How To Use Ratchet Straps

Ratchet straps are available with a wide variety of end fittings and ratchets, but all generally work in a similar way with two separate straps connected with a ratcheting assembly.

Below we’ve listed general guidelines about how to use ratchet straps, but if you don’t see the information you need, give our sales team a call. They’ll be happy to answer your questions or place your order.

You can see all of our ratchet straps on the Ratchet Straps and Tie downs page, which also includes cam straps and winch straps.

How to Use a Ratchet Strap

A new ratchet strap will arrive as two separate straps. To assemble for use, see these ratchet strap instructions.

Break Strength and Working Load Limit:

In learning how to use ratchet tie down straps, it’s important to use a strap based on the Break Strength (BS) and working load limit (WLL).

Each component of a ratchet strap assembly- the webbing, the ratchet, and the end fittings- have a break strength that is determined through independent testing. The break strength is the amount of weight a component can withstand before failing.

Because a tie down assembly is only as strong as its weakest point, the component with the lowest break strength is considered the break strength of the entire ratchet strap assembly.

The working load limit is then determined based on the break strength. The working load limit is figured by taking 1/3 of the break strength of the weakest component. This means a tie down strap with an assembly break strength of 10,000 lbs. would have a working load limit of 3,333 lbs. An assembly should never be used in applications over its working load limit.

All of our ratchet straps are manufactured with labels attached that include break strength and work load limit information.
They also meet several requirements, including:

• Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) guidelines
• Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations
• Web Sling & Tie Down Association (WSTDA)
• North American Cargo Securement

Custom Ratchet Straps

Custom ratchet straps are always an option at US Cargo Control. Because we sew and assemble all of our ratchet straps on site in our Iowa facility, a custom strap is cost-efficient and shipped quickly. There are no minimum quantities required to order a custom ratchet strap.

Learn more about our custom straps here: Custom Ratchet Straps

Ratchet Straps vs. Cam Straps

The terms ratchet straps and cam straps are sometimes used interchangeably since they’re both used to tie down cargo with polyester webbing. There are some key differences between ratchet straps and cam straps and you should choose based on what you are hauling. This video outlines the difference between ratchet straps and cam straps:

Video Library:

For more how to ratchet strap videos, including how to use a ratchet strap with e-track and l-track, check out these videos: