Your Complete Guide to Using Ratchet Straps

Whether you’re looking to tie down your furniture during a big move or keep a motorcycle secure during hauling, just about everyone has a use for ratchet straps. These heavy-duty straps are ideal for keeping large items secure in a flatbed trailer, inside a van or in a moving truck, as they are made of very durable woven material with little-to-no stretch. Ratchet straps also feature a sturdy buckle that allows the user to adjust the strap to as long or as short as they like, creating a completely custom fit and added security while moving.

Here’s everything you need to know about purchasing and using ratchet straps.

Types of Ratchet Straps

Ratchet only straps are your traditional ratchet straps; they feature your webbing and your buckle, which enables them to wrap around an item. These come in a wide selection of sizes from Strapworks, as well as your choice of materials depending on your needs. You can choose from flat nylon, heavyweight polypropylene, polyester or seatbelt styles.

If you need a ratchet strap that can attach to hooks or some other system, such as when moving cargo in a car or truck, you might want to try ratchet straps with hardware on either end. Strapworks carries these types in web sizes ranging from 1 inch to 2 inches wide, as well as your choice of materials.

If you need a replacement end tag for your ratchet straps, Strapworks carries them in a variety of sizes and styles. You’ll find flat nylon, heavyweight polypropylene, polyester or seatbelt to fit with any of your other ratchet straps.

Ratchet Strap Materials

If you’re unsure of which type of material to choose for your ratchet straps, you’ll want to think about how you’ll be using the straps. Here is a complete guide to all of the materials that Strapworks offers.

• Flat Nylon
  • Flat nylon straps are best for higher abrasion uses, as nylon is one of the strongest materials that Strapworks offers. However, if you’re using your straps in or around water, you won’t want to use nylon because it absorbs water, creates mildew and can even stretch when it gets wet.
• Heavyweight Polypropylene
  • Heavyweight polypropylene is a great choice if your straps will be outside in the sun or the elements because it is resistant to UV damage and doesn’t rot or mildew when it gets wet. Polypropylene isn’t quite as resistant to abrasion as nylon, though, so it shouldn’t be used around rough or sharp edges.
• Polyester
  • Polyester is very similar to nylon, but it can be used both indoors and out. It is resistant to UV rays, water damage, rot and mildew, and it is also very strong and won’t break under extreme pressure.