If you’re routinely moving things or you enjoy the outdoors, chances are that you have a few tie-down straps stashed in your toolbox or emergency kit. While these straps are handy and can be used for a wide range of purposes, it’s essential to take care of them to ensure they remain durable and strong.
Sometimes also referred to as ratchet straps, tie-downs are made up of a sturdy strap and a ratchet mechanism to keep your goods secure. This post takes a closer look at a few expert tips that will help you take care of your straps to avoid having to replace them every time you need to use them.
Ratchet Strap Maintenance is Easier than You Think
People who use ratchet straps all the time understand their value and make an effort to store and maintain them correctly. This not only ensures that they last but also gives the user peace of mind that the likelihood of them snapping in the middle of a journey is significantly reduced.
If you’ve purchased straps for the first time, you may be wondering about the most effective way to care for them. Keep reading as our cargo experts share a few handy tips to get you started.
- Always Start With a Proper Inspection
Whether you have bought new straps, are using your old ones, or you’ve borrowed a set from a friend, the number step should always be to inspect the tie-downs. This will ensure that you identify any potential weaknesses in the straps, which can result in breakage.
We’ve compiled a few key checks to keep in mind when you’re inspecting ratchet straps for the first time:
- Check the length of the strap for broken stitching.
- Look for any burnt areas or marks that may have been caused by alkali, acid, oil, or other chemicals that have previously been transported.
- Previously used straps could have signs of wear patterns around the webbing where it has come into contact with the metal fittings.
- Inspect for cracks or corrosion in the metal fitting components, such as the ratchet mechanism.
- Straps used often can also become damaged from excessive exposure to UV rays and other weather elements. (Stiff webbing can become hardened by hours in the sun.)
- Look for small tears that happen from excessive pressure on the straps, especially if they have been fastened too tightly in the past.
Straps with any of these signs should be set aside. While there are other things around the home or camping site you can use them for, you shouldn’t use them for securing goods. Inspections should be carried out often if the straps are used regularly.
- Store Your Straps With Care
A common mistake first-time users make is to simply chuck straps into a box once they’re done moving. It’s essential to know that improper storage can lead to damage or entanglement. Our experts recommend that you always take the time to roll the straps up correctly after every trip. That will reduce the likelihood of rips and tears forming.
Not sure how to store your straps? Here are a few pointers to get you started:
- Store straps in plastic bags and place them in a drawer or cupboard.
- If you don’t have a drawer, you can hang them against your garage wall on hooks.
- Always ensure the straps are stored in a dry area away from direct sunlight.
- Ensure the straps are placed in a way to not tangle or get torn on other components in the drawer or box.
- If you have the space, plastic storage boxes are a good idea to keep ratchet straps cool, dry, and neat.
- Keep your straps rolled up to save space and avoid getting tangled.
- Clean Your Straps When Necessary
Not everyone knows that you can clean your ratchet straps to prolong their lives. This is especially crucial when you’re using your straps to secure different items, which can include oil drums or other harmful chemicals that can damage the strap material if not cleaned off.
Here’s what you need to know when you’re getting ready to clean your ratchet straps:
- Mix mild soap with warm water in a small bucket.
- Use a quality scrubbing brush to remove any debris, dirt, or chemicals.
- Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals, as these can weaken the webbing.
- Rinse all the soap off the straps and air dry until completely dry. Hanging them up is the most effective way to dry them out.
- Proper cleaning and drying reduces the risk of mould or mildew forming on the straps and weakening the fabric.
Final Thoughts
If you want your ratchet straps to last for many loads and trips, it’s essential to follow our tips for strap longevity. Taking care of your ratchet straps will ensure that you can use your tie-downs to secure everything from furniture to your camping gear and weekend ATVs. Well-maintained straps will assure you that your items are secure, no matter how long or short the journey is.
