Ratchet straps that actually last

[Grjfer]

I have been using quick loader Wessel Industries LLC retractable ratchet straps for around 10 years. They still work as intended.

 

[Tinhack]

It doesn't matter how much you pay for the straps; they all have metal on metal rachet mechanisms with a zinc coating. If you don't keep them lubed, they will bind up and rust. I've been using the WD-40 Specialist line of lubricants. I especially like the Gel lube. It lasts a long time even out in the weather. I think it has lanoline in it. It's 100-times better than plain WD-40. I've even used it for tapping holes and as a metal saw lube in a pinch.

 

[ArlyA]

It doesn't matter how much you pay for the straps; they all have metal on metal rachet mechanisms with a zinc coating. If you don't keep them lubed, they will bind up and rust. I've been using the WD-40 Specialist line of lubricants. I especially like the Gel lube. It lasts a long time even out in the weather. I think it has lanoline in it. It's 100-times better than plain WD-40. I've even used it for tapping holes and as a metal saw lube in a pinch.

Lubrication has limited durability in wet or winter conditions. Been there and done that.

 

[ArlyA]

double post deleted.

 

[Tinhack]

Lubrication has limited durability in wet or winter conditions. Been there and done that.

It helps to use a lube designed for wet or winter conditions. Like the lube I mentioned. It also helps if you don't store your straps wet. But you knew that.

 

[gsganzer]

I have been using quick loader Wessel Industries LLC retractable ratchet straps for around 10 years. They still work as intended.

Those straps are pretty cool! Definitely easy to use and store. They're also $55/ea for the 10K model. However, if I was frequently hauling things, that would be the way to go.

 

[EddieWalker]

I looked them up and just ordered the 4 piece ratchet strap kit for $25 plus $15 for shipping. I think that's a bit high for shipping, but if they are better then the junk I just bought, it's money well spent.

U.S. G.I. 10' Ratchet Strap, 4 pack

U.S. G.I. 10' Ratchet Strap, 4 pack These high quality ratchet straps are prepared to take years of abuse. Over engineered under strict specifications for the US Government, this assembly is now available to you. Assembly is 10’ length 1 ¾ inch nylon ratc

colemans.com

My straps arrived last week and I've used them a few time to hold demo material in my truck as I drove to the dumps. My first thought was about how heavy they are. Plenty of metal was used!!!! The other thing is that you cannot easily take them apart. The long strap part goes through the ratchet in such a way that you cannot pull it through the ratchet and separate the two pieces. Unlike the smaller one inch straps that I'm used to, I think that I could actually pull the walls of my truck bed in if I get them too tight!!! They could be a little longer, but so far, I haven't actually needed them to be any longer. I just think that I might need more length in them at some point. Overall, I'm very impressed and happy with these straps!!!

 

[Xfaxman]

I just think that I might need more length in them at some point.

I have used a short chain for more length.

 

[Gregster613]

My straps came a few days ago. Haven't had the need to use them yet, but my thoughts are "exactly" as Eddie said. Plenty heavy but they appear as if they might end up being a tad to short. Don't yet know for sure about that. Thanks for the insight/thought Xfaxman, if needed a short chain will probably fix that issue!

 

[ArlyA]

It helps to use a lube designed for wet or winter conditions. Like the lube I mentioned. It also helps if you don't store your straps wet. But you knew that.

Wherever you reside, I'm sure you have much more winter and wet weather towing conditions, than we do here..

 

[mjonesnh]

Agree with Eddie, Very pleased with them. Ratchet and hooks very beefy on these. For my uses the length seems just right. Wished I known of these years ago instead of wasting my money on the ones in similar price range but not near as heavy duty as these

 

[ArlyA]

They work perfect for tying down our 6x6. For the $7 plus shipping they cost, if we get four years out of them, I'm happy.

 

[ArlyA]

Used over the past few days.

 

[EddieWalker]

Since buying these, my brother passed away, and I've been hauling all of his stuff to my place. His farm is 60 miles away, so good straps have been important. These straps from Coleman have been great!!! Never an issue, and they metal hooks on them are fantastic!!!

I'm also using some bigger 2 inch straps that my brother had. They are longer, bigger and bright yellow. They are brand new, he never got around to taking the plastic off of them. I think they sat in his shop for awhile when his health started to fail, so I don't know how old they are. But since they have never been used, and they sat indoors for awhile, I'm kind of surprised how they already have surface rust and I'm struggling to get them to release. I need to use them, but I prefer the Coleman military surplus straps a lot more!!!

 

[kf4uda]

You guys are great salesmen. I just ordered those straps from Coleman as well. I use ratchet straps constantly. I will add add something to the conversation. I picked up a couple of plastic ammo cans. I keep a small variety of ratchet and tie down straps as well as a 30' tow strap in one. The other holds a set of wrenches, nut drivers and a small socket set. These stay in my truck tool box and make for a quick grab and go.

I will throw this in too. These are my favorite and longest lasting bungee cords:

Robot or human?

 

[Oaktree]

I will throw this in too. These are my favorite and longest lasting bungee cords:

Probably a thread all into itself. Never saw these before, but finding good bungee cords can be a challenge. At least you can put spray lube on the ratchets to extend straps' life but when that Chinesium elastic stretches out/goes brittle nothing you can do but trash 'em.

 

[m7040]

This shows the US government surplus strap tested on our Cedar tree with a split branch that was about to fall if left without support

 

[houska]

Just noting my thanks (as the OP) for the suggestions coming along. Have been a bit silent since a lot of them are only available in the U.S., so I'm waiting till I have trip south of the border planned to pick and choose.

To the discussion on "cover stuff up/put away", I agree, but sh** happens. And around here, even when things are under cover, condensation when weather changes is a thing. Anyway, thanks to all!

 

[FERLING]

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¢.

They should last many years in the cab of your truck.

 

[QRTRHRS]

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.