WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A RATCHET STRAP

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A RATCHET STRAP
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WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A RATCHET STRAP

What to look for when buying a ratchet strap

Ratchet straps are a brilliant way of being able to safely transport goods from one place to another, but there are a number of things to consider when purchasing yours to ensure that they are good quality. 

We’ve all seen it - the person who hasn’t considered this and is now driving down the motorway with their ratchet straps flapping in the wind. On a serious note, this can be really risky and you could be inadvertently putting yourself and those around you at risk by purchasing a low-quality ratchet strap.

With that in mind, we’ve pulled together a few of our top tips as to what to look for when buying a ratchet strap to keep you safe and make the job a whole lot easier.

 

What is a ratchet strap breaking strength limit?

The most obvious and perhaps most important thing to consider when buying a ratchet strap is their strength limit. 

Whether you’re in need of a lightweight or more heavy-duty ratchet strap, it is important to determine what the breaking limit is.

It is a criminal offence if you do not ensure that your haulage is secured safely, so you need to make sure your ratchet straps can handle the weight of your cargo. If your cargo is too heavy, it is very likely that your ratchet straps will break in transit, or your cargo will become loose. 

Each strap has what is known as the Working Load Limit (WLL), and this is what determines how much weight is safe enough for the strap to hold. You will typically find this on the label on your ratchet strap. It is also important to account for DaN force or tension force. This is the tension placed on the load in the event of, for example, a sudden stop or turning a sharp corner. 

How long are ratchet strap straps?

Similarly to the point above, the length of the straps also matters when ensuring that your load is secure. Make sure that the length and width of your ratchet straps meet your needs.

If your straps are too short, they will not be able to go over your cargo and you will fail to secure it at all. If they are too long there will be excess that could flap in the wind or be a hindrance when driving. 

There are some styles of ratchet strap such as retractable ratchet straps that can help you get around these issues, especially for smaller loads, but you have to make sure you pick the right ones.

How easy are ratchet straps to use?

If you’re using ratchet straps for work, things such as grip and ease of use will definitely be a deciding factor when it comes to which ratchet strap to buy. Handles that are well-designed and comfortable to use will instantly have a leg up over those that don't. Choose a design that you find can release and grip easily.

We have handles that pull up which are your "regular" ratchet handles but we also have handles that pull down which are a lot easier on the back and joints, especially when tightening higher loads and can allow you to get a tighter fit. 

What type of hook does my ratchet strap use?

We stock a variety of styles of ratchet straps, from retractable ratchet straps to j-hook and snap hook ratchet straps. Before buying your ratchet straps you need to work out what type of tie-down point your vehicle has, as this will determine which style of ratchet strap works best for you. Flat hooks work best for flat tie points such as bumpers, whereas s-hook and j-hook options work better for thin metal tie points. Ratchet straps can be secured to just about any solid anchor so you can choose the hook that best supports this.

Hopefully that has given you some insight into the core areas to consider when making your next ratchet strap purchase. If you have any questions, please contact us today. We’re more than happy to advise and help you find the best option for you!

 

21 July 2020
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