Best 1" ratchet straps?

[BigBlue1]

I have a bunch of 1" ratchet straps. Some are good ones I've used for years but are aging and others are newer but seem to be fairly cheap. At this point I am losing confidence in using any of them for significant trailer tie-down duty, like strapping a garden tractor down. I have plenty of heavy-duty 2" ratchet strap/binders and chains for heavier uses. I need to replace my lighter 1" ratchet straps.

I want to find a set of good ones. Something that is in the 15' length range. I'd like them to have solid, reliable ratchets and non-flimsy strap material. What have you found that matches these requirements? It is OK if they are slightly bigger (i.e. 1.25" straps or 20' long). But I'm not interested in 2" straps.

Thanks in advance!
Rob

 

[4570Man]

The only affordable and decent 1” straps I’ve found are at tractor supply and like $5 each with a 1000 pound rating. They’re not as long as you want though. Any of the good 1” straps are priced $10-$20 each and in just not paying that.

 

[bcp]

A year or two ago I was in a local hardware store looking at straps. Someone was at the display, with about half a basket load of straps. He said he was a contractor, and the Keeper brands of straps were the only ones that held up to his uses.

Bruce

 

[PJSprog]

I suppose, like with most things, it depends on your definition of "good," and what you want to do with them. I've had several pair of the inexpensive ratchet straps from Harbor Freight for probably 10 years now, and they are holding up just fine. we've used them for everything from holding a tarp over a pickup bed load to tying down my Goldwing on the trailer. They get the most use from tying down the zeroturn and riding mowers when they need to go somewhere.

If you want top quality straps, you'll have to pay top money. With a 1" strap, though, I'm not convinced there is enough difference to warrant $20 each. And, I'd never trust a 1000 lb load on one anyway.

 

[CMV]

For light things like a riding mower, ATV, small bundle of lumber, generator, etc, the inexpensive HF ones are just fine. As long as they're not stored out in the weather when not in use, I get lots of life from them. For real heavy stuff like my tractor or a 330gal tote full of water I use CGU-1/B and/or chains.

As long as they aren't routed over a corner or thin strip of steel the cheapies seem to hold up fine for smaller items.

I got some Goodyear brand ones from either Sam's or Costco a few years back. They were thicker and rated for more load than the HF ones. Those I left in my truck bed all the time - hooked to the tie downs with light tension was how they were "stored" when not in use. I was surprised at how well those held up considering they were always in sun, getting wet, etc. Those were probably the best I had in terms of low cost vs rating vs service life (considering I mistreated them). No idea if they still carry them, but will but another set if I notice them in the future since they are good to fill in between a HF not being enough and a 5k being overkill.

 

[BigBlue1]

By 'quality' I mean the following:

I bought one set of straps maybe 20 years ago. They have held up well and still do a good job, but the webbing is showing its age and I just don't use them for significant stuff. I bought another set maybe 15 years ago and they were awesome. Still work really well, except for one that I just broke by unloading a zero turn when I forgot to remove 1 of the 4 straps. Oops. But they also are showing age. In the last year I purchased two sets from places like Runnings or Tractor Supply. They weren't high-buck and they weren't bottom dollar. But both of them have thinner webbing material and tend to abrade really easily on any type of edge (whereas the older ones don't abrade nearly as easily).

I just want another set that will work for me for another 10-15 years instead of a set that I'm pissed at in a year. Nothing crazy... just 'good ones'.

Rob

 

[CMV]

Sounds like those Goodyear ones would fit your needs well. They're on Amazon too but were much cheaper in Costco (or Sam's - sorry can't remember which one I got them).

 

[aczlan]

I have a set of these in yellow and have been very happy with them: Amazon.com: CARTMAN 1,5" x 15' Padded Ratchet Tie Down 3Lbs Capacity (4pk): Automotive
We also have some of the smartstraps: https://m.lowes.com/pd/SmartStraps-4-Pack-1-25-in-x-10-ft-Ratchet-Tie-Down/3740775 and have been happy with them.
The trick is to find 3000# breaking strength, 1000# working load limit straps, not the lighter 1500# breaking strength, 500# WLL straps.

Aaron Z

 

[bigtiller]

The first one that came up for me. 1"x16' x 1000lb WWL $11 & free shipping.

Amazon.com: Keeper 5516 16' Ratchet Tie-Down, 1 lbs. WLL (3 lbs. break strength) Dbl. J Hooks: Automotive

 

[timswi]

Got a set of these for when I haul my quad, I love them. Had them for 2-3 years and still like new. Nice part is you don't have to deal with the extra strap flopping around.

