How to use a ratchet strap

The ideal solution for safely and securely tying down heavy loads ready for transportation, ratchet straps (also referred to as tie-down straps) are an essential accessory for professional cargo carriers as well as individuals using them for domestic purposes.

With a ratchet on one end and a piece of hardware on the other (typically, a hook), these straps can be easily adjusted by simply threading the strap through the mandrel and cranking the ratchet until the strap has sufficiently fastened the load into place.

While this sounds straightforward, the proper use of ratchet straps can take some expertise and experience. Luckily, if you’re looking for a clear answer to “how do I use ratchet tie down straps”, our knowledgeable team can help.

To answer some of the most common questions related to using a ratchet strap, including how to properly inspect, thread, loosen, release, and store ratchet straps, we’ve created this comprehensive step-by-step guide.

Whether you need to secure goods or a vehicle on a truck, trailer, pallet, or container, our ultimate guide on how to use a ratchet strap can point you in the right direction!

Step 1 – Select a suitable ratchet strap

The first step to learning how to properly use ratchet straps​ is selecting the most suitable strap for the application. This is because ratchet straps are available in various lengths and widths, weight capacities, and hardware types.

How to choose the right ratchet strap

For safe, seamless, and secure item transportation, it’s important to choose a ratchet strap that’s appropriate for the type, size, and weight of cargo being moved. When assessing your options, you should:

Determine the weight of the cargo

Finding out the weight of the cargo should be fairly straightforward by simply weighing the cargo on a scale. However, it’s important to remember that you should include the weight of the entire load exactly as it will be when transported – including the pallet, skids, wrap, straps.

Check the breaking strength and Working Load Limit (WLL)

For ratchet straps, the breaking strength refers to the maximum force that the ratchet strap can be subjected to once without failing, while the WLL (also known as the safe working load) refers to the recommended maximum weight that the strap is designed to handle during typical use.

For safety purposes, the WLL for a ratchet strap is often just a fraction of its breaking strength. This means you need to choose a ratchet strap with a WLL that’s equal to or lesser than the weight of the cargo.

Fortunately, this should be easy to check as ratchet straps come with labels stitched into the fabric of the webbing. Among other information, including the production date, length, material, and standard, these labels should clearly display both the breaking strength as well as the WLL.

Determine the size of the cargo

Ratchet straps are available in a wide range of lengths and widths to accommodate loads of different sizes. Naturally, larger loads will require longer, thicker straps to cover the entire length of item being transported while shorter ratchet straps should be sufficient for smaller items.

Carefully measuring the item that you want to transport should give you a clearer idea of the ideal ratchet strap length.

Choose the most suitable hardware

Between ratchet straps with anchor plates and S-hooks to models with delta rings, looped ends, and claw hooks, there’s a wide range of ratchet strap hardware to explore. You’ll need to determine which hardware will work best for your application.

Some of the key types of ratchet straps include:

·       Ratchet straps with S-hooks – A versatile piece of hardware, S-hooks can secure cargo by attaching them to vehicle bumpers, trailer angles, and a variety of anchors and D-rings. 

·       Ratchet straps with claw hooks – Claw hooks on ratchet straps are ideal for fixing to dedicated points on the chassis of the transporting vehicle. 

·       Ratchet straps with D-rings – Ratched straps with D-rings can be attached to a range of hooks that are commonly found in vans, trucks, and trailers.

·       Ratchet straps with lopped ends – Lopped end ratchet straps are specifically designed to secure cargo using existing fixings such as poles, posts, and hooks as anchor points.

·       Ratchet straps with anchor plates – A more permanent alternative to using hooks to secure cargo, anchor plates can help you to affix ratchet straps to the walls or flooring of enclosed trailers or vans.

At Load Straps & Slings, you can browse a huge range of ratchet straps for both commercial and domestic purposes. Available in varying sizes with different WLL’s and hardware, you can rest assured that you’ll find the most suitable solution for your application.

Step 2 – Inspect the ratchet strap

First and foremost, you should also check that the ratchet strap you’ve purchased conforms to the necessary regulations (the current European standard for ratchet straps is EN 12195-2: 2001) and has been fully tested and properly labelled.

Prior to using any ratchet strap, even if it’s brand new, you should thoroughly inspect it - any strap you use should be in great, working condition. If you notice signs of damage, no matter how minor, it’s crucial that you replace it as soon as possible.

Signs of damage to the fabric webbing includes abrasive wear, fraying, loose stitching, holes, tears, and cuts, while the hardware should also be inspected for corrosion.

Step 3 – Thread the ratchet strap

Ratchet straps are composed two key parts - a locking mechanism, known as the ratchet, and a fabric webbing, which makes up the strap component.

