17 Nov 2025

WHAT ARE RATCHET STRAPS AND HOW ARE THEY USED?

What are ratchet straps? They are essential restraining tools used to tie down and secure items during storage or transport. Ratchet straps are widely used across various industries, from everyday settings and automotive to engineering and agriculture. If something needs securing, a ratchet strap is the most consistent option. They consist of a ratchet buckle-like mechanism and polyester webbing. The webbing wraps around the item, while the buckle provides high-tension, controlled tightening for a secure fit.

They can be used to tie down cargo to trucks, trailers and vans. In warehouses and logistics, they can be used to secure and stabilise pallets or machinery. The automotive industry can make use of its hooks to pull together and hold various components, or to hold bodywork in place prior to securing it properly. Using a ratchet strap is more popular than bungee cords, ropes or cam buckle straps as they create a far higher level of tension, providing superior holding.

H2: HOW DO RATCHET STRAPS WORK?

A typical ratchet strap configuration and use is being looped around and tying down various cargo. The polyester wrap is threaded through the buckle, which is then locked down. Then you can start to pull back and forth on the ratchet handle, which will drive the thread through further. It uses the same principles as a torque bar, in that you can hand-tighten a bolt into place. But even the strongest person can’t get the same level of security from the leverage created by the buckle system.

What are ratchet straps subject to with maximum loads? Each strap is governed by break strengths and working load limits. The break strength is the average maximum force a material can withstand before failing. The working load limit is the maximum allowed load that can be applied to a material or tool. This is worked out by dividing the break strength by a safety factor, normally a 1:3 ratio, meaning there is more than enough leeway before the strap breaks. Different types of ratchet straps are made up of a selection of components that are crucial to understand when answering, ‘How do ratchet straps work?’.

·        The handle serves as the lever that the user moves back and forth to tighten the strap. It provides a mechanical advantage, allowing strong tension to be applied with minimal physical effort.

·        The buckle forms the main frame that holds all components of the ratchet mechanism together. It houses the moving parts and includes a slot through which the webbing is threaded before tightening.

·        The axle is the rotating central rod around which the webbing winds as the handle is operated. Each movement of the handle turns the axle slightly, tightening the strap and removing slack.

·        The pawl is a small metal latch that locks into the ratchet’s teeth to prevent backward movement. It ensures that once tension is applied, the strap cannot loosen until the release lever is engaged.

·        The webbing is the strong polyester strap that loops through the buckle and wraps around the load, providing the bulk of the holding strength.

H2: DIFFERENT TYPES OF RATCHET STRAPS

Before purchasing any ratchet strap, always determine the total weight of the items you plan to secure. This helps ensure that your chosen straps provide adequate strength and safety for the task. It’s important to select a strap with a working load limit that sits comfortably above your cargo’s actual weight for the safest and most reliable restraint solution. But you should also be conscious of picking a ratchet strap that is too light for the cargo can lead to slipping and other failures during transit.

·        Light-Duty Ratchet Straps: These straps typically have a capacity of around 140kg to 400kg and are best suited for smaller loads or light domestic use. They are ideal for securing items such as bicycles, garden tools or smaller collections of boxes during transport.

·        Medium-Duty Ratchet Straps: With a capacity ranging between 500kg and 1,000kg, these straps are designed for moderate loads. They are commonly used for securing furniture, equipment or mid-sized cargo in vans and trailers.

·        Heavy-Duty Ratchet Straps: Capable of handling loads ranging up to 10 tonnes, these straps are built for the most demanding industrial or commercial applications. They are suitable for securing vehicles, heavy machinery or large pallets during long-distance transport.

You should also consider the lashing capacity of a ratchet strap. This measurement, shown in decanewtons (daN) on the label, indicates the maximum load a strap can safely secure. Checking the lashing capacity will ensure that your chosen strap meets the demands of your cargo.

H2: HOW TO THREAD A RATCHET STRAP (STEP-BY-STEP)

1.      Inspect the strap, anchor points and webbing for cuts, frays or damage that could affect the integrity of the strap.

2.      Unwind the strap completely and lay it out flat so the webbing isn’t twisted and position the ratchet buckle on the side where you’ll operate the handle.

3.      Hook or secure the end fitting (S-hook, flat hook or ring) to a solid anchor point on the trailer, vehicle or load.

4.      Thread the webbing through the mandrel (spindle). Open the ratchet (lift the handle to the open position), feed the free end of the webbing up through the slot in the centre of the ratchet drum from the underside and pull several centimetres through so you have working length.

5.      Pull the free end of the webbing tight by hand so it’s snug around the load and remove as much loose slack as possible before ratcheting.

6.      Pump the ratchet handle back and forth; each motion will wind webbing onto he drum and increase tension. Continue until the load is adequately held in place.

7.      Push the handle fully down into the closed/locked position so the pawl engages and the mechanism cannot open accidentally and loosen off.

8.      Tuck or tie off any remaining loose tail so it cannot flap or get caught in moving parts.

9.      Ensure hooks are still seated, the ratchet is fully locked, that the webbing isn’t twisted or rubbing a sharp edge and the load is fully stable before moving.

After you have gotten your use out of your ratchet strap, pull the release lever or tab (lift the pawl), open the ratchet fully so it’s flat, then pull the webbing back through the mandrel to free it. Then roll it back up and put it away securely, ready for its next use.

H2: SAFETY AND BEST PRACTICES

Safety and best practices are essential when using any form of tools or devices, including different types of ratchet straps. Before each use, straps should be carefully inspected for signs of cuts, fraying or UV damage that can weaken the webbing and compromise its strength.

Users must never exceed the working load limit and should fully understand that the break load refers to the point at which the strap will fail entirely. Sharp edges on cargo or around the area it is being used in should always be avoided or protected against with corner guards or edge protectors.

It is also important to recheck strap tension periodically during transit, as vibration and movement can cause slight loosening over time. After use, ratchet straps should be stored properly in a clean, dry environment, away from direct sunlight or chemicals, to prevent deterioration and extend their service life for future applications.

H2: COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID

This section will highlight what are ratchet straps most common mistakes. The biggest is twisting the webbing, which reduces strength, prevents even tension from being created and causes over-ratcheting. This will damage both the strap and the cargo. Using the wrong hook type or weak anchor points can also cause failure during transport.

Knowing how to thread ratchet straps correctly will mean you always ensure they’re flat, properly tensioned and secured to strong, stable anchors. Using them in transport applications, you must also be aware of legal requirements regarding load security; many regions enforce regulations that make drivers responsible for ensuring cargo is safely restrained. Failing to comply with these laws can result in fines, vehicle damage or accidents caused by shifting loads.

H2: CHOOSING THE RIGHT RATCHET STRAP

As common as ratchet straps are, choosing the right one can be tricky. You may already know the answer to the question, ‘What are ratchet straps?’ but you may not know which would be best for your environment, weight requirements and lengths. Here at Lifting Equipment Store, our team has the industry experience and the knowledge to be able to point you in the right direction to secure your ideal ratchet strap system. Contact us today and make the most of our expert knowledge.