SmartStraps 1 ft. Orange Retractable Ratchet, 1 lb., Pack of 2 at Tractor Supply Co.

 

[4570Man]

The first one that came up for me. 1"x16' x 1000lb WWL $11 & free shipping.

Amazon.com: Keeper 5516 16' Ratchet Tie-Down, 1 lbs. WLL (3 lbs. break strength) Dbl. J Hooks: Automotive

That looks pretty good. I might order a couple for tying down my mower. I usually use 2” straps for most things but I like having a few good 1” straps around. Sometimes the hook on a 2” is just too big.

 

[oosik]

I have no use for 1" straps. I use 2 1/2" commercial strapping and binders. When I put that three foot pipe in the head of the binder and crank it down - nothing is going anywhere.

 

[ch47dpilot]

On a side note how do you keep straps from tearing. I try my best to keep them away from edges but I sometimes can't aviod it. I've used everything from carpet to cardboard. Just looking for other ideas

 

[oosik]

The straps I have come with leather "sliders" - made of heavy boot-strap leather - like a belt loop on your pants only its a foot long - the strap fits thru the slider and the slider can be positioned anywhere along the strap. Will protect the strap when it has to go over a sharp edge.

Each strap has two sliders.

 

[mykleh]

I use an old inner tube I cut into squares and keep in the straps & chains bin.. works on 2" 1" what ever.. plus I'll put them under chains to keep them from rubbing off the paint if they are on something

 

[bcp]

I use short sections of flat water pump discharge hose. Maybe 1.5in, which is a little over 2in when flat. Buy it by the foot at the hardware store. There are several thicknesses. I buy the thicker one.

Bruce

 

[LMychajluk]

Try these from Lockdown - PREMIUM LOCKDOWN RATCHET STRAPS-15 ft Length-BEST IN CLASS 3372 lbs Max Break Strength - BONUS 4 Soft Loop Anchoring Straps - Heavy Duty Tie Downs for Household Goods & Motorized Vehicles - 8 pc Set - - Amazon.com
1500lb WLL

Edit - You can also get tubular webbing wider than your regular strap and slide the strap through for extra abrasion resistance if you need it. Get it anywhere that sells climbing gear, or online for $.65/ft.
Tubular Nylon Webbing 2"
This site also sells custom ratchet straps in various materials, widths, and lengths - Ratchet Strap | Heavy Duty Ratchet Tie Down Straps

 

[BigBlue1]

Try these from Lockdown - PREMIUM LOCKDOWN RATCHET STRAPS-15 ft Length-BEST IN CLASS 3372 lbs Max Break Strength - BONUS 4 Soft Loop Anchoring Straps - Heavy Duty Tie Downs for Household Goods & Motorized Vehicles - 8 pc Set - - Amazon.com
1500lb WLL

Edit - You can also get tubular webbing wider than your regular strap and slide the strap through for extra abrasion resistance if you need it. Get it anywhere that sells climbing gear, or online for $.65/ft.
Tubular Nylon Webbing 2"
This site also sells custom ratchet straps in various materials, widths, and lengths - Ratchet Strap | Heavy Duty Ratchet Tie Down Straps

Thanks. I saw those on Amazon. I don't prefer them because I find the S hooks FAR easier to use than those double-J hooks. Far too often I have to thread an S hook through a hole in the frame of a piece of equipment I need to fasten down. Those double-J hooks don't fit that type of thing. Though if they had S hooks and someone could verify they are as good as the specs suggest this would be a perfect set.

I do appreciate those here who have given first-hand recommendations. I'm going to try a set of the Husky ones that I just picked up today. Man, they have HUGE ratchets though! Will make it way harder to store them in my truck than the other ones I have. But I'll give them a try.

Rob

 

[bdog]

If you guys want good straps look here

Professional Tie Down Systems for Any Vehicle

Or here

PowerTye MFG - Home of American Tie-Downs

Not cheap but made in America and much better than anything I have found at tractor supply, Amazon, etc. You can customize lengths, hooks, strap size etc. I have bought many from both places and have been thoroughly pleased.

 

[QRTRHRS]

Not sure about the best but I will tell you about a set of one inch straps that I have and should get rid of at the flea market sometime. They have these huge plastic handles that while may be great for putting the pressure on absolutely flop around and sag due to the excess weight and bulk. Forget where I picked them up but no wonder they were on a clearance table.