What are the best ratchet straps?

[JDgreen227]

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.

Are you referring to the cloth covered round straps with plastic covered hooks or the black rubber type with bare metal hooks? The quality of the cloth covered types has REALLY gone down, but the black rubber type last like they used to at least in my experience.

 

[Danno1]

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.

Are you referring to the cloth covered round straps with plastic covered hooks or the black rubber type with bare metal hooks? The quality of the cloth covered types has REALLY gone down, but the black rubber type last like they used to at least in my experience.

I sincerely hope you guys are not using either one of those out on the road.



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[PoorPlowboy]

Keeper brand straps will last a very long time if you keep them out of the sun while not in use, and use protection methods to buffer sharp corners when they are in use. Simply using a square of cardboard on sharp edges will help protect them.

 

[CompactTractorFan]

The straps from Harbor Freight haven't given me any problems.

 

[Tollster]

I have been using Ancra products since the late 70's and never been let down,as a matter of fact,I still have a set from the early 80's I still use. I like the web as its not that thin chinese web that always tangles up with the other straps. Its thicker, which is why it lasts.
That also have a wide variety of hardware for your rig depending on what ya wnat to do.
Its all they have every done.
http://www.ancratiedowns.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=230_249

I have the 2" rat pack since 1999.

 

[studor]

Lately I been buying 1" Ericksons and they are great- I have numerous other brands and have found that leaving them in the sun is probably the worst thing you can do to them ( or sharp edges). I now have a plastic pail with a lid I put them in and most have been in use for over four years. Bungee cords are a different matter but same issue with exposure to weather-- They always break at the worst time. In my way of thinking they should get replaced often and inspected before every use -- they are all made in China these days for the lowest possible cost. Remember though thats why there are a billion people in China -- they don't know much about rubber

 

[QRTRHRS]

I bought some one inch straps from one of the big box stores with large sort of "T" shaped handles. The handles proved to be too large and heavy. They flop around no matter how tight the strap and bang into things.

I was looking on Ebay for some E-track straps. This one retailer from Washington State I think it was had some pretty low prices. I had not bought any yet so I don't know how good they are.

 

[MikeA57]

2" Keeper brand work good, I got an old fire hose and cut 12" pieces to slide over the straps for sharp corners. GoodYear also makes 1" and 2 " straps, I think Sams Club has them.

Dave

I got a set of those and I like them, but I bent the handles on 2 of them while racheting them. They still work but you just need to be aware that you CAN bend the handles.

I've seen the rope ratchet straps being advertised and a friend of my son has some and they like them but when I looked closer at them the working/breaking limits are less than the straps. But, it is an option...

http://www.zorotools.com/g/00064070/k-G3254352?utm_source=google_shopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google_Shopping_Feed&kw={keyword}&gclid=CL6utYGTl7MCFemiPAod0GwAwg

And here's another site that lists the strength of the strap, the ratchet, and the hooks. I guess a 3000# strap isn't worth very much if the hooks are only rated for 500#...

http://www.ratchetstraps.com/tie-down-straps-ratchet-strap-tie-downs?gclid=CNOrg7STl7MCFXCmPAodcAoAJw

 

[Scooby074]

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.



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.

 

[Scooby074]

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.

View attachment 285813

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.

View attachment 285814