Ratchet straps are a fast and easy-to-use tool to secure a variety of different types of equipment for transport. These simple and fast-securing devices have many advantages, as they are easier to use – but can be just as secure – as chains.

Ratchet straps are basically a high-performance windlass drum winch with a slot in the middle that is able to be locked in position. When properly used and cared for, they can represent an efficient solution for hauling machinery and other gear. 

Below is a quick list of tips on how to utilize and care for these straps that will save you time and money.

Let's talk about care and safety first:

Like any other tool, it is important to inspect ratchet straps for wear and damage every time you use them.

1. As with chains, a quick visual check will tell you if tie-down ratchet straps are in good working condition. Indications of deterioration begin with the color of the nylon strap, itself. If the original color of the strap is still bright (yellow, red, orange, or blue) it’s likely in good condition. Nylon straps’ material can degenerate when exposed to continual sunlight, or wet and soggy conditions for long periods. If the straps’ color is faded, it means that the tie-down straps have likely been affected by sunlight or prolonged moisture. Such exposure can affect the strength of tie-down ratchet straps and weaken their rating. Therefore, always store straps in a dry and covered location when not in use. Do not let straps sit outside on the back of a truck bed and remain exposed to the elements. After each use, take a few seconds to wrap them up neatly and store them inside your vehicle.
2. Do a quick visual inspection prior to each use of ratchet straps. Note any protruding silk-like fibers and look for cuts and abrasion damage. If you can visually see many of these defects, there is a good likelihood that the strap is damaged beyond acceptable use, including possibly being overstretched. Any erosion or cut greater than 1/4" renders the strap unsafe for use and the item must be discarded.
3. Inspect the ratchet/winch mechanism for proper operation. The mechanism should operate smoothly and not bind. Lube the device weekly, so that the parts operate fluidly. If the frame is bent because someone over-tightened the apparatus, the first clue will be difficulty of operation. 

If any of the above three issues are observed, it is best and safer to simply discard the tie-down ratchet strap and put new ones into service. However, as with many tools, properly cared-for straps can last for many years. 

Proper Procedure to Use a Ratchet Strap:

Many people unknowingly use ratchet straps improperly, cause damage to the product, and then complain that the device does not work well. These misconceptions are really mostly due to operators not understanding how to correctly use the tool.

The following is a list of the steps and procedures that will greatly help you in the use of ratchet straps. If you follow these guidelines, the straps will never loosen or become damaged:

1. After following the inspection steps outlined above, begin by attaching the ratchet strap hooks to the correct equipment-provided tie-off points.
2. Run the nylon strap through the windlass drum slot and take up slack. Once slack has been taken up, release about 12" to 16" or so of the nylon strap, then crank the handle, so you have at least two complete windings on the drum. Three wraps around the drum would be preferable. Failure to wind the strap a minimum of two complete windings on the drum will allow the nylon strap to loosen up – probably the biggest mistake users make. 
3. While tightening, observe that the nylon strap portion is not in contact with any sharp surfaces. Sharp edges should always be buffered with an anti-chafing material. This will not only shield the strap, but also keep your equipment from being scratched. If you use chains, you probably already understand the damage that can be caused to the appearance of your equipment without adopting such safeguarding procedures. Some ratchet strap manufacturers sell protective sleeves that can slide up/down on the strap to cushion the strap and the surface of equipment.
4. Do not overtighten load securing systems. Straps or chains should be snug, but users should avoid over-tightening this equipment “banjo-string tight.” If you are in the habit of using a cheater bar to make sure the load is tight, you could be causing more harm than good. It is preferable to stop on occasion during travel, as required by DOT regulations, and ensure your load is secure than to tighten it so much that the securing system strap/chain exceeds the WLL (working load limit) of the components, bending, stretching, and damaging them to the point that they fail. 
5. After securing the ratchet mechanism, place the handle in the “lock” position. By doing so, this secures the mechanism in two places.
6. Extra-long ratchet straps lengths: Straps come as long as 27 feet in length. If you regularly use the same tie-down ratchet straps for the same piece of equipment, cut and reduce the nylon to a more manageable length. It is tedious and a waste of time to have to deal with the extra 10-15 feet of tail strap every time you secure/unsecure your equipment. A pair of scissors or a sharp pocket knife makes short work of the excess strap tail. I usually never have a strap tail longer than 4 feet. Using a torch to melt the end, so the material does not unravel, is also important.
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‍Important information that everyone should read:

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)/Department of Transportation (DOT) 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) §393.100-130 deals with loads and equipment tie-down rules. It is important that everybody reads and practices every regulation.* For more detailed information on these ordinances, visit GovInfo and the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). 

The most important points to remember are:

• Any equipment or load with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 10,001 lbs. (4,536kg) or more must be fastened by four (4) individual points of securing contact. Smaller loads (5 feet or less in length and more than 1,100 lbs., or; longer than 5 feet, but less than or equal to 10 feet in length, irrespective of weight) only require two (2) securing points of contact. However, securing devices (straps or chains) must add up to a minimum of 50% of the WLL (working load limit) of the load weight.
• When used in combination with any other load-securing devices (hooks, shackles, et cetera), the final WLL ratings will always be of the lowest-rated device. 
• Always only use tie-down at points where the equipment manufacturer provided for securing the equipment. Resist the temptation to use any other locations out of convenience or to ensure additional redundancy. 

Example of what not to do:

You are transporting a new pickup truck on a trailer. In addition to securing the vehicle from the designated tie-down points such as the front and rear tow-hooks or the vehicle axles, you hook extra ratchet straps to each of the door handles to secure the vehicle and give it a few extra cranks with a cheater bar. Rest assured that this will definitely damage the vehicle.

*Note: DOT regulations relating to equipment without wheels can differ from the above. Additionally, some specific ordinances vary from state to state within the U.S.

Conclusion:

When properly used, tie-down ratchet straps are a fast, easy, and reliable solution to secure a properly rated load.

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