Operation of "Ratchet Strap" tiedowns (a few 2X4s)

[aczlan]

The $4 ratchets don't "break", they bend the little spring loaded "slider" catches. Sometimes it bends the frame too. Basically if you are going to release it under full tension do it quickly and purposefully.

I HIGHLY recommend you avoid those cheap pieces of junk and get some decent ones that are rated for 1000# such as: Goodyear Ratchet Tie Down - 4 pk. - Ratchet Straps - Amazon.com
They will hold up to being "popped" open under tension and will not bend and fall apart when tightening like the cheap ones do.

Aaron Z

 

[Sodo]

The situation you're describing is exactly the problem here. When you pop it under tension that's when you damage it, but you don't LOOK at it. You just put it away, thus DISCOVER the problem later.

The problem appears next time you try to tighten a ratchet with bent-up parts, so you think (at that time) its not strong enough. It's not obvious that your (previous) release method is what ruined it.

I HIGHLY recommend you avoid those cheap pieces of junk and get some decent ones that are rated for 1000# such as: Goodyear Ratchet Tie Down - 4 pk. - Ratchet Straps - Amazon.com. They will hold up to being "popped" open under tension and will not bend and fall apart when tightening like the cheap ones do.

We've used those too, they hold up longer being "popped" under tension. They'd last forever if you back off the tension a few clicks though. They're certainly better but its worth using any ratchet strap more sensibly (if you have a few seconds to back off the tension).

 

[locknut]

I always hated ratchet straps until I bought some retractable type straps.No muss-no fuss.

 

[Sodo]

I'm sure I could find a few good applications for the cargobuckle! Looks real convenient. Not long enough to replace a 15 or 27 foot ratchet strap but for a lot of things a ratchet strap is too long.