Choosing a Ratchet Strap

Published on 06/03/11

A ratchet strap is a necessary item when you are moving large objects from one place to another. This strap is one of the most versatile tie-down items and can be used for most shipping needs as well as for personal use. The ratchet strap can be used for everything from securing a load to a flatbed trailer to moving your furniture to your new home.

There are different types of ratchet straps and each one of them is useful in the right circumstances. Each ratchet strap is composed of a either one or two polyester straps and a ratchet mechanism. The one strap is attached to the end of the ratchet and the other strap is fed into the mechanism. The ratchet is then manipulated to tighten or loosen the straps, providing security for your items.

The ratchet strap that comes with only one polyester strap is the endless loop ratchet strap. The endless loop is attached at one end to the ratchet. The other end is loose and can be fed either over or under your items and then fed into the ratchet. This allows the strap to be used in circumstances where there are no locations for the hooks to be attached. It can also be used when you must join two items together for shipping and do not want either item damaged by a metal hook.

Ratchet straps come with two different kinds of hooks at the end of the polyester straps. The first is the flat hook that is used for flatbed trailers. Flatbed trailers have a metal ridge along the outside of the trailer that allows you to hook the straps in a variety of positions. The strap is then tightened and prevents the load from shifting during transport. This is important because a load that shifts will overbalance the trailer which can lead to tipping and cause an accident.

The other type of hook is the wire J hook. This hook is ideal for use on pickup trucks or smaller trailers where you do not have the space to hook a full flat metal hook. The wire hook can be used for small attachments and can even be used for attachment to the frame of your pickup truck. This allows you to move items safely without the danger associated with self-moving experiences.

There is even a ratchet strap that is design for hauling a car. This strap has rubber bumpers along the polyester that act as a cushion between the strap and the tire. This design prevents slippage of the strap as it goes over the tire. This strap a popular strap for auto hauling because the strap can stay lower profile for low riding vehicles. New attached image You can call a sales representatives toll-free at 1-800-483-2189 and we will assist you in finding the perfect strap for your specific application.

B.S. – Break Strengths are based on the load a component will withstand before failing
W.L.L. – Working Load Limit is 1/3 the break strength of the weakest part of the assembly
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