How To Use Ratchet Straps: 10 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Use a Ratchet Strap PDF download Download Article Secure your cargo safely and quickly with this simple guide Co-authored by Eric McClure Reviewed by Charley Helvy

Last Updated: November 10, 2024 Fact Checked

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  • Threading a Ratchet Strap
    • |
  • Tightening the Strap
    • |
  • Releasing the Strap
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
|Show more |Show less X

This article was reviewed by Charley Helvy and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Charley Helvy is an Automotive & Diesel Expert based in Avondale, Arizona. He is the founder of Charley’s Garage, an educational YouTube channel focusing on simple videos for automotive and truck enthusiasts. He has over 31 years of experience in the automotive world. He is a Diesel Instructor at the Universal Technical Institute and is a certified ASE Master Heavy Truck Technician. He offers training on gas and diesel engines on his YouTube channel, along with other DIY and explanation videos for beginners and enthusiasts alike. In 2024, he published a complete guide on Emissions Systems in Automotive and Diesel Vehicles. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,761,129 times.

Ratchet straps are fasteners used to secure cargo during transport. When used correctly, these straps can support many different weights and cargo sizes. In order to properly use your ratchet straps, thread the strap through the mandrel and then crank the ratchet to tighten it. To release the strap, press the release tab and open the ratchet.

How to Use Ratchet Tie Down Straps

  1. Open the ratchet fully so it sits flat.
  2. Slide the end of the strap through the open slot in the ratchet mechanism.
  3. Double-over the end of the strap.
  4. Feed the strap back over the top of the ratchet mechanism.
  5. Pull the strap taut.
  6. Pull the ratchet handle back and forth to tighten the strap.
  7. Push the ratchet handle down all the way until it clicks to lock the strap.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Threading a Ratchet Strap

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  1. Step 1 Open the ratchet all the way using the release catch. 1 Open the ratchet all the way using the release catch. The release catch, also known as the release lever, is a smaller handle that disengages the ratcheting handle. It’s located in the center of the top movable piece of the ratchet. Pull up the release catch and flip the ratchet fully open. Set the open ratchet on a table before you so that the spiked wheels (cogs) are facing upwards.[1]
    • Does the handle move freely without pressing the release catch? If so, you unlock your ratchet by opening it all the way so that the handle is perfectly in line with the portion of the ratchet attached to the strap.
    • Note: The “strap” part of the ratchet strap is the side with only fabric. The “ratchet” refers to the side with the actual locking mechanism.[2]
  2. Step 2 Thread the strap through the middle of the mandrel. 2 Thread the strap through the middle of the mandrel. The key part of the ratchet strap system is the mandrel. The mandrel refers to the two metal strips at the bottom of the ratchet where the two metal components meet. To thread the strap, slide the fabric through the opening in the middle of the mandrel.[3]
    • Pro tip if you’re loading a truck or trailer: Put a single twist in the strap before feeding it through the mandrel so that the topside of the strap on one side is the underside of the strap on the other side. This will capture a bit of the wind and keep the strap from sliding off the item.[4]
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  3. Step 3 Flip the end of the strap and pull it over the top of the mandrel. 3 Flip the end of the strap and pull it over the top of the mandrel. Once you’ve threaded the strap through the middle of the mandrel, flip the end of the strap over. Pull this end back through the ratchet using the slot in between the top of the mandrel and the bottom of the release catch.[5]
    • The strap should now be doubled over on the strap side of the ratchet strap.
  4. Step 4 Continue feeding the strap through the mandrel until it feels taut. 4 Continue feeding the strap through the mandrel until it feels taut. Remember that you can always tighten the entire thing using the ratchet later, so don’t worry if you’ve got slack in your strap.[6]
    • If you need help picturing what’s going on here, the strap is now wrapped around the top bar of the mandrel in a U-shape. When you eventually tighten the strap using the ratchet, the mandrel will spin and bundle up all the excess strap fabric to make everything taut.
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Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Tightening the Strap

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  1. Step 1 Secure the cargo with the S-shaped strap hooks. 1 Secure the cargo with the S-shaped strap hooks. Ratchet straps can easily secure cargo in a truck bed, moving van, or wherever you need to tie something down. Move your cargo where you want it to stay, then place the ratchet strap across your cargo. Loop the S-hooks anywhere where they’ll stay in place.[7]
    • There are typically dedicated hooks or grooves for ratchet straps in truck beds and van walls.
    • You can also hook the S-hooks to themselves. Simply wrap the ends of the ratchet straps entirely around your cargo and connect the two S-hooks together.
    • To hold multiple objects together and keep them in place, you’ll need two ratchet straps. Use one strap to secure the objects together and the other strap to wrap around them.
  2. Step 2 Crank the ratchet to tighten the strap until the cargo feels secure. 2 Crank the ratchet to tighten the strap until the cargo feels secure. Pull the ratchet back and forth to shorten the length of the strap through and tighten it. Once it feels taut and secure around your cargo, stop ratcheting. Tug at the strap and check it for give—it should feel tight and secure.[8]
    • Be careful not to over-tighten. Too much pressure could damage your ratchet strap or your cargo.
  3. Step 3 Lock the strap securely in the folded (closed) position. 3 Lock the strap securely in the folded (closed) position. The ratchet is unlocked when it is laid flat in a straight line, and locked when it is folded on top of itself. Flip the ratchet into the closed position by applying pressure until you hear a click. This means that the strap is locked into place and should hold your cargo securely.[9]
    • If you don’t hear the click, tug on the strap and buckle to make sure it’s secure. If it comes loose, you may have a faulty ratchet strap.
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Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Releasing the Strap