How to thread a ratchet strap

Start by laying out the ratchet and flipping it fully open with the handle pointing upwards. You can do this by pulling up the release catch (also referred to as the release lever) which can be found in the centre of the top movable piece of the ratchet.

Once open, simply slide one end of the fabric webbing through the centre slot of the mandrel - a core part of the ratchet, the mandrel refers to the two metal strips at the bottom of the ratchet. Once you’ve fed the strap through, flip the end and thread it back over the top of the mandrel.

While sliding the fabric through the slot in between the mandrel and the bottom of the release catch, ensure you pick up the slack in the strap until taut. Next, raise and lower the handle of the ratchet to spin the mandrel and increase the tension in the excess strap fabric.

Keep cranking the ratchet until the strap is tight and the tension is sufficient to safely secure the load. To lock this into place, ensure the handle is moved into the closed position.

Step 4 – Secure the cargo

Whether you’re transporting the cargo with a truck, moving van, or trailer, you’ll need to ensure the ratchet strap is properly secured using the appropriate hardware. This will prevent the cargo from moving around while being transported.

For example, one of the most common types of ratchet straps feature S-hooks which can be easily attached to dedicated hooks or groves in the truck bed or van walls.

Once the ratchet strap is in the appropriate position around the cargo, simply tighten the strap by cranking the ratchet until the strap is taut and the cargo is securely held in place. While the strap should be tight around the cargo, you should avoid over-tightening as this could result in damage to the strap or item being transported.

Finally, lock the strap in the closed position (when the ratchet is folded on top of itself) by pressing down on the ratchet until a click is heard.

Step 5 – Loosen the ratchet strap

After learning how to thread, tighten, and secure a ratchet strap, the next thing you’ll need to know is how to loosen it. You may need to loosen the strap if you’re concerned that it’s been over-tightened and is damaging the cargo or putting the strap itself under strain.

How to loosen a ratchet strap​

To loosen a locked ratchet strap, you’ll need to pull up the release catch which is located at the top of the ratchet. This will fully open the ratchet and introduce some slack into the fabric webbing, giving you an opportunity to pull the strap loose by hand.

Step 6 – Release the ratchet strap

Once you’ve successfully transported the item to the desired location, you’ll need to release the ratchet strap in order to remove the cargo from the trailer or truck bed.

How to release a ratchet strap

Releasing a ratchet strap starts by loosening it as outlined above. After pulling up the release catch and manually pulling on the non-fixed side of the strap, the strap should fully release from the ratchet.

After unthreading the strap from the ratchet, simply close the ratchet by folding it together. You can do this by pressing and holding down the release catch as you close it or simply closing the ratchet until you hear a click.

Step 6 – Store the ratchet strap

While it’s crucial that you learn how to properly use a ratchet strap, it’s just as vital that it’s stored in the appropriate way, too. Proper ratchet strap storage will help to avoid damage and increase its lifespan.

How to store a ratchet strap

Firstly, if you’re dealing with multiple ratchet straps, we recommend separating them and carefully rolling them up. Once rolled up, simply secure the roll with a rubber band or zip tie. This will help to prevent the various ratchet straps from tangling and make them easier to find and use the next time you need to transport cargo.

Most ratchet strap manufacturers recommend storing these products away from rain, snow, and UV rays in a covered, dry space to keep them in good condition. Storing them in this way can help fend off mould, mildew, and the breakdown of the fibres to retain the integrity of the ratchet straps for longer.

If the webbing of your ratchet strap requires replacement, but the rachet itself is in good condition, you may want to consider simply replacing the webbing. Luckily, the Load Straps & Slings team supply a wide range of polyester webbing – from 1,500kg all the way up to 10,000kg breaking force webbing.

Browse a wide range of ratchet straps

At Load Straps & Slings, the leading UK supplier of ratchet straps, you’ll find a generous selection of high-quality ratchet straps in various lengths and widths to support the safe, secure transportation of heavy loads.

Regardless of whether you’re searching for an 800kg or 10,000kg ratchet strap, you can rest assured that all our ratchet straps have been tested, labelled, and are in full compliance with the current UK and European standard, EN 12195-2: 2001.

Featuring heavy duty ratchet straps with anchor plates, S-hooks, D-rings, looped ends, and claw hooks, you’re sure to find the ideal type of ratchet strap for your domestic or professional application here – complete with convenient next day delivery.

For support placing your order or to discuss your specific load binding requirements with a member of our team, please don’t hesitate to give us a call on 020 3978 2137 or send your enquiry via email to info@loadstraps.co.uk.