Best Uses of Cargo Tie Downs, Ratchet Straps and Slings

A ratchet strap is a strong and durable strap for loading, securing and unloading cargo. Because they are so versatile, we see industrial ratchet straps used frequently for applications such as moving, hauling goods, securing heavy items in transport, and even personal uses such as securing volleyball nets and hammocks. Most often, ratchet straps are made of a webbed polyester blend, and come in two separate pieces with a hardware attachment.

In order for these pieces to work together, you first release the ratchet. Then, thread the strap through and begin preparing to secure your item(s). To secure your item(s), you will pull back on the metal trigger and see that the strap is coiling around the center of the apparatus. As you continue to wind the strap, you will feel the strap securing to your item tighter and tighter. You will want to try shifting your item a bit to ensure that the ratchet straphas secured the item, so it does not move or shift at all.

A cargo tie down strap is used to secure cargo and can also be any combination of ratchet straps and/or sling(s). Ratchet straps, slings, cargo tie downsand cargo straps are often relied upon to properly load and secure large items to vehicles like trucks, Jeeps, other SUVs or vans, and we will highlight some of these below.

The most common use of ratchet straps and cargo tie downs is for securing cargo in loading, moving and unloading situations. Whether it’s moving a large item such as a TV with a pickup truck or securing several household appliances into the back of a van, cargo straps are by far the quickest and safest measure. The Department of Transportation has spent years researching and testing equipment to set guidelines for ratchet straps as the best method of safe securement of cargo loads.

Ratchet straps, although more often used for cargo, can also be a convenient way to secure grocery bags and shopping bags. You can use the straps and tie downs to loop bag handles so that the bags don’t blow away or shift around the back.