Ratchet Straps & Tie Down Straps

Choosing ratchet straps and tie down straps

A ratchet tie down is two pieces: the ratchet with a short fixed end, and the long strap that you tension through it. On standard and ergo ratchets both ends finish in a hook and keeper that clips onto the anchor points of a truck, trailer or ute. Polyester webbing stretches a little under load, so it keeps its tension better than chain if the load moves or settles on the road.

Pick the type and webbing width first, as together they set the lashing capacity (LC), then the length to reach over the load and back to the anchor points with spare webbing. The 50mm strap at 9m is the most common all-rounder for trailers and light trucks; 75mm suits heavy truck loads; 25 and 35mm suit utes, roof racks and smaller loads.

Ratchet strap sizes and lashing capacity

Lashing capacity is the most force the strap is rated to hold in a straight pull. It is printed on the strap's label: check it before use and never use a strap whose label is missing.

Standard, ergo, retractable or a replacement strap?

• •Standard ratchet: the everyday heavy duty ratchet with a quick release, from 25 to 75mm.
• •Ergo ratchet: a longer handle with a rubber grip for more leverage, and a reverse pull-down ratcheting action that is safer and more comfortable to tension.
• •Retractable ratchet: the strap winds itself back into the ratchet, so there is no loose webbing to roll up or lose. The 25mm S hook version releases with a quick release button, has no aluminium (so it suits mining sites) and has a 20mm hook opening to suit tie down points.
• •Replacement strap: the long strap with its hook and keeper only, no ratchet. If your ratchet is still in good order but the webbing is worn or cut, a replacement strap of the same width is the cheaper fix.

How to use a ratchet strap

To release a ratchet strap: pull the locking latch to release the safety mechanism, open the handle right out to 180 degrees (flat open), and pull the webbing back out through the spindle to separate the strap from the ratchet. A retractable ratchet releases with its quick release button.

1. Hook both ends onto solid anchor points, with the ratchet where you can reach and work the handle.
2. Open the ratchet and feed the loose end of the strap up through the slot in the spindle.
3. Pull all the slack webbing through the spindle by hand before you start ratcheting.
4. Work the handle up and down to tension the strap. Make sure there are at least 1.5 turns of webbing on the spindle so the strap holds.
5. Close the handle flat to lock it, and tie off or tuck away the spare webbing so it cannot flap.

Safe load restraint with ratchet straps

1. Ratchet straps are for load restraint only. Never use them for lifting: use a rated lifting sling.
2. Check the webbing for tears, cuts, nicks and abrasion before each use. Do not use a strap with more than 10% of its load-bearing fibres or stitching damaged.
3. Do not use a ratchet or hook that is bent, cracked, badly worn or corroded.
4. The webbing can be twisted one half turn to stop it vibrating and flapping. Do not twist it further and never knot it.
5. Use protective sleeves or corner protectors wherever the strap crosses a sharp edge.
6. Know the weight of the load and use enough straps for it.
7. Keep straps away from chemicals.
8. Follow the National Transport Commission Load Restraint Guide, which is free to read at ntc.gov.au.

Ratchet straps or transport chain?

Webbing straps are lighter, quicker to use and kinder to finished surfaces, and they hold tension well as a load settles. Transport chain with load binders is the choice for heavy machinery, steel and loads with sharp edges that would cut webbing. Many trucks carry both.

Ratchet straps in Adelaide

Allmat supplies ratchet straps, replacement straps, transport chain and binders to transport operators, builders and trade across Adelaide and South Australia. Add the straps you need to a quote, with anything else on your list, and we will price the lot.

Questions