Ratchet straps that actually last

[Alan46]

I'd like to hear of a brand that's decent quality too. For me, they seem to last about 3 to 4 years, then I'm unable to get them to release. I keep them in my tool box, so the only time they get weather is when I'm using them while it's raining. I just bought a new set a month ago, and they are pure junk. One strap snapped while tightening it up. Yesterday, the handle of one bent on my while trying to get it tight. These where the most expensive ones for sale at Lowes. I'll probably go to Amazon and see what has the highest reviews.

I too had an issue with a Lowes set after only six weeks. I brought them back, they could not have been any more accommodating, no questions asked just replaced them!
thats the way companies should operate!

 

[acarr1]

Are there any ratchet straps (tie downs) that actually last?

At first, I just got store-brand 2" straps at my local Canadian Tire or Princess Auto (a Canadian Harbor Freight-equivalent). The retractable ones since they were convenient. 3 months later, they no longer retracted. A year later, they no longer ratchet.

So I cursed myself for foolishly saving a few $, and bought more expensive brand-name ones (Erickson). A year later, they no longer retracted. Two years later, they do ratchet but they don't want to let go.

I generally keep them inside and reasonably clean, but yes sometimes I forget, and they do get used in the rain. And they do get some spotty surface rust, the kind that comes from condensation.

Are there brands that actually last? Tricks'n'tips to make them last (like should I oil the mechanism every month?) Or do oldtimers know retractable ratchets never last?

BTW, this is not for transporting my tractor or mini-ex. This is to secure trailer loads, transport my UTV, hold gas cans upright, etc.

Where I work we sell ratchet straps made by Ratchet Depot. They're good. I've used and abused them for years and they hold up. I always leave them in the back of my truck and over time they will get a little bit of corrosion (not really rust) and a little spray lube will make them like new. Find a local store that sells this brand.

 

[pacosperson]

Are there any ratchet straps (tie downs) that actually last?

At first, I just got store-brand 2" straps at my local Canadian Tire or Princess Auto (a Canadian Harbor Freight-equivalent). The retractable ones since they were convenient. 3 months later, they no longer retracted. A year later, they no longer ratchet.

So I cursed myself for foolishly saving a few $, and bought more expensive brand-name ones (Erickson). A year later, they no longer retracted. Two years later, they do ratchet but they don't want to let go.

I generally keep them inside and reasonably clean, but yes sometimes I forget, and they do get used in the rain. And they do get some spotty surface rust, the kind that comes from condensation.

Are there brands that actually last? Tricks'n'tips to make them last (like should I oil the mechanism every month?) Or do oldtimers know retractable ratchets never last?

BTW, this is not for transporting my tractor or mini-ex. This is to secure trailer loads, transport my UTV, hold gas cans upright, etc.

Coleman's Surplus (look them up) has many ratchet straps, some military. Shipping is very expensive. They have a lot of nice products. Foot ware to keep your toes warm this winter.
I have many ratchet straps, some 12 or 15 years old. I handle them with great care because I depend on them. Suggest you keep yours very clean, well protected, untangled, and out of the sun.
Give Coleman's a look.

 

[lukeh]

A lot of old car guys trust Macs...

I've seen multimillion dollar vehicles secured with Macs tie downs

Professional Tie Down Systems for Any Vehicle | Mac's Custom Tie-Downs

Learn why U.S. made Mac's ratchet tie downs, axle straps and wheel nets outperform the competition and are the choice when safety and security matter!

www.macscustomtiedowns.com

I second this. The offroaders around here (the ones that just love spending money on their Jeeps etc) all use Mac's. Mac himself is often at the shows and they'll replace any strap that is faulty/fails (though I've never seen one).

That said, I've revived a fair few with just a little WD40. It's a pretty simple mechanism.

 

[ArlyA]

The reason we are looking for weather resistant ratchets because we haul machines in the winter on a regular bases. It's not the sun and the ratchets can't be kept out of wet weather. I'd pay extra for anything that's weather resistant... Not going to use chains on our 1600lbs 6x6 either..

 

[bcp]

Stainless steel ratchets:

stainless steel ratchet strap at DuckDuckGo

DuckDuckGo. Privacy, Simplified.

duckduckgo.com

Bruce

 

[Loaderman22]

I typically buy the Harbor freight ones for about $7. Bright orange and yes they get left in the back of the truck and yes they get Rusty and faded and then I go buy a new shiny set for another $7. However for the items that I really want to secure, I bought a nice quality set from Lodi Metals, they have all sorts of tie downs. They weren't cheap, so I keep them in the cab after each use. Had them about 2 years, still function awesome and super thick webbing that feels solid. I bought a higher WLL set so nylon webbing is thick, with the doubled wire hooks. Also had metal rings around the webbing if you need to double it back.

 

[Baby Grand]

Aeroquip, if they still exist. Used them with 3" straps on a DM600 Mack flatbed with a Prentice Series G boom to secure dimension lumber, pallets of asphalt roof shingles, shakes, large glue-lam beams, siding, oak flooring and sheetrock, lotsa sheetrock. I was on the road 5 or 6 days a week in southern New England in all kinds of weather near the coast - lots of "salt air". This was late 70's to early 80's, so lots of road salt, too The metal bits were heavily plated with something metalic - cad I believe. Never needed lube. Never had any issues, other than they sometimes got "borrowed" by other drivers at the lumberyard. Scored a pair at a flea market a few years back for $10 each. The straps were toast, but the ratchets are still fine.

