Ratchet straps, also known as lasing straps or tie-downs, are one of the most commonly used ways for securing cargo, particularly in transportation. Ratchet straps are the transporter’s hammer, with applications ranging from professional to everyday general use.
You may not realize it, but these basic straps play a significant and crucial role in material handling. It is important, like with other material handling equipment, that you use it correctly and do the right Ratchet Webbing Techniques to unblock its true potential.
What Is Ratchet Webbing?
Ratchet webbing is a type of webbing that has a ratcheting mechanism and is commonly used for securing and fastening. It’s made of a woven strap made of strong and durable materials like nylon or polyester, with a ratchet buckle at one end.
The ratchet buckle makes it simple to tighten and secure the webbing, resulting in a dependable and adjustable binding force. Ratchet webbing is commonly used in a variety of industries, including transportation, cargo handling, and outdoor activities. Its adaptability and user-friendliness make it a popular choice for securing loads, pulling lines, and ensuring stability and safety in a variety of applications.
What Are The Right Techniques To Use Ratchet Webbing?
Selecting The Right Strap
Ratchet straps are rated according to the weight of the cargo they can anchor. Light-duty straps start at 100 KG pounds, and heavy-duty straps can weigh up to 4,500 KG. Use a strap that is rated higher than the weight of your load.
Start With Something Normal
You can’t secure your cargo without a strong connection point, such as a luggage rack, roof rack, or truck bed hook. If you don’t have a rack, don’t tie a cargo to the top of your car—you’ll never be able to secure the ratchet straps enough for safe hauling.
Tighten Up
Check the length of the webbing when you hook the ends of the ratchet strap to a sturdy surface to ensure it isn’t twisting and is flat against your goods. Tighten the strap gradually, examining the location of the webbing as you go to ensure it doesn’t shift or bind anyplace. Cinch the strap until it is taut, but don’t overtighten it since this could damage the strap or whatever you’re hauling.
Watch The Loose Ends
Some ratchet straps allow you to slide the cam buckle down the length of the webbing to customize your fit. If altering the cam buckle position results in additional webbing, make careful you tie it off so it doesn’t flap in the breeze.
More Is Better
It is preferable to have too many straps than too few. When tying down your load, don’t merely use tie-downs on the front-rear and side-to-side planes of your vehicle. Consider your load from every angle to ensure that nothing can shift in any direction. Secure each layer before adding the next tier if you’re stacking more than one.
Check / Recheck
Before you drive away, give each strap one last push to ensure the line is taut. For extended travels, verify the load and straps on a regular basis (usually every 100 km or so). It’s surprising how much looser your previously tight line can become after being jostled by wind and road bumps.
Lubricate The Ratchets
Finally, use a dry silicone spray or industrial lubricating oil to grease your ratchets. We advise avoiding using solvents like WD-40 since their lubricating benefits are short-lived. Use your preferred lubricant with caution and sparingly. Make every effort to keep lubricant away from the strap webbing
