Ratchet straps that actually last

[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.