Ratchet straps are popular because they're easy to use and secure cargo well. Here's a guide to ratchet strap setup, use and storage.
In North America, sales of light trucks — mainly pickups, SUVs and minivans — exceed those of traditional cars by three to one. Apart from their practicality and comfortability, light trucks are popular because they can accommodate passengers and cargo. Soft Sling
Transporting things — whether sports equipment, weekend camping gear or lumber from the home center — comes with responsibility. Cargo must be secured so it remains on the vehicle or in the truck bed. That’s where ratchet straps come in.
Ratchet straps, aka tie-down straps, are popular because they’re easy to attach and hold cargo in place. However, I’ve often seen them misused. Poorly-secured items can be damaged in transport or even fall off the vehicle, becoming a safety hazard. Here’s how to set up, use and store ratchet straps properly.
Family Handyman Ratchet straps come in two pieces. One piece features a hook at one end and a ratchet at the other, attached via a short woven fabric strap. The ratchet has an axel with a slot in it, a release lever and the ratcheting handle.
The other piece is the loose or adjustable end. It’s simply a hook attached to one end of a long woven fabric strap.
Family Handyman To set up your ratchet strap, start with a closed ratchet handle. Slide the bare end of the adjustable woven fabric strap through the slot in the ratchet axle and back out on top of itself.
Family Handyman Now that you’ve set up your ratchet strap, it’s time to secure some cargo. Here’s what to do:
Note: A properly-used ratchet strap offers lots of force. Be careful not to overly tighten; that can damage cargo.
Family Handyman When you’ve reached your destination, loosen and remove the ratchet straps. Here’s how:
Family Handyman If you look online, plenty of videos and hacks show how to store your ratchet straps. Some products come with a storage bag; others have a sewn-in velcro strap to wrap around for storage. Some people use rubber bands or old socks to keep their ratchet straps rolled up and tangle free.
Me? I coil up each strap individually and store them in the compartment beneath the back seat of my truck.
However you decide to do it, here’s some advice.
Each ratchet strap is rated for a specific maximum weight capacity, known as the working load limit (WLL). These refer not to the breakage strength, but rather the amount of cargo they can securely hold.
But just because you’re moving cargo that weighs less than 500 pounds doesn’t mean one 500-lb. strap will suffice. Consider other factors, like wind and the G-forces exerted on your cargo during acceleration and braking.
Select a strap with a WLL exceeding the weight of the cargo you need to secure. And it’s always better to go with more straps than you think necessary, for your safety and that of your cargo.
Ratchet straps can also damage cargo. When hauling large items without packaging, remember the abrasive woven straps and heavy metal buckles can rub and bounce on your cargo, scratching and denting it. In these situations, cover the straps at the contact points with cardboard or packing blankets, and wrap blankets or shop towels around the ratchets.
We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices.
Truck Ratchet Tie Down Straps We recommend our users to update the browser.