Which Tiedown Hook is Right for Me?
Tiedown hooks make up a small, but essential, piece to your truck's tiedown system. These metal pieces come in various makes and sizes, and can either be bought individually or as parts of new tie down straps. Each hook certainly plays its part in anchoring your straps and securing your loads for effective cargo hauling.
Choosing the right tiedown hook can make a world of difference to your trailer configuration. When making a decision, you should already know your trailer setup such as the number of anchor points, their locations along the trailer, and their type (e.g., D-rings, rails, stake pockets). You should also know the types of loads you plan on hauling and account for their capacities so you don't put too much strain on your tiedown hook or your strap.
We therefore examined these different tiedown hooks offered through US Cargo Control, and compared them to each other to see which one fits best for your load securement needs. It's important to note that multiple tiedown hooks can work for one application, as well as one tiedown hook work for multiple applications.
Types of Tiedown Hooks
1. Clevis Grab Hook
Clevis grab hooks are a very common type of tiedown hook that are seen on the ends of grade 70 transport chain, also known as trucker's chain or tie down chain). Made from heat-treated forged steel and finished with a yellow zinc chromate coat, these grab hooks hold up against some of the harshest road and weather conditions. The signature shallow throat opening allows you to quickly attach your tiedown hook to your trailer's anchor point for easy and secure connection. The hook also connects back to the chain itself for length adjustment in different tiedown and rigging applications.
Grab hooks work best for truckers when they deal with heavy and irregular-shaped loads, so long as they use enough transport chain. To clarify, these hooks allow you to adjust the length and tightness of the chain to secure cargo, from small and shallow loads to large and bulky loads, reducing the risk of serious cargo slippage. You'll also see these tiedown hooks used with chain binders and other overhead lifting products like chain slings and wire rope slings.
2. Clevis Slip Hook
Similar to grab hooks, clevis slip hooks are also made with forged steel and coated with a yellow zinc chromate finish. But the main difference between these two is the slip hook's wider throat opening, giving it more accessibility to various tie down methods. Unfortunately, it does not allow for the hook to attach to the transport chain itself since the opening is too wide.
Clevis slip hooks also come in designs with safety latches for better securement. The tiedown hook attaches easily to most anchor points, and the latch allows for these hooks to connect to the transport chain itself. However, even the safety latch slip hooks still do not provide a non-slip grip to the transport chain like grab hooks do.
3. S-Hook
S-Hooks are a classic and widely recognized tiedown hook. The signature design allows for simple attachment to almost all types of anchor points. These versatile hooks are also a cost-effective choice that can be found on standard tie down straps. From stainless steel to vinyl-coated options for a scratch-free choice, S-Hooks are above all a popular choice for light-duty applications.
While S-Hooks have more versatility and cost less than other tiedown hook options, they are slightly less secure than the heavy-duty grab hooks and slip hooks listed above. Additionally, they are more prone to detachment under heavier loads or even extreme vibrations, making them less suitable for high-stress scenarios.
4. Wire Hook
Also called "double-J" hooks for their curved design, wire hooks provide higher strength and durability compared to standard S-Hooks. The narrow profile allows them to connect to hard-to-reach anchor points along any truck or trailer, while providing durable strength similar to a flat hook. These tiedown hooks secure a wide variety of loads to many different tie down points, making them an important staple in the truck and transportation industry.
5. Chain Extension
Chain extensions give you the best of both worlds when it comes to tying down your cargo. If you're looking for the added strength and durability of transport chain with the softness of nylon or polyester webbing, then a chain extension is your best option. Our chain extensions are fitted with clevis grab hooks connected to 18" of grade 70 transport chain. Each end contains a D-Ring designed to fit a certain strap width - 2", 3", or 4" - as well as a connector bracket used to directly fit with the bolts of a ratchet strap.
Because of the different components that make up these end-fittings, chain extensions have a slightly less working load limit than grab hooks or slip hooks by themselves. They also reduce the flexibility needed to tie down cargo since the 18" of transport chain cannot be adjusted.
