or any tie-down hardware that shows a defect.

Choosing the Correct Ratchet Strap for your Application

1. Figure the weight and size of the cargo you are securing
2. The tie down strap needs a Working Load Limit (WLL) equal to or greater than that weight
3. Choose the length you need
4. Choose the hardware that will be best for your application (ratchet, hooks, etc)