Ratchet straps that actually last

[ArlyA]

I have been buying mine here They carry all widths, any type of hook, color, length, etc. They sell multiples such as an eight pack at what I consider to be a good price. The first time I purchased, I got a discount then they email a discount offer for most holidays. I took a quick peek and they get 130 for an eight pack of 27 foot J hooks. If you do order from them, the discount does not show up until you check out.

For lubrication, I use graphite in a spray can that I get from a local New Holland dealer. It goes on like flat black paint but it will rub off but not run off. By the way, I first purchased the graphite spray for PTO shafts, jack hammer shanks, hitches, etc.

Don't you get lubricant on the straps when spraying the ratchet?

 

[QRTRHRS]

No, the spray pattern is pretty narrow. The end result is not pretty but I can confine it to the ratcheting area. The over spray will rub/wipe off so I take care to keep the ratchets away from the webbing until it somewhat stabilizes. I think the graphite is better than oil drips. I don't start using it until my ratchets start getting hard to use.

 

[Renze]

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

Chain binders. They even work to bend back an overloaded chassis, if you put a pipe to it.

 

[ArlyA]

Chain binders. They even work to bend back an overloaded chassis, if you put a pipe to it.

I will not use chain binders on lighter loads. Like our 6x6.

 

[branco10]

Ratchets with epoxy coating or straps with PVC hold up well. Two examples are the ABS one with blue epoxy on the ratchet mechanics ABS non-slip 2" Ratchet Straps for flatbed cargo control - American Xpert
and the wearguads with PVC coating WearGard® 3" Ratchet Strap - American Xpert

 

[m7040]

I have a bunch of these, works well

https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/us-military-surplus-10-aerial-cargo-ratchet-straps-2-pack-new?a=2192416&szc=000&clrc=000&utm_source=bing&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=pla&utm_medium=pla&adlclid=7ebbeea7d98f134fc2f389bec4994be8&utm_campaign=31664717&utm_channel=shoppingads&utm_product=wx2*0707635000000&msclkid=7ebbeea7d98f134fc2f389bec4994be8

 

[5030]

Far as ratchet straps (any brand) is concerned, store them in a dark place as UV light from the sun will degrade them over time. Not the ratchet mechanism but the webbing and never place them over a sharp metal object. Always use some rubber belting between the webbing and any sharp metal. Actually, any metal that isn't flat.

 

[geteh]

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 truck straps.

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.

I'm wondering what kind of ratchets people use to tie down there rzr's. I have had bad luck with snap on ratchet straps and good year straps , and a host of others. They break or Frey to Easily. And how many do people use to tie the rzrs down. I usually use 4.

 

[5030]

I spray down my ratchets with WD 40 regularly and keep the webbing in a covered box as sunlight (UV rays) will degrade the webbing. You have to lubricate the ratchets or they won't work. Real simple actually.

 

[Oaktree]

I'm wondering what kind of ratchets people use to tie down there rzr's. I have had bad luck with snap on ratchet straps and good year straps , and a host of others. They break or Frey to Easily. And how many do people use to tie the rzrs down. I usually use 4.

I don't have a rzr, but I always use 4 straps to tie down either a snowmobile or standard ATV when I trailer it. 2 on each side, criss-crossed (ie-front of ATV tied to rear trailer tiedown, rear to front). Also use carabiners to attach to the hooks on the trailer so they don't unhook if the strap loosens.

I spray down my ratchets with WD 40 regularly and keep the webbing in a covered box as sunlight (UV rays) will degrade the webbing. You have to lubricate the ratchets or they won't work. Real simple actually.

Don't think I've ever had the straps deteriorate, but the ratchets themselves need lubrication periodically. I've had the best results from spray white lithium grease, WD40 doesn't last very long.

 

[5030]

I use WD because white grease collects and gets cruddy on them. I use straps when hauling rounds on my GN trailer. Webbing will deteriorate when exposed to sunlight from the UV rays. They reside in the toolbox on the GN when not in use.

Actually, the only thing I use WD for. WD is basically useless for me except for that.

 

[deserteagle71]

I'm wondering what kind of ratchets people use to tie down there rzr's. I have had bad luck with snap on ratchet straps and good year straps , and a host of others. They break or Frey to Easily. And how many do people use to tie the rzrs down. I usually use 4.

I've been using a set of 4 Snappin' Turtle ratchet straps for 8 years now to tie down my Jeep and my Can-am. Excellent quality. They have many other models if these with the hooks aren't what you like.

Snappin Turtle Tie Downs - USA Made - 10K 6' Rated Heavy Duty Tie Down Ratchet

 

[5030]

Candidly, I use the same ones I used when I drove a big truck, Ancrya's I believe. Like I said, I keep them rolled up in the tool box covered when not in use. Same with the ratchets and I store the ratchets extended, I must have 20 sets or so.

Mine are Federal DOT certified and stamped as such.

 

[CalG]

A few years back I bought a few sets of RHINO brand straps.

Good enough

 

[Paystar]

I find all the ones at box stores are crap. Especially Erickson brand. Even the 3 inch...they saw themselves off even if they are laying on a flat smoot surface.
Only ones I ever had luck with are Ancra (for small stuff, still have same ones from 1993 and not a fray in them) and Kinedyne that I get from class 8 truck dealers.

But now I just use ratchet straps for the side by sides and atv. For the tractors I went back to the safe trouble free route...3/8 grade 70 transport chains and binders.

 

[Paystar]

Also worth noting, beware of counterfeits. I was recently looking for new Ancra ratchet straps for securing my dirt bikes. Same as the ones I have from 1993 that have not failed.
I found them on Amazon in a multi pack with a price that was too good to be true.
They had the Ancra name and exact logo. But their color was one that the real Ancra does not even produce! So I knew right away.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I spray down my ratchets with WD 40 regularly and keep the webbing in a covered box as sunlight (UV rays) will degrade the webbing. You have to lubricate the ratchets or they won't work. Real simple actually.

Have you tried BoeShield T-9? Leaves a light wax residue.