12 Dec 2021
RATCHET STRAPS: USES OUTSIDE OF CONSTRUCTION
You may have seen that many construction companies use ratchet straps for securing cargo and other loads when lifting.
However, have you ever thought about where else this durable solution is used? Whether you have or not, you're going to get an understanding of where else you can use these items.
Before we dive into other areas where you can expect to find this equipment being used, let's get an overview of what they are and the importance of looking after your strap(s).
WHAT IS THIS PIECE OF EQUIPMENT?
They are typically made from polyester mesh and are a key component in tying down and securing cargo during the lifting process. They are also known as tie-downs and can help ensure all cargo stays in place and does not move or shift during transportation. This article will demonstrate the various uses of the equipment and how they can be incorporated into other areas of your life.
If you want to find out more about how this particular item works, you can read the article 'What are Ratchet Straps and How Are They Used?' where we give you a detailed breakdown of what they are and how to use them.
IMPORTANT FACTORS TO REMEMBER WHEN USING
It's important that you make yourself aware of the working load limit (WLL) of your strap(s)! You can locate the WLL on the webbing of your strap with it being clear to identify the weight limit restrictions and read the correct handling requirements. The WLL gives you an indication of how much weight the version you have can handle before getting damaged or breaking.
We recommend that you always consider the WLL as if ignored it can potentially lead to personal injury and become costly due to mishandling or breaking of goods being carried. If you're looking at using this equipment and are unsure of what WLL you need for your desired job at hand, please contact an experienced member of the LES team who will be happy to listen and provide a suitable solution for you.
APPLICATIONS WHERE YOU CAN USE THEM
To give you an idea of the various places you can use this material handling gear, we've given a number of examples below to show how you can start using this handy piece of equipment in a range of situations. Please note these are not all the situations you can use them in and it might just be the idea you need to think about using them for another material support application.
SECURING VEHICLES
APPLICATIONS WHERE YOU CAN USE THEM
To give you an idea of the various places you can use this material handling gear, we've given a number of examples below to show how you can start using this handy piece of equipment in a range of situations. Please note these are not all the situations you can use them in and it might just be the idea you need to think about using them for another material support application.
SECURING VEHICLES
Transporting vehicles can be extremely nerve-wracking, especially if these vehicles are worth a lot of money. Potential damage to your vehicle may be a concern since cars are expensive to fix and many people can do without any extra damage costs.
Additionally, if your item is loose or unstable, it could put you and other road users at risk. This material handling equipment simply give you peace of mind and allow your vehicle will be secure on the road your entire journey so that it arrives in one piece.
ASSISTING STUCK VEHICLES
Not only can they be used for transporting vehicles, but they can be used for towing.
For example, if you have a car that has broken down on the side of a motorway or stuck in mud or snow then they can be attached to another vehicle to help pull you out allowing you to come unstuck.
Most versions tend to use Nylon, which can help accommodate stretching to prevent jolting and damage to the vehicle. If you are the person towing, always check the WLL of the version you have to ensure it can handle the weight of the vehicle. Never exceed the working load limit of your item, since it will lose its effectiveness.
BICYCLES, CANOES, KAYAKS
If you decide to go on a family weekend away, you will need to figure out a way to transport your bikes, canoes or kayaks. These items tend to be too big to fit in your vehicle. Ratchet straps are ideal for securing your bikes, canoes, or kayaks onto the back or top of your vehicle allowing you to use your own instead of renting.
TRANSPORTING TREES AND TREE STUMPS
Trees can often be quite awkward to transport from one place to another, especially around Christmas time. This supportive material can help tie down smaller trees and Christmas trees to the roof of your vehicle to make the transporting process easier. This material handling equipment can help ensure your tree stays safe and secure until you reach your final destination.
FENCES AND LANDSCAPING GARDENING ITEMS
Transporting fences or other items from a warehouse can be extremely challenging. That's where this material handling equipment can be the perfect invention for tying down big blocks of wood or fences and transporting them to your preferred location. You will feel at ease when strapping these items down since they will ensure the items are secure and stabilised whilst you’re driving.
DIY
In a more outside the box way of thinking, you can use this stretchy equipment to help hold items together can be an ideal solution for when you are waiting for glue to dry. They can help compress two items together to ensure all angles are stuck together. You can get quite creative with ratchet straps since they can come in handy with any project or art project where you need to compress the items together and secure them so that the glue can dry.
DO YOU NEED ANY RATCHET STRAPS?
As you can see from the various examples above, there are various uses for ratchet straps and the applications you can put them on. The main point to remember with this piece of equipment is making sure you get the correct strap with the appropriate WLL for what you need it to do.
This article concentrated on the polyester webbed version, however, as we looked at above, there are a number of different types that you can have that are more durable. You can check out the article 'What are ratchet straps and how are they used?' to get a deeper understanding of where you might
For any further information, you can contact a member of our LES team or read our other blogs for a more in-depth read on types of ratchet straps and how to use them.