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  1. Step 1 Pull and hold the release tab to unlock the strap. 1 Pull and hold the release tab to unlock the strap. This will override the ratcheting function and release the lock. The release tab should be easy to access and located on the top of the ratchet.[10]
    • If you can’t locate the release tab, check your ratchet strap’s operation instruction manual.
    • Don’t see a release tab? Some ratchet straps don’t have a manual unlocking feature. To unlock these straps, simply push down on the handle and pull the handle up.
  2. Step 2 Open up the ratchet all the way and pull the strap loose by hand. 2 Open up the ratchet all the way and pull the strap loose by hand. Flip the ratchet completely open so it lays flat, then pull on the non-fixed side of the strap. This will release the strap from the ratchet’s hold and allow you to completely remove it.[11]
  3. Step 3 Fold the ratchet together to close it for storage. 3 Fold the ratchet together to close it for storage. Locate the release tab once again and hold it down while you flip the ratchet closed. This will keep the ratchet in the locked position until it is ready to be used again. If you don’t have a release tab, just close the strap until you hear a click.
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Video

Tips

  • Ratchet straps are rated by their weight capability, ranging from a light strap for 300 pounds (140 kg) to a heavy-duty strap that can support up to 10,000 pounds (4,500 kg). Make sure to weigh your cargo so you can choose the correct straps to support it.[12] Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
  • Ratchet straps also have a wide variety of sizes and end fittings to secure many different sizes loads. Choose the length you’ll need and the type of hardware that will work best, such as flat hooks, snap hooks, wire hooks, grab hooks, s-hooks, and more. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 2
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Always inspect the straps for signs of wear before using them. Do not use a strap that has fraying, abrasive wear, broken or worn-down stitching, tears, cuts, or defective hardware. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 2
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References

  1. ↑ https://hurleymarine.com/wp-content/uploads/Ratchet-Strap-Instructions.pdf
  2. ↑ https://youtu.be/IXSlwE7h6sY?t=5
  3. ↑ https://youtu.be/IZoleY-ol4w?t=13
  4. ↑ https://youtu.be/uZlkIOHOkNo?t=183
  5. ↑ https://youtu.be/IZoleY-ol4w?t=15
  6. ↑ https://hurleymarine.com/wp-content/uploads/Ratchet-Strap-Instructions.pdf
  7. ↑ https://youtu.be/IXSlwE7h6sY?t=33
  8. ↑ https://youtu.be/eTD0M0kQ2kY?t=44
  9. ↑ https://hurleymarine.com/wp-content/uploads/Ratchet-Strap-Instructions.pdf
More References (3)
  1. ↑ https://hurleymarine.com/wp-content/uploads/Ratchet-Strap-Instructions.pdf
  2. ↑ https://youtu.be/IXSlwE7h6sY?t=50
  3. ↑ https://www.ratchetstraps.info/load-limits-ratings

About This Article

Charley Helvy Reviewed by: Charley Helvy Automotive Expert This article was reviewed by Charley Helvy and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Charley Helvy is an Automotive & Diesel Expert based in Avondale, Arizona. He is the founder of Charley’s Garage, an educational YouTube channel focusing on simple videos for automotive and truck enthusiasts. He has over 31 years of experience in the automotive world. He is a Diesel Instructor at the Universal Technical Institute and is a certified ASE Master Heavy Truck Technician. He offers training on gas and diesel engines on his YouTube channel, along with other DIY and explanation videos for beginners and enthusiasts alike. In 2024, he published a complete guide on Emissions Systems in Automotive and Diesel Vehicles. This article has been viewed 1,761,129 times. 33 votes - 98% Co-authors: 12 Updated: November 10, 2024 Views: 1,761,129 Categories: DIY Article SummaryX

To use ratchet straps, start by using the release catch to open the ratchet, then thread the strap through the bottom of the ratchet until it feels taut. Next, place the ratchet strap across your cargo and hook the ends over the side of the truck bed to secure the cargo in place. Then, pull the ratchet back and forth to tighten the strap. Once it feels taut and secure around your cargo, stop ratcheting and lock the strap securely! For tips on using ratchet straps to secure to large items together, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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  • Christopher Coomber

    Christopher Coomber

    Mar 29, 2023

    "I have two of these ratchet straps and a number of smaller ones but I could never get them to work so the strap was..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Charley Helvy Reviewed by: Charley Helvy Automotive Expert Co-authors: 12 Updated: November 10, 2024 Views: 1,761,129 98% of readers found this article helpful. 33 votes - 98% Click a star to add your vote Christopher Coomber

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"I have two of these ratchet straps and a number of smaller ones but I could never get them to work so the strap was..." more Share yours!

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Tag » How To Set Up Ratchet Straps