SmartStraps Tie Downs

[Xfaxman]

I use 4 short chains and 4 folding handle ratchet binders. I cut the chain to the length needed, so it is easy to handle. :thumbsup:

 

[Lutzy48]

Thanks for all the feedback guys.

 

[MESSMAKER]

I have chains as well as straps. I use straps most of the time. I get them at Tractor Supply and replace them every 2 years, but I use them a lot.

 

[yelbike]

I have chains as well as straps. I use straps most of the time. I get them at Tractor Supply and replace them every 2 years, but I use them a lot.

What's a smartstrap?

I now put chains across the back than tighten up with straps at the front.

 

[Lutzy48]

What's a smartstrap?

I now put chains across the back than tighten up with straps at the front.

It's a brand of ratcheting tie-down strap that Northern Tool sells.

 

[schmism]

They make these also. The chain ends are used.

 

[TomSeller]

What is that in the background on the right in the last picture? It looks like a tractor. A tractor seems too common for you, given your collection of cool tools and equipment.

 

[TomSeller]

They make these also. The chain ends are used.

Those look very handy. Where did you find them?

 

[Xfaxman]

What is that in the background on the right in the last picture? It looks like a tractor. A tractor seems too common for you, given your collection of cool tools and equipment.

Yep, it is a tractor. A Farmall 400 that came with the property.

I had no use for it, so I sold it to a collector from Illinois.

 

[Sodo]

And no it was not a sharp edge that did it. It was a radiused corner square tube.

Agreed sharp edges are much worse than rounded edges. But remember that thin straps are like elastic bands, there will be movement. Wherever the strap is touching cargo that's in motion, even wiggling just a little bit, there will be fibers cut.

Lets say you go over one concrete highway seam (between 2 concrete slabs on the freeway). And one microfibre gets cut every time the strap slides over the (rounded) corner. And during your transport, you thump-ump thump-ump thump-ump over 10,000 seams on the freeway. You've now cut 10,000 fibers, how many do you have left?

I use straps 90% of the time. The key is to not allow the strap to touch the equipment. I installed permeant tie down points on my equipment so the hooks of the straps are the only thing that touches.

If you are going to use straps this is how you have to do it. The big 2"wide yellow straps are tougher for sure but best that a strap is not touching anything if its going on the highway and subject to thousands of "cycles" rubbing.

My tractor is something like 3,200 lbs with everything, I use 2 chains and the big 2" wide yellow ratchet straps too.