blog

Visual guide showing proper and improper techniques for using ratchet straps

Ratchet Straps: The Dos and Don’ts to Follow

Loading

Transporting your crucial cargo is not only about loading and unloading. It is about the intricacies of transportation which secures the cargo to the last extent. There are many accessories involved in the cargo transportation. One of them is ratchet straps. Whether it is about transporting moving furniture, equipment, or anything else, ratchet straps are the most reliable tool that can keep any kind of load safe. 

However, there is so much involved in their wear and tear. The improper use of these straps can lead to early wear and tear, accidents, and unwanted injuries. This is why it is essential to buy them from the right place and follow the necessary dos and don’ts related to ratchet straps.

Ratchet straps: The necessary dos to follow 

There are some dos to follow which can help you offer many benefits of ratchet straps, such as: 

  • Select the right ratchet straps

Not every ratchet strap is similar. You can find them in unique widths, lengths, and even different capacities for loading. This is why it is essential to keep an eye on the working load limit of the ratchet straps and ensure that the selected straps can handle the weight of the cargo. However, choosing an undersized strap can lead to stress and failure of cargo loading. 

  • Inspect the ratchet straps before their actual use. 

Before securing the load, it is essential to keep a check on the ratchet straps. This way you can get to know about their wear and tear, or any other kind of damage. If you see any weakened stitching, cuts, etc., then it is better to replace the straps. A compromised strap can add a lot of pressure and can hamper the cargo’s security. 

  • Tighten the straps properly. 

While you are ensuring to secure the cargo, try to use more than one ratchet strap and ensure to tighten them. This will help in disturbing the tension equally. The uneven tension can cause shifts during the transportation process and increase the risk of damage. 

  • Store the ratchet straps with care. 

After using the ratchet straps, it is highly imperative to store them properly. Try to keep them in a dry and cool place where there is no direct sunlight. This will ensure that no moisture or direct heat from the UV rays gets onto them. Otherwise, the material of the ratchet straps will weaken with time. Roll them up and prevent any kind of tangles to enhance their longevity.

  • Secure the hooks of ratchet straps

The ratchet straps come with different hooks. You can get them in s-hooks, flat hooks, and even in j-hooks. However, it is essential to double-check whether the hooks are connected with anchor points which helps in handling the force applied. If there is a weak anchor point then the strap can easily slip and even break. 

Ratchet straps: The necessary don’ts to follow 

There are certain don’ts that are necessary to follow in case of ratchet straps. Here is what you need to avoid with ratchet straps: 

  • Don’t let the strap overload 

Not many people know that ratchet straps have a certain workload limit. If you are exceeding this limit then there is a possibility that straps can easily break and the cargo can be at a great risk. Ensure that you are checking the rating of every manufacturer and are aware of the capacity of ratchet straps. 

  • Don’t twist your ratchet straps.

Twisting your ratchet straps unnecessarily can reduce its effectiveness. This can further lead to stress points in the ratchet straps. Ensure that you are keeping the strap flat on the cargo to enhance its strength. This way ratchet straps can hold the cargo to its maximum capacity. 

  • Don’t leave them on the loose. 

Not many people understand that loose ends of the ratchet straps can cause more harm than expected. The loose ends of ratchet straps can get caught in the wheels, create a bigger hazard, or hamper the cargo during transportation. This is why it is essential to safeguard the material of ratchet straps. You can even use velcro straps to keep everything in their place. 

  • Don’t leave them in uneven weather conditions. 

Ratchet straps are considered to be durable. They are robust enough that they can endure anything. However, the question of how to use ratchet straps still persists. The best thing you can do is to avoid keeping them in heavy rain, snow, or harsh UV rays as all these weather conditions can hamper their material. If you are going to use them outdoors for a longer duration then it is better to opt for protective covers. 

  • Don’t tie them in a knot and get them repaired unnecessarily. 

Ratchet straps can lose their effectiveness if you are tying them in knots to shorten them. Also, an attempt to repair a strap by stitching it or using duct tape can make everything worse. The modifications to fix the ratchet straps can compromise them and even hamper their reliability. This is why it is suggested to use the straps the way they are and if they get damaged down the line, it is better to replace them with new ones. 

Conclusion 

Ratchet straps have become a boon for people who wish to transport their material or cargo with complete safety. They keep the cargo secure without you wondering about any ill effects or any risk of cargo damage. However, looking after your ratchet straps is also essential to maintain their longevity. The above-mentioned dos and don’ts will help you maintain your ratchet straps and avoid any mishaps with the cargo. Also, you can entrust Brampton Straps when it comes to getting ratchet straps of top-notch quality. With high-quality ratchet straps and other cargo accessories from Brampton Straps, you can secure your cargo without constantly worrying about anything. Thus, ensure that you are doing everything possible for the longevity of them and getting them from the right place.

Recommended Blog

How to Keep Your Cargo Secure?

When transporting goods, even when via dry vans, flatbeds, or container trucks, there’s no ...

5 Reasons Why Using DEF Fluid Is Important

When you own a vehicle, it is essential to ensure that you can thoroughly and effectively maintain ...

Explore Some Creative Uses of Ratchet Straps

Ratchet straps have been used by most of the truck drivers in order to secure their cargoes and ...

Avoid Common Mistakes While Using a Ratchet Strap

Transporting goods from one place to another while being a truck driver can bring a lot of ...

How to Tarp a Flatbed Load: A Comprehensive Guide

Moving cargo on flatbed trailers presents a unique challenge, and one of the biggest is ensuring the ...

Top 5 Tips Using Ratchet Straps Correctly & Safely

Ratchet straps, also known as tie-down straps, are essential equipment for protecting cargo during ...
Scroll to Top