Ratchet straps that actually last

[houska]

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.

 

[nisaacs]

Use chain and cable lube in a spray can.

 

[mikester]

If you didn't leave your tools outside to get rusty then you would never have an excuse to go buy new ones. Just tell your wife you shouldn't have bough such crappy tools.

 

[duffer]

If you're using the fabric straps (mainly made of poly) the sun will eat them up more than the rain. If you leave them outside in your truck bed or trailer, they'll deteriorate quickly.

I've got straps from Harbor Freight and they have held up extremely well, because I keep them in the cab of the truck.

Just my 2¢.

 

[ArlyA]

Yes, the ratchet mechanism starts to rust on ours and becomes impossible to actuate. The strap still looks fine but its not longer functional. Oil the components and it lasts for one trip.

 

[Hay Dude]

I use mine a LOT. They seem to hold up fine. I spray the ratcheting mechanisms with spray lubricant, like WD40, etc.
When not in use, they are in the trailer toolbox

 

[Oaktree]

Yes, the ratchet mechanism starts to rust on ours and becomes impossible to actuate. The strap still looks fine but its not longer functional. Oil the components and it lasts for one trip.

I've had a little better luck with oiling than that, but once they start to rust it's an ongoing battle. Doesn't take much in the mechanism to make it bind.

 

[oldnslo]

The ratchet or release mechanism on Every ratchet strap I have owned eventually has failed. I keep these in covered tool box when not in use and oil them which I sometimes wonder if makes them a dirt magnet.

 

[EddieWalker]

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.

 

[MichiganIron]

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.

Vulcan Pro Series are the best we have found. The webbing is excellent, but still need to keep the ratchets lubricated to keep from rusting, especially in salt environments.

 

[Xfaxman]

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.

The handiest strap that I have for that is a Highland RH 1500. It is one strap, hook on one end, adjustable for length hook on the other end.

The ratchet slides to anywhere on the strap where it is easy to tighten:

 

[bigtiller]

retractable ratchet strap.. I need to get out more. I didn't know that was an option. It sounds like a good idea!

Great question houska. I hope we get the name or a link of a quality retractable ratchet strap

 

[ArlyA]

Vulcan Pro Series are spendy but might have to buy a set. Are there other options for less $$? On Amazonie

 

[ruffdog]

For years Ancra has made motorcycle tie down straps and were the mainstay for dealers and racers.
https://www.amazon.com/Ancra-40888-...ocphy=9018912&hvtargid=pla-593890736631&psc=1

This is their HD cargo line:
Heavy Duty Cargo Control - Ancra Cargo

 

[ljjhouser]

For light loads in the utility trailer, I use NRS.com canoe straps. They are not ratchet but are nylon and will handle light loads and never loosen.

 

[dieselscout80]

I don’t use mine super often, but I have at least three 2”x27 ratchet straps from the 1990s that still work. However, I store them inside a toolbox.

Had four but one died when it came off a 55 MPH when I dumped some hay before Covid-19 and drove the trailer over it.

 

[JJT]

Same here, I have some from the 90's that are still going strong.

 

[ultrarunner]

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

 

[bcp]

Several years ago I was in a hardware store. A man was buying ratchet straps and had many in a basket. I made a comment and he said his employees always wrecked the cheap ones so he was buying "Keeper" brand.

Bruce

 

[WM75Guy]

I buy these at TSC. They last 2-3 years before they lose tension. I treat them as just another disposable maintenance item, when I get tired of messing with them I buy some more.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/smartstraps-10-ft-orange-retractable-ratchet-1000-lb-pack-of-2

For all my big straps I use Custom Tiedowns. They make them to the length and with the ends I want. Most of mine have twisted clips. Often I am strapping stuff down by myself, pallets of shavings, hay bales, etc.. I put an axle strap around the pipe top and clip the strap to it. That way i don't have to worry about the strap coming loose when I go to tighten it.

CustomTieDowns.com - 2 Inch Ratchet Tie Downs

CustomTieDowns.com - Ratchet Straps, Tie Down Hardware, And Webbing