Ratchet Straps

This supportive equipment, which are also known as lashing straps and tie-downs, are mainly used for transportation and are a popular method of holding in place equipment and cargo of different weights, sizes, and shapes. They are used to fasten and secure equipment and cargo during transport either by air, land, or sea which makes them an effective health and safety item to keep loads from falling off the vehicle and in place until delivered and lifted off. They are usually made from durable, hard-wearing, polyester webbing giving them low stretchability to ensure they keep moving loads secured.

Why should I use them?

When transporting loads on the back of vehicles or securing general cargo you must be sure that the goods are firmly secured before beginning. Failure to do so can result in dangerous consequences. Not only can such a simple device save a lawsuit, it can also save a life! Think ahead.

Choose from standard Claw Hooks to various other end fittings such as Chassis Rings, Delta Hooks, J-Hooks, Snap Hooks and endless types as well as Cam Buckle and even car recovery kits that include wheel straps and ratchet lashings for recovery vehicles. 

When you need to replace them

The health and safety authority explains how employers and self-employed have legal duties to assess the risks of what they do and provide the suitable equipment, information, and training so that drivers and loaders can load vehicles safely. It's important to know when you need to replace your strap(s) to ensure they're still effective and do not become a health and safety risk as this is what they're supposed to help reduce. If there are any frayed webbing, mildew, or any holes and tears you should stop using them and get hold of new ones before using them to transport any items as they could cause an accident and are at risk of not being effective. If you've read this and are thinking this product can help your business, make sure you check out the full LES product range to see how they could help you and your business excel. If you're needing a number of ratchet straps as part of a bigger order for a bespoke solution, please contact an experienced member of the LES team where they will be happy to discuss your needs and how we can help.

Different Types of Ratchet Straps

There are a number of different types available to purchase and depending on the weight and size of the items and cargo that it's holding down will depend on what type you need. The strength of a strap should be shown on its label as the lashing capacity (LC) and measured in decaNewtons (daN) which give the user of the weight and size the assembly can securely hold for transportation. It's important that when using a strap you take into account the break strength and working load limit which will determine what type of strap you will need to securely carry your cargo. The bigger the cargo and items that are being transported, the more heavy-duty the ratchet assembly will need to be.

This equipment is rated by its weight capacity which can range from 140kg for a light strap all the way up to 5,000kg for a heavy-duty strap so it's important to know the weight of your items and cargo so you have the right ones to support them.

What to watch out for

It's important to monitor your equipment to ensure they are safe to use, however, this doesn't necessarily mean you have to replace them but just have to give them a bit of a tidy up to make them fully effective again.

It might be that the rachet assembly needs lubricating in which case you can use a small spray of dry silicone spray or WD-40 which will give it more durability and stop the assembly from greasing up and causing stiffness.

When you're not using the straps, it's good practice to store them in a weatherproof dry and dark container or compartment so they don't get damaged and wrap the webbing and straps with a rubber band so they don't unravel and fall around.

If you use the straps for carrying heavier loaded and sharper edge items such as steel, concrete, and scrap metal which can potentially damage the strap material and assembly, it's good practice to use corner webbing sleeves to protect the straps.

For further information and large quantity orders please contact a member of our sales team who will be happy to assist with your requirements, we have the ability to supply container volumes of webbing and ratchet tie downs at factory prices.

LC = Lashing Capacity