How To Properly Use Ratchet Tie-Down Straps

Here at BullRing, we’re all about safety and security. It’s been our main focus for the last 40 years while developing our best-selling line of retractable truck anchor points. So in today’s blog, we would like to discuss how to properly assemble and use ratchet tie-down straps.

Assembling and operating your ratchet tie-down straps

Before hooking up your ratchet tie-down straps, it’s important to ensure you correctly assemble them. Incorrectly assembled straps can lead to tie-down failure and cause injury or property damage.

There are two main parts that make up your ratchet tie-down straps. First, your main section, composed of a ratchet buckle and shorter length of webbing and hook. And then you have your longer section of webbing with one open and one hook end.

1. Start by attaching each hooked end of your tie down to a secure anchor point on your truck or trailer.  Position the strap across the cargo you want to secure.
2. Next, cycle the ratchet strap until the open slot on the axle faces upwards when the handle is in the closed position.
3. Feed the open end of the webbing through bottom side of the axle and pull all of the slack through
4. Open and close your ratchet 3 or 4 times to tighten it down. Return the handle to the closed position to lock it in place. Be sure not to over tighten.
5. To disengage your tie-down straps, pull down on the center release bar and rotate the handle a full 180 degrees until you hear a click and tension is released.

Maintaining your ratchet buckles

If not taken care of properly tie-down straps can wear over time causing failure or malfunction. But a well-maintained tie down has the potential to last many years. Keep the following in mind to help get the best out of your tie-down straps

• Regularly clean your ratchet handle assembly. Use a wire brush to remove any dirt or grime build up on the surfaces or in the moving parts of the ratchet.
• Once or twice a year lubricate your ratchet straps in order to keep them in ideal working condition. Apply lubricating oil, such as dry silicone spray or WD-40, to the moving parts of the ratchet handle assembly. Be sure to dry off any excess lubricant.
• Inspect your straps webbing before and after each use. Look for frayed fibers where a sharp edges may have come into contact with the strap.
• Check that the ratchet handle assembly is free of damage and operates smoothly.
• When storing your tie-downs, keep them out of direct sunlight. Over time UV light can make synthetic fibers brittle and prone to breakage. Also, avoid storing your ratchets where moisture, oil and grease, or abrasive materials could negatively impact their condition.
• Disassemble your straps at the after use to prevent the webbing from becoming a tangled mess or getting caught up in the ratchets spindle or teeth.

Knowing how to properly operate and maintain your ratchet tie-down straps is important if you want to be sure your cargo is safe and secure. If you’re looking to purchase a quality set of ratchet straps or tie-down anchor points, look no further than BullRing USA. All our products are backed by a lifetime “no bull” warranty.