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News & guides

From the workshop

Buying guides, how-to articles, show dates and news from The Ratchet Shop.

Guide21 August 20266 min read Industrial Lifting Slings: Choosing the Right Material and GradeCompare webbing, round, and chain lifting slings on material, load rating, and UK compliance to choose the right sling for the job.Read article
Guide19 August 20266 min read Shackle Material Comparison: Alloy vs Stainless SteelCompare alloy and stainless steel shackles on strength, corrosion resistance, and load capacity to pick the right one for your job.Read article
Guide17 August 20266 min read Lifting Chain Failures: Causes and PreventionLearn the causes of lifting chain failures, wear and deformation warning signs, and how UK LOLER rules prevent accidents. Read the full guide now.Read article
Guide10 August 20266 min read Selecting Ratchet Straps for Agricultural TransportCompare ratchet straps for agricultural transport by type, WLL and SWL. Get the right heavy-duty strap for your farm loads. Shop the UK range now.Read article
Guide23 July 20267 min read Height Safety Inspections: A UK Compliance ChecklistHeight safety inspections in the UK: what's required, how often, and how to stay compliant. Get the full checklist and avoid costly HSE penalties.Read article
Guide21 July 20266 min read Off-Road Recovery: Choosing the Right Snatch StrapSnatch strap buying guide: compare load ratings, length, and stretch so you recover safely every time. See what actually matters before you buy.Read article
Guide20 July 20265 min read Advanced Chain Hoist Maintenance for Long-Term SafetyMaster advanced chain hoist maintenance with our proven safety checklist. Reduce downtime & prevent costly failures. See the full guide.Read article
Guide17 July 20266 min read Heavy-Duty Load Binders: A Complete Buying Guide for UK TransportChoose the right heavy-duty load binders for UK transport. Compare ratchet vs lever types, load ratings & safety rules. Read more.Read article
Guide24 June 20264 min read Choosing Lifting Slings for Construction ProjectsChoosing lifting slings for construction? Compare chain, wire rope, webbing & round slings by load, edge risk & site conditions. Read our expert guide.Read article
Guide19 June 20266 min read Calculating Safe Working Loads for Multi-Leg Lifting ChainsSWL calculations for multi-leg lifting chains: mode factors, sling angle tables, load distribution, chain configurations, and BS EN 818-4 compliance explained.Read article
Guide16 June 20269 min read Choosing the Right Shackle for Heavy LiftingApplications A shackle is the most common single point of failure in a lifting assembly. Every lifting system that connects a sling, chain, or rope to...Read article
Guide12 June 20263 min read Lifting Slings for Industrial ApplicationsLifting slings for UK industrial use: webbing slings, round slings, SWL selection, pre-use inspection, and LOLER 1998 compliance from The Ratchet Shop.Read article
Guide25 May 20268 min read Advanced Lifting Chain Maintenance GuideAdvanced lifting chain maintenance guide: pre-use inspection, lubrication schedules, LOLER examination criteria, and BS EN 818-4 compliance.Read article
Guide20 May 20268 min read Best Ratchet Straps for Off-Road RecoveryBest ratchet straps for off-road recovery: LC ratings, capacity calculations, safe use steps, maintenance & EN 12195-2 compliance from The Ratchet Shop.Read article
Guide18 May 20267 min read Height Safety Essentials for Construction WorkersHeight safety essentials for UK construction workers: harnesses, lanyards, fall arrest blocks and Work at Height Regulations 2005 compliance.Read article
Guide17 April 20269 min read Construction Winch Pulley Systems: UK Safety GuideLearn winch pulley systems for construction sites, including types, mechanical advantage, applications, LOLER safety rules, inspection, and UK compliance.Read article
Guide16 April 20269 min read Lever Block vs Chain Block: Which One Should You Use?Compare lever block vs chain block for lifting jobs. Learn differences, use cases, load control, and choose the right chain hoist for site work.Read article
Guide26 March 20269 min read Lifting Slings for Marine Applications: What You Need to KnowMarine lifting slings: materials, corrosion resistance, SWL ratings, inspection requirements, and UK LOLER compliance from The Ratchet Shop.Read article
Guide24 March 20268 min read Understanding Load Limits for Multi-Leg Lifting ChainsMulti-leg lifting chain WLL calculations, sling angle tables, Grade 8 vs Grade 10 comparison, and UK LOLER 1998 compliance guide from The Ratchet Shop.Read article
Guide25 February 20264 min read What Is the Difference Between Bow Shackles and Dee ShacklesBow shackles and Dee shackles differ in shape, strength, and use. Learn which shackle suits your lifting needs for safety, stability, and efficiency.Read article
Guide23 February 202610 min read How to Select the Right Ratchet Strap for Heavy LoadsLearn how to select the right heavy-duty ratchet strap for UK road transport, covering WLL, lashing angles, EN 12195-2, PUWER checks & hook types.Read article
Guide23 February 20263 min read Understanding Lifting Chain Grades for Construction ProjectsLearn how to choose the right lifting chain grade for construction. Compare Grade 80 vs Grade 100, WLL limits, and UK safety standards.Read article
Guide26 January 20263 min read Are My Shackles Safe to Use Under LOLER RegulationsLearn how shackles meet LOLER rules, what inspections are needed, and how markings and condition checks keep daily lifting operations safe.Read article
Guide16 January 20263 min read When Should I Replace a Ratchet Strap Under UK Safety RulesKnow when to replace a ratchet strap under UK safety rules, spot damage early, meet EN 12195-2 standards, and keep loads secure on the road.Read article
