Ratchet straps are used to strap heavy objects on top of a truck or a vehicle. The strap can be used to wrap an object tightly onto the vehicle with the help of the ratchet mechanism. The strap is also used to secure bulky items or even cargo onto a platform of a car roof. A ratchet strap can also be used easily as it has a simple mechanism. They come in different widths and lengths.
Ratchet straps are usually made of polyester webbing and are used to secure large cargo mainly to transport the cargo. A 1-inch thin strap of nearly 6-foot long can be used to strap a bike on a truck. These straps are also used to transport boats from one place to another. The ratchet straps are made to keep and hold heavy loads securely and ensure safety during transportation.
When you are buying ratchet straps, it is important to consider the weight of the load it is used to secure, which will determine the size and the strength of the strap that needs to be used. The straps load capacity is usually determined by the width of the strap. The stronger are wider in width, and the width of the straps can vary from 1-2-3- to 4 inches. The connector strap that is used to secure to the point of the anchor is also a major factor that influences the strap’s strength.
A ratchet strap usually comes in two pieces, so the first step is to attach the sections. To do that, just feed the strap through the slot in the attached handle and ratchet (move the handle up and down) until the slot is pointing straight up. That will allow you to feed the strap through easily.
Next, pull the strap tight and hook it up to whatever you’re loading. Be sure to keep the strap straight as you’re working with it. If it gets twisted, it could bind up.
Hook it up on each side, making sure you don’t leave too much slack. This is a common mistake. If there’s excess slack, the strapping material can get bound up in the handle when you start ratcheting, making it hard to release. If the binding is severe enough, you could even end up having to cut the strap.
After you get two points hooked up, all you have to do is pull the strap tight. Line it up, again making sure you keep everything in line. Once you’ve done that, grab the handle, pull the release, and ratchet it until it’s tight. Be sure to move the handle back down to its closed position when you’re done ratcheting.
To meet the limits set for the work load and the break strength, all ratchet straps will have to meet the strength measurement criteria that have been set by up many international and US standard agencies. It is also important to know the differences between the terms work load and break strength. Break strength is referred to the maximum weight at which the strap could fall apart. A work load limit that is roughly equivalent to 1/3 of the break strength is considered feasible and safe.