 

[5030]

I use Ancra woven straps on my big truck and on my gooseneck as well. DOT rated. Had them for 10 years at least and other than spraying their mechanisms with PBlaster once in a while, they work fine and look like new. Not cheap but you get what you pay for today.

The box store and TSC straps are junk.

 

[stso9d]

Are there any ratchet straps (tie downs) that actually last?

At first, I just got store-brand 2" straps at my local Canadian Tire or Princess Auto (a Canadian Harbor Freight-equivalent). The retractable ones since they were convenient. 3 months later, they no longer retracted. A year later, they no longer ratchet.

So I cursed myself for foolishly saving a few $, and bought more expensive brand-name ones (Erickson). A year later, they no longer retracted. Two years later, they do ratchet but they don't want to let go.

I generally keep them inside and reasonably clean, but yes sometimes I forget, and they do get used in the rain. And they do get some spotty surface rust, the kind that comes from condensation.

Are there brands that actually last? Tricks'n'tips to make them last (like should I oil the mechanism every month?) Or do oldtimers know retractable ratchets never last?

BTW, this is not for transporting my tractor or mini-ex. This is to secure trailer loads, transport my UTV, hold gas cans upright, etc.

Since they get used a bunch, i replace mine yearly if not sooner. Only talking 40-50 bucks…

 

[newbury]

I've started spraying my straps with 303 Aerospace Protectant for UV protection. I usually use a strap for a trip, then roll it up, put it in a plastic bag and store it inside. But occasionally it may get left outside for days.
Have not been using it long enough to see if it's worthwhile.

 

[kpsp50]

I picked up a couple sets of military tank straps from the army Navy store quite a few years ago I believe 20 if I'm not mistaken and they're still in good shape

 

[ultrarunner]

My first Macs set with assorted tie ends and axle straps must be 25 years old and came in a blue Macs Duffle bag…

It’s never been out stored in the bed of the truck because it would disappear but fits nicely behind the sest.

I’ve had tie downs stolen when parked at Home Depot…

Good reason for a quick walk around before driving off.

 

[redman135]

I use "ancra" brand straps, they last well and are abrasion resistant. They live in a tool box out of the sun. They get used in the sun,rain and mud. The ratchets do get stiff with dust ,but a squirt with WD40 or silicone lube fixes that. See www.ancdist.co.nz/ancra-cargo Note the hook style, they don't self unlatch like "J" hooks do. They come in 2 sizes, 25mm/1" x5m/16' and 50mm/2"x 6m/20' or 9m/27' standard lengths. You can also order custom length straps.
You have to manually roll up the straps, and secure with a loop on itself. The knack is simple to learn, and beats self rollups that don't roll up.
obseration: most of the US sites I looked at had the "S" or "J" type self unhooking type, and only a few had a locking hook type, and those in my experience only fit small tie rails(1/2 " max).
Good Luck in your strap hunt

 

[ArlyA]

Found these on ebay. Same company, same straps with the shipping charges 25% less than their webpage portal. 6 of them should be here this week. Thanks for posting this!

May I ask you what they charged you for shipping?? I'd like to order 6 as well.

 

[mjonesnh]

24.70 to my zipcode in Tn. on ebay. 33.70 on their webpage portal

 

[tjandrews]

Are there any ratchet straps (tie downs) that actually last?

At first, I just got store-brand 2" straps at my local Canadian Tire or Princess Auto (a Canadian Harbor Freight-equivalent). The retractable ones since they were convenient. 3 months later, they no longer retracted. A year later, they no longer ratchet.

So I cursed myself for foolishly saving a few $, and bought more expensive brand-name ones (Erickson). A year later, they no longer retracted. Two years later, they do ratchet but they don't want to let go.

I generally keep them inside and reasonably clean, but yes sometimes I forget, and they do get used in the rain. And they do get some spotty surface rust, the kind that comes from condensation.

Are there brands that actually last? Tricks'n'tips to make them last (like should I oil the mechanism every month?) Or do oldtimers know retractable ratchets never last?

BTW, this is not for transporting my tractor or mini-ex. This is to secure trailer loads, transport my UTV, hold gas cans upright, etc.

These hold the boats on my trailer for a 100-mile trip and back once a year. I'd estimate around 200lbs of gear inside the lower boat, including motors, fuel tanks, oars, folding seats, etc. The boats can be handled by two men, one on either end - one 69 years old, the other 73 - so they aren't TOO heavy...

The strap on the front is at least 20 years old. I have no idea now where I got it, or what the brand is/was. Still works as good as the day I bought it.

The one in the back came from Tractor Supply, and is more like 12 years old. It had a manufacture defect (extra notch in one ratchet tooth), not discovered until we needed it and couldn't take it back, but a bit of precision hand-machining put it to rights.

 

[ArlyA]

24.70 to my zipcode in Tn. on ebay. 33.70 on their webpage portal

I just ordered 6 and my shipping was $20+.

 

[5030]

Any heavy truck dealership with a parts department will have Ancra or Keeper heavy duty woven straps in stock in either the 2" flavor or the 4" wide flavor with a variety of end attachment points. I get mine from the local Freightliner dealership I retired from and pay no shipping.

 

[nyone]

I have some ratchet straps that are about 20yrs old. There just cheap task force brand. I dont leave them outside and lube them when needed.