Guide14 January 20263 min read SWL vs WLL Explained: Choosing the Right Equipment for Heavy LoadsIt is considered that both terms SWL and WLL are similar, which identifies the capacity every piece of equipment has to lift a load. But there...Read article
Guide23 December 20253 min read How Do I Prevent Overloading When Using a 9000kg Lever BlockLearn practical ways to prevent overloading a 9000kg lever block by checking load weight, understanding WLL, and following essential lifting precautions.Read article
Guide22 December 20253 min read What Are the Most Common Mistakes When Using a Chain BlockA chain block is equipment that workers operate by hand to lift a heavy load. However, during lifting, the occurrences of mistakes are possible, but the...Read article
Guide12 December 20255 min read What Are the Most Common Mistakes When Using 5000 kg Ratchet StrapsLearn the key mistakes workers make with 5000 kg ratchet straps to keep cargo secure, prevent damage, and ensure safer load handling.Read article
Guide8 December 20254 min read What Are the Differences Between Lifting Chains and Load Restraint ChainsLifting chains handle overhead loads with strength and safety, while load restraint chains secure cargo in transport. Know the right chain for the job.Read article
Guide21 November 20256 min read How Can I Use Load Binders Safely in Cold or Wet WeatherLearn how to use load binders safely in cold or wet weather with simple tips to prevent slips, rust, and tension issues for secure hauling every...Read article
Guide17 November 20255 min read How Steel Wire Rope Pullers Simplify Bridge Construction ProjectsSteel wire rope pullers make bridge construction faster, safer, and more efficient with powerful lifting, easy handling, and reliable performance.Read article
Guide11 November 20256 min read Can I Tow a Car with Lifting Slings? Here’s What You Need to KnowLearn how to safely tow your car using lifting slings. Understand the right type, weight capacity, and safety tips for a smooth towing experience.Read article
Guide22 October 20254 min read Top 5 Maintenance Tips to Extend the Life of Your Load BindersKeep your load binders strong and reliable with simple care steps. Learn the top maintenance tips to extend their life and ensure safe transport.Read article
Guide17 October 20254 min read Can Easy Winders Extend the Life of Ratchet StrapsEasy Winders keep ratchet straps neat, tight, and protected, helping truck drivers extend their lifespan while saving time on every journey.Read article
Guide13 October 20254 min read What Are Mechanical Steel Jacks Used For?Mechanical steel jacks lift, brace, and support heavy loads with strength and safety, making them vital in construction, agriculture, and rail industries.Read article
Guide26 September 20255 min read What Are Shackles and Why Are They Used for Lifting and Rigging in the UKLearn what shackles are and why they are vital for lifting and rigging in the UK, ensuring safety, strength, and reliable load handling.Read article
Guide19 September 20254 min read What Are the Most Common Mistakes When Using an Easy WinderLearn the most common mistakes when using an Easy Winder and how to avoid them for smooth, safe, and efficient strap winding every time.Read article
Guide16 September 20254 min read How Do I Choose Between Ratchet Load Binders vs Lever Load BindersCompare ratchet and lever load binders at The Ratchet Shop. Learn which binder suits your load needs best for safety, comfort, and efficiency.Read article
Guide20 August 20254 min read What’s the Difference Between Lifting Chains and Wire Ropes?Lifting chains offer strength, durability, and safety, while wire ropes risk wear and hidden damage. Choose chains for reliable heavy lifting.Read article
Guide18 August 20255 min read How to Select the Right Chain Hoist Capacity for Your WorkloadLearn how to choose the right chain hoist capacity for your workload with smart tips on lifting chains, hooks, and safety from The Ratchet Shop.Read article
Guide13 August 20255 min read Snatch Strap vs Recovery Strap: Which One Is Right for Off-Road Recovery in the UK?Snatch straps can risk damage, while recovery straps offer safe, steady control. Choose the right equipment for off-road recovery in the UK with confidence.Read article
Guide11 August 20255 min read Grade 80 vs Grade 100 Lifting Chains: Which One Should You Use?Grade 80 chains offer reliable strength, flexibility, and value. See why they outperform Grade 100 chains in real-world lifting jobs every day.Read article
Guide25 July 20254 min read How to Choose the Right Round Slings for Your NeedsLearn how to choose the right round slings for safe, easy lifting. Pick the best size, strength, and style to match your job every time.Read article
Guide23 July 20255 min read Top 5 Mistakes When Using Binder Chains & SlingsLearn about the top 5 mistakes people make when using binder chains and slings. Stay safe, protect your load, and get the best from your gear...Read article
Guide26 June 20255 min read What Is the Best Length for Ratchet Straps?Explore the ideal ratchet strap length for any load. From light-duty to heavy-duty, learn what fits best for secure, hassle-free transport every time.Read article
Guide22 May 20254 min read The Importance of Using Compliant Ratchet Straps in UK Commercial TransportLearn why compliant ratchet straps are vital in UK transport. Ensure safe, legal, and secure cargo journeys with trusted strapping solutions.Read article
Guide20 May 20255 min read Vertical vs Horizontal Lifting Clamps: Which One Do You Need?Explore the key differences between vertical and horizontal lifting clamps to find out which one suits your lifting needs best, with strength and safety in mind.Read article
Guide25 April 20256 min read Why Grade 80 Lifting Chains Are a Game Changer in Heavy LiftingGrade 80 lifting chains offer superior strength, safety, and durability, perfect for handling the toughest heavy lifting challenges with total confidence.Read article