6. Flat Hook
Flat Hooks are known for their high-strength hold and wide contact area, which especially helps distribute the tie down force more evenly. These tiedown hooks provide a reliable grip to places with plenty of space to grab such as side rails on trailers. Designed with a J-curve and built with a defender to protect the webbing from wear and tear, flat hooks grip onto the sides and stay put when tightened, minimizing the risk of slipping or sliding.
With such a wide, sturdy grip onto these rails, flat hooks become difficult to use when there is no railing to clamp on to, or when space around the anchor point is limited. On the other hand, flat hooks are one of the most durable and reliable tiedown hooks available and are a favorite to securing large and heavy loads.
7. Snap Hook
Otherwise referred to as bolt snap hooks, snap hooks are designed for quick and effortless attachment. They feature a spring-loaded keeper that opens and closes, creating a complete unopened shape. This consequently reduces the risk of tie down straps with these end fittings detaching from their anchor points. Made from durable steel and finished with a variety of coatings depending on your style, snap hooks give you a durable, secure, and versatile option for a tiedown hook.
Snap hooks are also compatible with almost all anchor points, with different makes designed for certain tie down points. Twisted snap hooks, for example, provide you better maneuverability and prevent your straps from becoming tangled.
- Check out our Strap Winder for ratchet straps!
Comparing Tiedown Hooks
|
Type |
Chain/Strap Width |
WLL (lbs.) |
BS (lbs.) |
Feature/Benefits |
|
Grab Hook |
5/16”, 3/8”, 1/2" |
4,700-11,300 |
18,800-45,200 |
|
|
Slip Hook |
5/16”, 3/8”, 1/2" |
4,700-11,300 |
18,800-45,200 |
|
|
S-Hook |
1” |
255-833 |
765-2,500 |
|
|
Wire Hook |
1”, 2”, 3”, 4” |
1,100-7,333 |
3,300-22,000 |
|
|
Chain Extension |
2”, 3”, 4” |
3,300-6,666 |
10,000-20,000 |
|
|
Flat Hook |
2”, 3”, 4” |
3,333-6,666 |
10,000-20,000 |
|
|
Snap Hook |
1”, 2” |
1,100-3,666 |
3,300-11,000 |
|
Tiedown Hook Alternatives
While there are many different tiedown hooks to choose from, there are more options to accommodate other types of anchor points and trailer configurations. We listed a few alternatives to typical tiedown hooks that work just as well, depending on what you need:
E-Track & L-Track
-
E-Track: E-Track is an industry-standard tie down system that's compatible for trucks and trailers, specifically for enclosed trailers, moving vans, and cargo vans. E-Track end fittings only attach to standard horizontal or vertical E-Track rails; however, there are many types of fittings that allow for attachment from other tiedown hooks.
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LEARN: E-Track 101
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L-Track: L-Track is another common tie down system. Otherwise known as logistic track or airline track, these rails are narrower than E-Track which makes them great to install in places with limited space. L-Track studs and fittings create anchor points for typical tiedown hooks to attach to.
- READ: L-Track
D-Rings & Endless Straps
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D-Rings: Tiedown D-Rings certainly give you the freedom of customizing your straps to accommodate hook anchor points. These durable attachments also create the perfect end fitting to easily connect to any hook along your truck bed or trailer and hold up under tight tie down forces.
-
Endless Straps: Endless straps, on the other hand, operate without hooks or any end fittings, wrapping around the item and feeding the strap back through the ratchet's mandrel to be secured. These straps are mostly used to bundle items like cargo pallets together.
More Articles You May Like:
Do's & Don'ts of Load Securement on Trailers
Ratchet Straps: A Comprehensive Guide
What's the Difference Between Direct & Indirect Tiedowns?
Working Load Limit, Break Strength, & Safety Factor: What Do They Mean?
