Ratchet tie down straps are designed to withstand high tension loads, but they need regular maintenance to perform well. Moisture is the biggest enemy of a ratchet strap, as it promotes mold and mildew which can weaken the polyester webbing.

Store your ratchet straps in a dry, moisture-free area. This will extend their lifespan and keep them safe for transportation use.

Common Mistakes With Ratchet Straps

Ratchet straps are an excellent way to secure cargo for transport, but they require proper use and safety precautions to prevent damage and accidents. Even experienced users can make mistakes that compromise the safety of their cargo and other motorists on the road. Here are some of the most common mistakes with ratchet straps, along with tips on how to avoid them.

One of the most common mistakes with ratchet tie down straps is using them for a load that is too large or heavy. Overstressing the straps can cause them to snap under pressure, causing damage to both the cargo and the ratchet system. Always inspect the straps and cargo before loading, and don’t exceed the recommended load limit.

Another common mistake with ratchet straps is storing them improperly. This can lead to a variety of problems, from tangled straps to corrosion and mold. It is important to store ratchet straps in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and other heat sources. Humid environments can also promote mold growth and moisture, which deteriorates the strap material.

It is also a good idea to store ratchet straps with their end fittings intact, as this can help preserve the life of the webbing. Also, it is a good idea to regularly inspect straps for signs of damage, such as fraying or cuts. This can indicate that the strap is no longer safe to use, and it should be replaced immediately.

How to Use Ratchet Straps

Ratchet straps are incredibly strong and capable of supporting large amounts of force. However, this strength can also make them dangerous to use if you don’t know how to properly operate them. The first step in using a ratchet strap is to make sure that both the hooked ends are attached to stable anchor points on your flatbed truck or trailer.

Next, pull the adjustable end of the day chang hang strap taut to remove all of the slack. This will help to prevent any accidental releases during transit. Once the strap is taut, it’s time to begin ratcheting. Be careful not to tighten the strap too much, as this can damage cargo or cause the strap to break.

Once you’ve ratcheted the strap to the desired level of tension, you can lock it in place by opening and closing the handle. Be sure to store your ratchet straps in a safe, dry location that’s not exposed to harsh elements. Also, don’t store them in direct sunlight as UV light can break down synthetic fibers over time.

Ratchet straps are an essential tool for professional movers and on-the-road truck drivers, and they’re great at keeping cargo secure during transport. They can be used in conjunction with moving blankets to protect cargo from damage while it’s being transported on a flatbed truck or trailer.

Securing Cargo With Ratchet Straps

Ratchet straps are a popular cargo securement tool in the professional trucking and shipping industry. They are widely used by flatbed truckers, OTR (on the road) drivers, hot shot haulers and to tie down vehicles, machinery, furniture, and more for transporting on trailers.

Cargo haulers need to make sure that the ratchet straps they use are properly rated for the load size and weight. Every ratchet strap has a workload limit and assembly break strength rating that is listed on the sewed tag. A ratchet strap is only as strong as its weakest link and can fail during transport due to sudden lane changes or heavy brakes on the highway.

When a ratchet strap is being used, it should be tightened to the point where there is no slack in the webbing of the strap. Then, the ratchet strap should be closed and locked. It’s also important to make sure the ratchet handle is not twisted. If a ratchet strap is left out in the sun for too long it can cause the slack to twist the webbing, reducing its workload capacity.

Ratchet straps come in a variety of lengths, widths, and hook types. They may feature J hooks, s-hooks, cam buckles, or e track fittings. E track ratchet straps are specifically designed to attach to the tracks that run along the walls and floor of trailers and moving vans. They are easy to latch into place and are a great way to secure large loads without having to keep using tools such as hammers.

Preventing Damage to Ratchet Straps

Ratchet straps are incredibly durable and have seriously high abrasion resistance, but they’re not indestructible. They are still prone to damage from certain environmental factors like sunlight, water and extreme temperatures. It’s essential to inspect them before and after each use to catch any issues early on.

The sun’s UV rays can cause the webbing to discolor and become brittle over time. When a ratchet strap begins to show significant discoloration it’s probably time to replace it.

Exposure to heat sources is also a threat to ratchet straps, especially when they are stored in your truck or trailer. Shielding the straps from heat will extend their lifespan.

Store ratchet straps away from direct sunlight, and keep them in the shade whenever possible. If you have to store them outdoors, use a tarp to cover them. Also, keep them away from engines and other heat-emitting areas.

Always look for a tag on the webbing that displays a working load limit (WLL) and assembly break strength. These are the safe load capacities for your ratchet tie down straps. If the WLL is not legible or missing, you should not be using it on your flatbed hauls. If the assembly break strength is less than the WLL, you should not be using your ratchet straps for cargo transport either. Avoid dragging your ratchet straps on hard surfaces, and use a CargoStop Wear Sleeve to reduce friction.