When it comes to loading and unloading heavy items onto your truck, van or car, heavy duty ratchet straps are perhaps the most important piece of equipment that you need for such a job. They are built for usage in a number of heavy-duty applications that require the highest level of versatility and safety. But no all ratchet straps are built equally. Below, we give you a few pointers on what to look for when choosing heavy duty ratchet straps.
Any strap, whether heavy duty or not, needs to be long enough to secure your cargo and reach the anchor point. A strap that is too long means having to deal with loose ends, and straps that are too short simply won’t work. What you need is a strap that is long enough to offer versatility so you can use it in a number of tie-down applications. If you end up with loose ends, there are some solutions to this problem; one solution is to use a wrapper.
The wider the ratchet straps are, the more they can handle. Wide ratchet straps can be used even the toughest applications you can think of. Heavy-duty ratchet straps are usually 4 inches wide and can stand up to anything. This will give you peace of mind in case you are concerned about any breakage.
If you want to make the strap tighter, a ratchet mechanism will offer you enough leverage to tighten any load and secure the strap. In fact, ratcheting mechanism comes with any standard high-capacity tie-down strap. Heavy-duty ratcheting mechanism should be made from heavy steel so that they don’t easily fall apart. And the mechanism should be easily adjustable and well-built enough so that it doesn’t jam during use.
Heavy-ratchet straps using come with plenty of hooks types that are suitable for a number of anchor points. There are plenty of hooks to choose from, such as S-hooks, double J-hooks, flat hooks and even customizable e-track systems. The best hooks are made from quality material, like heavy steel, for durability and strength, which makes them highly dependable and safe. For heavy duty applications, you will need hooks with a break strength that ranges from 2,000 to 20,000 pounds.
If you need better durability, go for heavy duty ratchet straps made from polyester webbing (they can withstand the weight of almost anything). If you need more stretch, go for nylon webbing. The ratcheting mechanism and the hooks should have rubberized coatings so that they don’t scratch your cargo, which is very important when you are transporting vehicles and electronic equipment. Also look for a ratchet strap with an ergonomic grip that provides extra grip and leverage.
Knowing how to choose the right heavy duty ratchet strap is important, considering the type of heavy cargo you are transporting. Accidents can cause damage and death, and these five pointers should help you choose the correct heavy-duty ratchet strap to secure your cargo and transport it safely.
