How To Use A Ratchet Strap With Step By Step Instructions
Published on 04/28/25
What Are Ratchet Straps?
Ratchet straps are the most commonly used tie-down straps to secure cargo during transport. They are strong, easy to use, and reliable at ensuring your cargo arrives at the next destination in the same condition. Ratchet straps are commonly used for pickup truck beds, trailers, roof racks, moving vans, and even DIY projects.
Ratchet straps are manufactured with a ratchet handle built with a gear that tightens your cargo in place by removing the excess webbing with every crank of the ratchet handle. Once you are done tightening the cargo, close the ratchet handle to lock the webbing to prevent it from becoming unsecured or moving out of place while on the road. The locking mechanism helps make ratchet straps a more secure and reliable cargo control method compared to cam buckle straps or bungee cords.
Ratchet straps are made from a polyester webbing blend that provides heavy-duty strength and minimal stretching. Polyester prevents moisture, mold, mildew, or direct sunlight from damaging the webbing. It also helps to provide excellent durability and to hold up well to weather.
End fittings are at the end of webbing on ratchet straps and can include tie-down hardware such as S Hooks, J Hooks (Wire Hooks), Flat Hooks, D Rings, E Track Fittings, or Loops. End fitting hardware can be based on personal preference or how your securement application is set up inside your pickup truck bed, moving van, or trailer.
How To Use A Ratchet Strap: Step-by-Step
Before using ratchet straps inspect the straps for damage. Damage may include fraying, mold, mildew, discoloration, cuts, tears, or defects to the hardware. For further information on how to inspect your ratchet straps for damage check out our blog post on How To Inspect Ratchet Straps For Damage
How To Tighten A Ratchet Strap
1. Start by ensuring the ratchet handle is entirely closed.
2. Hook one end of the ratchet strap to your anchor point, stretch it over the cargo, and secure the other hook to the anchor point on the opposite side.
3. Next, slide the webbing through the center spool of the ratchet from the bottom and then back out on top.
4. Open and close the ratchet handle to remove the slack and stop when the cargo is secure. Do not over-tighten, as it may cause damage to sensitive or fragile cargo.
5. Push down on the ratchet handle to fully close the ratchet hardware to activate the locking mechanism.
Disclaimer: Always prioritize safety when using ratchet straps. If you feel uncertain about your ratchet strap setup consider adding additional ratchet straps for added load security or opting for a heavier-duty ratchet strap with a higher working load limit (WLL).
Before securing cargo with ratchet tie down straps you should ask yourself if a strap breaks or comes loose, will the cargo remain safely in place? If uncertain, you should use a heavier-duty ratchet strap or add extra straps to ensure your cargo control application remains safely secured.
How To Release A Ratchet Strap
1. To release, lift the release lever on the ratchet handle.
2. With the release activated, open the ratchet until it is flat.
3. Pull out the excess webbing from the ratchet hardware.
4. Wind the excess webbing around the ratchet hardware to place the ratchet strap in storage without risking damage to the strap from rubbing against sharp edges.
5. Once you have rolled the webbing around the ratchet hardware, place it into storage in an area away from sharp edges, moisture, or direct sunlight to ensure it remains in good condition and to help avoid damage to the webbing.
For more tips on properly storing a ratchet strap visit our blog post on How To Store A Ratchet Strap Properly. Proper storage can help keep your ratchet straps damage-free and longer-lasting compared to ratchet straps that are improperly stored.
The Best Ratchet Strap Safety Tips
• Before and after every use inspect the ratchet straps for any signs of damage to the webbing or hardware. If the ratchet strap has any signs of cuts, burns, or discoloration to the webbing immediately stop using it as it is unsafe. If only the short end with the ratchet or the long end with webbing has become damaged, you can purchase a replacement tie down for a fraction of the price of an entirely new tie down strap.
• Choose a ratchet strap with a working load limit (WLL) that matches the weight of your cargo. The WLL is calculated as one-third of the straps’ breaking strength. For example, a strap with a 10,000 lb break strength will have a safe working load limit rating of 3,333 lbs per ratchet strap. For further information on how working load limits are used visit our blog post on What is a Working Load Limit.
• Use corner protectors to stop ratchet straps from getting cut or frayed when securing cargo against sharp edges. Corner protectors create a barrier between the strap and the edge to prevent damage and to help keep your cargo secured.
• After securing your cargo, take a moment to secure any loose webbing by tucking it behind the tie-down strap. This prevents it from flapping in the wind which could cause cuts or friction burns. Both situations can damage ratchet straps and cause the ratchet strap to need repair or replacement.
