Ratchet straps that actually last

[Raul-02]

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

Well the term "last" whether or not it is modified by the word "actually" (which I think is an unhelpful term in this context anyway) is a completely vague term. What does "last" mean? A year, ten years, twenty years, under what kind of use? Salt spray sand, strained at full capacity, immersed in oil, handled by babies with puppies?
So the answer is a guarded "Yes." But not for the service duty you articulated. The ones that last are a heck of a lot heavier and bigger and made by companies like Kinedyne, Blackline, Ankara cargo etc., and will meet the WSTDA T-4 & T1 standards.

 

[nisaacs]

I use this outfit, good quality for the most part. Standard or premium straps/ratchet.

2" x 27' YELLOW Ratchet Strap with Flat Hook - 10,000 lb Break Strength

Blackline 2" x 30' Ratchet Strap w/ Flat Hooks

 

[3Ts]

I bought some Bison brand ones off Amazon because they had 20' straps instead of the 16' that are common. Turns out the Bison brand are a heavier duty strap and seem to be a more durable strap. I've not had them long so can't comment on longevity of the ratchets yet, but they look promising.

 

[ArlyA]

And what fails on our rachet straps is the mechanism when it becomes rusty. If evertything else on it is high quality, it makes no diffence.

 

[m7040]

I got a bunch of military surplus straps that are high quality and cheap

 

[ArlyA]

Anyone here try or see these army suplus ones?? The webbing is 1.75 inch Surplus center in Nebraska.

 

[m7040]

Anyone here try or see these army suplus ones?? The webbing is 1.75 inch Surplus center in Nebraska.View attachment 761868

Those are the ones I have. I love them

 

[jyoutz]

I’ve not had an issue with the ratchet mechanism, but the poly straps don’t seem to last too long. I look for nylon straps, but they can be hard to find.

 

[jyoutz]

Anyone here try or see these army suplus ones?? The webbing is 1.75 inch Surplus center in Nebraska.View attachment 761868

I see they also have longer straps made of nylon. I’m going to bookmark that site.

 

[ArlyA]

Those are the ones I have. I love them

Great! Have you had them in rain? Salt? How long have you had yours? At $7, kind of disposable.

 

[m7040]

several years. Use one to prevent a tree branch from splitting. Been there for a long time

 

[houska]

Thanks for all the comments so far; I will go through them in more detail in coming days.

For greater precision, I'm in temperate Ontario, with modest sun, rain, snow all making an appearance. No salt, and not the burning relentless sun of some of you down south.

I've had no trouble with the actual strap webbing (except when caused by operator stupidity...). All my trouble has been with the mechanism, whether the actual ratchet/release or the retraction spring. I do keep them out of the elements, i.e. inside vehicle or storage shed, most of the time, but occasionally forget. But keep the suggestions coming, even if they're addressing other points of failure than mine, ones which might apply to others!

Someone mentioned not being familiar with retractable ones. Here's a link to the initial ones I got (This is a Canadian link, in C$, but I expect they're available all over): General PDP Template Note these are the ones that *don't* last for me.

 

[EddieWalker]

Anyone here try or see these army suplus ones?? The webbing is 1.75 inch Surplus center in Nebraska.View attachment 761868

Thanks for the link. I just ordered their catalog. I think I used to get it before, but haven't in awhile. I sort of forgot about them.

 

[oosik]

I've had difficulties, at times, getting the ratchet mechanism to release. I use the straps to hold down logs on my farm wagon. I finally bit the bullet and went to a Kenworth sales outlet. They had commercial, 3" wide, nylon ratchet straps. The fellow there told me a secret.

Rub talcum powder into the straps - in the area where the ratchet will tighten up. Easier to tighten up - easier to release. That, plus I store them inside where it's dry and warm.

Don't ask WHY - just give it a try.

 

[mjonesnh]

Anyone here try or see these army suplus ones?? The webbing is 1.75 inch Surplus center in Nebraska.View attachment 761868

Anyone here try or see these army suplus ones?? The webbing is 1.75 inch Surplus center in Nebraska.View attachment 761868

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!

 

[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!

Please sent us your impressions. I've had 100% good experiences with Surplus Center in Lincoln and would buy from them again..

 

[Oaktree]

Thanks for the link. I just ordered their catalog. I think I used to get it before, but haven't in awhile. I sort of forgot about them.

Same here, didn't know they were still in business.

 

[TMBRWLF]

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.

I get mine at Family Center here local. Couple years old and are basicly new as l rarely use them. I prefer chain and binders.

 

[Ron50]

Mac’s Tie Downs. Made in Idaho. He has his own ratchets.

 

[Kschwennsen]

Use chains.

You should on an excavator anyways, one on each corner (to be legal in the US at least).

For light loads I just use the smaller 1" synch straps.