what to do with excess strap

[mikehaugen]

I usually use pretty long tie-down straps and most of the time have excess strap that would flop around in the wind if not tied up. I don't want to have 200 different straps of varying length, so I just deal with it. I usually fold the excess a couple times and tie the big folded bunch around the used part of the strap of something else nearby. This gets to be quite a hassle especially when using the 2" or 3" straps. With all of the creative people on this site I figured someone had an efficient system to keep the "tails" from blowing in the wind and wearing them out or getting caught in tires.

 

[Blast Chamber]

I just fold the excess strap back and forth into a nice stack and then use a couple of zip ties to hold it all together. Works great for me.

 

[kensnelling]

I roll up the excess and secure it close to the ratchet handle with a velcro strap. Been doing it for several years now and hasn't failed yet.

Ken

 

[brotherbrent]

Fold the excess and before you tighten the strap all the way slip it under the strap to be tightened against the frame and finish tightening .

 

[MIKE R]

I just tie them up. When hauling my hit and miss engine I put the excess through the fly wheels to stop them from turning. I have yet to see and other way except for one with a large clearance to allow the entire length to be rolled around the shaft.

 

[Runner]

I tie mine to each other. Looks like crap, but I figure that if one comes loose, at least it won't fall off.

 

[johnk]

Fold it up and wrap it with a bungee cord.

 

[Smallplot]

After throwing the strap and loosely hooking each end, take the loose end and pull out away from the trailer to the full length. Fold the end of the strap over about 12 inches onto it's self. Continue folding the strap end over end until you reach the trailer. Tuck the now folded strap between the two sides of strap of the ratchet end. Leave a little loose, about one half a flip, for tightening up the ratchet. Tightening the ratchet tightens and locks what was the loose end securely in place.

 

[creekbend]

I just fold the excess strap back and forth into a nice stack and then use a couple of zip ties to hold it all together. Works great for me.

I do the same.

 

[gwiley]

I fold up the excess and use a short bungee cord to secure it to the ratchet.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I either put it under the strap before tightening like the others do in a 8 to 12" stack or I also carry about 10 of them small bungees with a ball on the end. Its a loop type thing with a ball and they work well for securing the folded up excess.

Chris

 

[schmism]

Fold the excess and before you tighten the strap all the way slip it under the strap to be tightened against the frame and finish tightening .

this is what i do

 

[megaboz]

I buy the double sided Velcro from Homedepot. Cut length long enough to wrap up my straps when not in use. When I use the straps I simply fold up the excess like others then wrap the velcro around. The Velcro comes in handy for other uses too.

 

[Scooby074]

Used to do the old fold and tie, then I got these "Tie down tamer" straps:



Also available in lighter duty configuration featuring a seatbelt like mechanism:

 

[megaboz]

Used to do the old fold and tie, then I got these "Tie down tamer" straps:

<img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=291394"/>

Also available in lighter duty configuration featuring a seatbelt like mechanism:

<img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=291395"/>

I have use the ones with a winder, nice idea, but too big of a pain in the rear to me. I have two issues, either the knob you tighten down comes lose or I can't get it lose. I never win them.

The concept is grand though.

 

[Bob77064]

Used to do the old fold and tie, then I got these "Tie down tamer" straps:

View attachment 291394

Also available in lighter duty configuration featuring a seatbelt like mechanism:

View attachment 291395

Those tamers work well, I have those.

 

[IkeRoberts]

Roll the end up to the desired size and put a spring clamp on it. That way you can adjust the length to what you want and clamp it on itself or the tractor or the trailer. The most secure spot.

 

[mikehaugen]

thanks everyone for the suggestions, though I have tried/ considered some of these. I have seen those tamers and thought that they wouldn't work as well as they seem, and I didn't want to have to buy more straps. I like the velcro/ bungee cord idea- I will probably pick some up, surprised I didn't think of that. I thought of the zip-ties, but having to cut/ replace them every time just didn't seem practical.

 

[Scooby074]

To add to this..
There was a guy on Youtube promoting his strap winding invention. It seemed to work well. I think he was a trucker? Wasnt that expensive, only a couple bucks IIRC. Anyways... I cant find the video but I know its up there somewhere.

 

[forester2]

I save old bicicle inner tubes and cut 2" sections. This gives me a nice rubber band on steroids. Ifold the stap as other do then put my rubber band around the bundle.