• Always use enough ratchet straps to keep the cargo stable and evenly supported during transport. If the load shifts or does not feel secure add additional ratchet straps until the cargo is safely held in place. Also, make sure to secure your cargo from
• Avoid overtightening the ratchet straps as it can cause damage to your cargo or your ratchet straps. You will want to ensure that the ratchet straps are snug and then a few additional clicks of the ratchet using your best judgment.
• We recommend checking and re-tightening your ratchet straps after 5 minutes of driving or 2 miles from your starting point. After that, you should inspect them every 2 hours or every 75 miles to ensure your cargo stays secure. Look for any visible friction burns, fraying, or cuts in the webbing during this process.
How To Choose The Right Size Ratchet Strap
Selecting the correct size ratchet strap is crucial to ensuring that your cargo is securely held in place and complies with safety regulations set by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Before selecting the ratchet strap that works best for your cargo control application you need to know the weight of the cargo you intend to secure.
This is due to pairing the weight of your cargo with a strap that is safely rated to secure the cargo using a working load limit (WLL). Working load limit ratings are used in the cargo control industry as an industry standard to create a safety net to ensure your cargo remains secure while going down the road. The safety net helps protect your cargo from becoming unsecured from sudden lane changes, hard braking, or rapid accelerations.
Working load limit ratings are determined by taking the breaking strength or the ultimate point until failure and dividing the breaking strength by three. For example, a 10,000 lbs breaking strength would have a safe working load limit rating of 3,333 lbs from using one-third of the breaking strength. If you have any other questions check out our blog on How To Use A Working Load Limit Rating.
Now that you have the weight of your cargo and how ratchet straps are rated you can decide which ratchet straps work best for your application. We’ve created the chart below for a quick reference of which size works best with the weight of your cargo.
| Ratchet Strap Size | WLL Ratings | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Inch Ratchet Straps | 500 lbs – 1,100 lbs WLL | Light-duty use in pickup trucks, utility trailers, or general household securement. |
| 2 Inch Ratchet Straps | 1,466 lbs – 3,335 lbs WLL | Vehicle transport, professional moving, trucking, and securing UTVs, ATVs, and Side by Sides. |
| 3 Inch Ratchet Straps | 5,400 lbs WLL | Flatbed trailers, often used internationally or where space is limited. |
| 4 Inch Ratchet Straps | 5,400 lbs – 6,000 lbs WLL | Flatbed trailers securing machinery, farm equipment, metal, and building materials. |
Both 3-inch and 4-inch ratchet straps should never be used for around-the-house securement applications due to the size and weight of the ratchet straps. The ratchet hardware is 12 inches long, weighs over 8 lbs, and should only be used for flatbed trailer securement applications.
Once you know which size ratchet strap to go with you can pair it with the ratchet hardware style of choice, such as an optional rubber grip, different ratchet color, or heavier-duty options. Next, you can select end fitting hardware that works best with the anchor points for your securement setup. Once you have selected the ratchet strap options that work best for your ratchet strap you can now use it to secure the cargo safely.
If you have any questions, need a quote, or are interested in our custom ratchet strap capabilities call us today at 800-444-0956 or use our Contact Us page at the top of the website for further information. We look forward to helping you find what works best for your trailer setup or alternative securement application needs.
How To Store A Ratchet Strap To Prevent Damage
One of the easiest ways to extend the product lifespan of your ratchet straps outside of using corner protectors and avoiding sharp edges is using proper storage techniques. Ratchet straps are made with polyester webbing that can weaken or be damaged when stored improperly. This makes it important to inspect them before and after every securement to confirm they are safe for securing cargo.
Store ratchet straps in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Moisture can lead to mold or mildew that weakens the webbing. Sunlight can fade the color and weaken the fibers. Keep the area clear of sharp edges or objects that could cut or damage the strap.
After choosing a safe spot, coil the webbing around the ratchet to prevent creases and reduce wear. Use a large rubber band or a ziplock freezer bag to keep the strap neat and protected. You can also store coiled straps in a ratchet strap carrying bag or duffle bag to keep them organized and safe inside your vehicle or rig.
If you have any questions, our experts are here to help. You can reach us by calling 800-444-0956 or using our Contact Us page at the top of the website if you prefer via email. We look forward to helping you answer any questions you may have or help you find the ideal ratchet strap that works best for your securement application needs.
