What are the best ratchet straps?

[Scooby074]

While we're on the subject of tie-down straps, what about bungee cords? Bought a bunch at some box store (don't remember which one) about 6 months ago...first time I tried to use 'em had 2 break right in half...the actual elastic snapped. Used to be they'd last for years.

Avoid the big box brands and look for some of these "Snappi Hookers" Snappi-Hookers

The big box stores mostly carry chinese made ones and chinese rubber stinks (literally).

Snappi Hookers are made in Canada, out of quality rubber. They have lots of UV stabilizers in them so they can take the sun without cracking. A good product if you can find it.

 

[JDgreen227]

I like Erickson straps. I use their smaller ones when necessary, but usually grab the large 2" Erickson "Tie Down Tamers" when I can. The ratchets are a bit better on the large straps, plus the "Tamer" mechanism makes it a lot easier to deal with those annoying strap tails.

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Erickson also makes a small, 1" strap with a mechanism like a seatbelt retractor that looks interesting, but I have no idea how it works in practice.

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Have never seen anything like the smaller "seatbelt retractor" type...wondering how it works....gonna do some research now. Oh, wanted to pass along a tip I have for using straps on sharp edges...know that indoor-outdoor low pile grass carpeting? I cut a number of small squares and strips of that from a bigger section, it works just great to protect just about anything.

 

[El Wood]

I've become a big fan of retractable straps. In fact, that's all I'll buy anymore. For me, the strap tails are very annoying. Right now I have a bunch of Erickson retractable straps that go on in seconds. All you do is hook, retract the slack and ratchet to tighten.

I just ordered a set of Quickloader retractable tie downs for my tractor. Their more heavy duty and I got them from Northern Tool. Let me know if you want to know prices.

Once you use the retractable, you'll never go back.

 

[aczlan]

For small (1") straps, I haven't found anything that will beat: Reese Carry Power Heavy Duty Ratchet, 4-Pack: Automotive : Walmart.com $24 for 4 straps that have a 1000# WLL (3000# breaking strength) and have ratchets that I haven't been able to bend yet.
I have 2 packages, one in my car and one in the wife's van.

Aaron Z

 

[sixdogs]

Anyone have a problem with using quality 2 inch webbing ratchet straps to tie down a 5500 lb tractor while trailering it?
Four straps,one on each corner and 10,000 lb rating.

 

[JDgreen227]

Anyone have a problem with using quality 2 inch webbing ratchet straps to tie down a 5500 lb tractor while trailering it?
Four straps,one on each corner and 10,000 lb rating.

Not me...as long as the 10,000 lb. rating is WLL and the straps are not weathered, four straps are more than ample. May be off topic, but I always wonder if when they test straps, which component fails first: The hooks, webbing, or ratchet?

 

[aczlan]

Not me...as long as the 10,000 lb. rating is WLL and the straps are not weathered, four straps are more than ample. May be off topic, but I always wonder if when they test straps, which component fails first: The hooks, webbing, or ratchet?

Well, when I was watching someone try to pull out a stuck Zero turn with one, he kept breaking the webbing, but it was chinsy webbing (ie: 2" wide but only one layer thick)

Aaron Z

 

[JDgreen227]

Well, when I was watching someone try to pull out a stuck Zero turn with one, he kept breaking the webbing, but it was chinsy webbing (ie: 2" wide but only one layer thick)

Aaron Z

Must have been REALLY cheap webbing...even a big ZT shouldn't tax a strap that much. However, tiedowns are NOT recommended nor intended for pulling...they are made to secure a stationary load and a recovery strap is made to stretch slightly under tension before failing. My favorite recovery strap, a 2" Tufflex, is rated 15,000 pounds with 2 layers and I have used it for a pull on a 5000 lb. tractor and it barely stretched. It's the layers of webbing that add the strength to strapping.

 

[radioman]

I have several styles of rachet straps. The big 2 inch ones, the 1 inch in two types of webbing. The 1 inch ones are fine for in pickup use or light stuff, but problem is knowing the type of webbing to look for.
If the webbing feels smooth , nylon like and one strip kind -- run!
If the webbing has cloth feel with edges stitched - grab it !
I have both of those webbing types and I hate the smooth lightweight, non edge stitch type. It stretches too much, loosens up and cuts/frays easily.

 

[aczlan]

Must have been REALLY cheap webbing...even a big ZT shouldn't tax a strap that much. However, tiedowns are NOT recommended nor intended for pulling...they are made to secure a stationary load and a recovery strap is made to stretch slightly under tension before failing. My favorite recovery strap, a 2" Tufflex, is rated 15,000 pounds with 2 layers and I have used it for a pull on a 5000 lb. tractor and it barely stretched. It's the layers of webbing that add the strength to strapping.

The ZTR was a 72" Exmark LazerZ that was stuck between a high tension fence, a power pole and the guy wire for the power pole. The strap was thinner than my 1000# WLL 1" wide strap... My guess would be that it was a 1000# WLL 2" wide strap that he was pulling on with an F350.

Aaron Z