We get it, you’re busy and need to move things quickly. There are trailers full of mowers, boats, and motorcycles to be towed, and a truck bed’s worth of mulch, compost, and pavers to haul. But doing so unsafely will only lead to headaches and potential danger. That’s why it’s time you learn how to use a ratchet strap!
A ratchet strap is a tool used to safely and securely strap-down or fasten a particular load to a trailer, pickup truck bed, or car. It’s a simple and easy-to-use tool that increases the safety of your cargo ten-fold when applied correctly.
So grab The Drive’s informational team’s hand and walk with us as we explain exactly how to use a ratchet strap and do so safely. Let’s get safe!
A ratchet strap is a fastener or tie-down tool made of a fabric belt and a ratcheting device that allows the user to create tension between two ends that typically feature hooks. It is used to secure cargo, whether that’s in a truck bed, on a trailer, or on top of your car’s roof.
Here are all the parts of a ratchet strap.
The handle actuates the ratchet strap’s axle, which tenses the strap and allows you to secure your load. The handle also features the ratchet strap’s release, a small piece of metal or plastic that you squeeze to release the strap’s tension.
A spinning mechanism that is actuated by the handle and tenses the strap.
A thin opening on the axle that the strap is fed into.
There are two pieces to the strap. The strap attached to the front of the handle and the non-attached strap that is fed into the ratchet strap’s slot and axle.
Two metal hooks are attached to the straps, one on each end, and act as anchor points.
Working with ratchet straps can be dangerous. When properly secured, the ratchet strap is under a great load, and frayed, cut, or improperly secured ratchet straps can snap. Here’s exactly how you can safely use a ratchet strap and not die, get maimed, or lose a finger—hopefully.
Let’s do this!
You’re done! Congratulations.
Firmly grip the handle and release mechanism. Simultaneously squeeze the release and pull the handle back toward the axle of the ratchet strap. There’s likely a fair amount of tension, so it may jostle when you fully release the ratchet strap’s tension. Once that’s done, leave the handle open and you can pull out the rest of the strap from the axle.
You’ve got questions, The Drive’s informational team has answers!
The Drive does not recommend using only one ratchet strap, especially for large, heavy, and unwieldy cargo. Utilizing three or more anchor points will increase your cargo’s security and safety.
When you have a small load that can fit in the middle of the truck’s bed or when using a tarp to keep bulk items secure, consider using two ratchet straps and anchor them in an “X” pattern.
Depending on what you’re trailering, you’ll want to use multiple ratchet straps to ensure it doesn’t move. For example, a boat will require at least two ratchet straps at the back near the boat’s motor, while a large riding lawn mower will require four ratchet straps, one per wheel hub.
Similar to the pattern in a pickup truck’s bed, it’s best to use an “X” pattern when strapping things to your car’s roof.
Ratchet straps should always be secured using a car’s frame, a pickup truck’s bed hooks, or a trailer’s frame. Anchor points that won’t move.
Yes and no. A slackline, which is an exercise and recreation tool, uses the same mechanism as a ratchet strap. However, a slackline is far more heavy-duty than your average ratchet strap and comes with special loops at the end of the straps that allow you to anchor the slackline and not fall off. Your standard ratchet strap is not rated for a full-grown human’s weight.
Luckily for you, ratchet straps are relatively cheap. A pack of small ratchet straps may cost you anywhere from $10-$15, while larger or heavy-duty ratchet straps can cost upwards of $50-$100, depending on how heavy-duty you need.
Because ratchet straps are so useful, you can pretty much buy them anywhere tools are sold, including Amazon, Home Depot, or Walmart.
RHINO USA Ratchet Straps Motorcycle Tie Down
Auto Tie-Down Straps
Erickson Pro Series Ratcheting Tie-Down Strap
Got a question? Got a pro tip? Send us a note: guidesandgear@thedrive.com
