Ratchet tie down straps are vital for securing cargo during transportation. Every year, these straps become damaged due to improper storage and usage.
The strap’s hooked end should be secured to a sturdy anchor on the truck or trailer bed. To tighten the strap, you need to turn the ratchet handle in a circular motion.
Instructions
Ratchet straps are used by OTR truckers professionals, professional movers, or to secure cargo on your flatbed trailer, moving van, or pickup. They are unparalleled in terms of strength and security and can also be used to prevent loads from shifting in transport.
A strap called a ratchet belt is an elastic strap that has been fabricated with tie-down hardware. The hardware includes fittings on the ends to allow the strap to connect to anchor points, wrap over or around cargo or equipment and also a method of closing and tightening.
If you’re ready to put on your ratchet strap, you must first allow it to fully cao tang do open in its flat position. Then, squeeze the release lever to open it.
Once the strap is fully taut, you can open and close the ratchet handle to a point where it’s secure but not overtightened. You can tell whether you’ve overtightened the strap if you can’t fit your fingers between the strap and the item being secured. After you’re happy then flip the ratchet to its closed position, and close it until you can hear it snap.
Secure Cargo
It doesn’t matter if you’re transporting ATVs or lumber on flatbeds, the objective is to secure the cargo and stop it from moving in the course of transport. Ratchet straps with a rating that is appropriate to the load is the ideal solution to accomplish this. The limit of a ratchet strap’s load is determined by calculating its breaking strength and dividing it by three.
Begin by placing each hooked end of your tie-down strap between anchor points that are secure on your truck or trailer, like the rails or etrack system. You can pull the strap’s free ends through the slot of the ratchet. The strap’s free end should not be too long, as it can cause the ratchet to become stuck when tightening.
Once the free end of the strap is in place, pump the ratchet handle to get rid of the excess slack, and then begin cinching it down. It is possible to keep your fingers on the handle of the ratchet to determine when you have reached the limit of your working capacity and must stop. Inadequately tightening the strap could result in damage to your cargo and damage to the ratchet.
Proper Use
Ratchet straps on flatbed trailers are vital accessories to secure large loads. It is, however, easy to slip up when using these straps which can compromise your load or the ratchet itself.
Verify the webbing on the ratchet assembly and the handle for damage prior to making use of it. Apply dry silicone spray or WD-40 to the handles of the ratchet to make them more comfortable.
Then you can thread the free end of your ratchet strap through the slot that is open on the mandrel. Ensure that there’s not any slack in the webbing. After the webbing has been threaded properly you can close the ratchet lever and turn it upside down to secure the strap around the load.
Repeat this process until your tension of the ratchet strap is at ideal tension. Avoid over-tightening as this may cause harm to the cargo, or the ratchet mechanism itself. Use ratchets with the right end fittings. These include flat hooks or chains. When you are storing your ratchet strap ensure it is kept out of the direct sunlight since the sun’s UV rays can alter the quality of synthetic webbing.
Tie Down Strap Safety Tips
Like all tools and equipment, it’s essential to regularly check the ratchet straps to check for signs of wear or damage. Moisture is a huge problem for ratchet straps since it can lead to mildew and mold as well as weaken the tie-down webbing made of polyester that the straps are constructed of.
A noticeable color change is also a signal that a ratchet strap may be starting to degrade. The exposure to sunlight could cause webbing to be weakened by harmful UV rays Therefore, it is advised to keep these straps in places that are not exposed to direct light.
Lubricating the straps of ratchets is a excellent idea. This will help the hardware flow smoothly and avoid corrosion. Just be sure to only apply dry silicone spray for this, since solvents such as WD-40 can cause harm when they come in contact with the webbing.
Ratchet Strap Tightening Guide
The best way to make sure that your ratchet straps operate properly and last for longer is to keep them maintained properly. Ratchets work better if you clean and lubricate them regularly. It is also essential to keep them in a space which is dry and away from sharp objects or corners that could cause damage.
When you’re thinking about ratchet straps there are many different choices to select from based on your requirements for cargo security. There are endless loops, e-track fittings wire hooks, flat hooks and S hooks. The right end fitting is crucial to keep your ratchet belts safe and safe out on the road.
Choose ratchet straps that are marked with a clearly visible working load limit. It is illegal in multiple states to use a ratchet strap without one, and could mean you are at risk of paying fines, or worse being fired from your trucking position as a result of it. Pick ratchets with a strength enough to hold the load they were made to hold.
