The Complete Guide to Tie Down Straps

Are you exhausted from the constant worry and doubt that accompanies the process of securing your cargo for transportation? Are you constantly seeking answers to questions about the most effective methods, materials, and regulations for tie downs? Well, your search ends here!

In this all-inclusive guide, we will address every single inquiry you may have regarding cargo tie downs, ranging from understanding their purpose to ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Whether you are an experienced professional or a newcomer to the world of cargo handling, this guide will provide you with the necessary knowledge to make well-informed decisions and guarantee the safety and security of your cargo during transportation.

A tie down strap, also referred to as a ratchet strap, lashing strap, or simply a tie down, serves as a secure fastener utilized to secure cargo or equipment in place while being transported. These straps are essentially made of webbing material and come equipped with tie down hardware that enables them to be attached to the cargo or equipment, looped over them, or secured around them. 

Additionally, they typically feature a mechanism for tightening the strap, such as a ratchet.

These straps are commonly used in a variety of industries, including transportation, construction, and agriculture, to secure items such as furniture, machinery, vehicles, and building materials.

Ratchet straps and cargo tie downs are primarily used to secure cargo during loading, moving, and unloading operations. They are widely employed for various purposes, such as transporting large items like TVs in pickup trucks or securing multiple household appliances in the back of a van. These cargo straps offer the fastest and safest means of securing loads. 

Extensive research and testing conducted by the Department of Transportation have established ratchet straps as the optimal method for ensuring the safe transportation of cargo.

In addition to their common use, ratchet straps and cargo tie downs find popularity in several other scenarios. They are frequently utilized for

Fortunately, there are some shortcuts to figuring out exactly what end-fittings will work best for the jobs you have.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at the most popular end fittings, explore their key features and drawbacks, and figure out what types of jobs they’re right for. Let’s jump in!

Polyester tie-down webbing has emerged as a highly favored choice for cargo securement in the moving and professional shipping industries. Its popularity stems from its exceptional strength, durability, and minimal stretching compared to other types of webbing like nylon.

When transporting cargo or valuable possessions, it is crucial to ensure that the cargo remains securely fastened. Any damage to the cargo not only leads to a negative customer experience but also results in significant expenses in terms of insurance claims and loss of revenue from repeat customers. According to the National Cargo Security Council (NCSC), the professional shipping industry incurs an annual cost of over 50 billion dollars due to cargo damage. This can subsequently lead to higher shipping prices for customers in the future and the potential loss of returning customers based on previous negative experiences.

Using polyester tie-down webbing offers several additional advantages. It exhibits exceptional durability even when exposed to various elements such as direct sunlight, UV rays, extreme heat, rain, hail, snow, dust, or strong winds. Mold and mildew pose significant threats to tie-down webbing, but by utilizing polyester tie-down webbing, you can mitigate some of the potential damage. This is because polyester webbing absorbs only minimal amounts of water, thereby safeguarding the long-term strength of your tie-down straps.

Heavy Duty Tie Down webbing distinguishes itself from standard polyester tie-down webbing due to its significantly higher working load limit and durability, as well as its heavier construction. In most cases, tie-down straps fail due to the webbing rather than the hardware itself. Therefore, if you frequently ship items or work with products that have sharp edges, it would be wise to invest a few extra dollars in ensuring that your straps are exceptionally durable over time.

There are multiple methods to safeguard your synthetic cargo tie downs. Let's briefly examine the four prevailing options at hand.

Protective Sleeves offer a practical way to prolong the lifespan of your ratchet tie-downs by preventing webbing damage on sharp edges. By adding a layer of protection, these sleeves enhance the durability of your tie-down straps.

Plastic corner protectors, also known as V boards, possess flexibility, lightness, stackability, and resistance to weather conditions. Our inventory consists of a variety of plastic corner protectors, such as those designed for bricks, flexible tarp corners, and elongated edge protectors suitable for sizable drywall and plywood sheets.

Steel corner protectors are highly suitable for demanding applications that involve the use of transport chains and for handling larger and heavier cargo such as coils. The robust galvanized steel construction ensures protection against premature rusting, thereby ensuring the longevity of these metal edge protectors. Additionally, we offer steel corner protectors equipped with a rubber lining for added protection.

Felt corner protectors exhibit exceptional durability and resistance to tearing, making them an ideal choice for safeguarding delicate cargo and securing tie down straps. Crafted from high-quality industrial grade felt material, these protectors are widely employed as lifting sling pads, coil padding, and for providing edge protection.

In addition to holes, tears, and knots, it is important to check for other signs of wear that may not be immediately obvious. These include:

After an extended trip, your tie-downs might gather dirt, grime, or other particles. Regularly cleaning them not only preserves their look but also extends their durability. To clean the straps, utilize a gentle soap solution and a soft cloth. Refrain from using strong chemicals or rough materials that may harm the webbing. Gently blot the damp strap with the cloth, let it air dry, and then retract it for storage.

It is essential to conduct routine inspections to detect any indications of wear or damage at an early stage. Before every use, inspect the webbing for any fraying, cuts, or other noticeable signs of deterioration. Ensure to check the ratchet mechanism for any defects or loose parts. In case of any problems, replace the damaged components or the entire strap, if needed, to uphold the integrity of the system.

Proper lubrication is crucial for maintaining the retraction mechanism of your retractable ratchet straps in top condition. Utilize a silicone-based lubricant made for gear mechanisms, which can be purchased at a nearby hardware store. Apply the lubricant in small amounts over time to the ratchet gears to guarantee seamless functionality. Remember, a small quantity is sufficient, so avoid excessive application.

Moisture prevention : Moisture can significantly reduce the lifespan of your ratchet straps. A humid environment can promote mold growth, which weakens the webbing and ultimately destroys it. To prevent this, ensure that your storage area is dry and free from excessive humidity. If you anticipate heavy rain or live in a humid climate, you may want to use moisture-absorbing products or desiccant packs in your storage space to maintain ideal conditions.

Protection from heat: Heat sources can also pose a threat to your tie-downs. Direct exposure to sunlight, contact with fire, or proximity to other heat-emitting objects can gradually weaken the webbing. If you are storing your tie-downs in a vehicle, avoid placing them near heat vents or engines. By shielding your ratchet straps from excessive heat, you can preserve their strength and integrity.

Avoid friction: It is crucial to prevent your ratchet straps from rubbing against sharp edges or other objects during storage or transport. Friction can weaken the polyester webbing, leading to potential damage and compromised strength. Take care when positioning and securing your straps to avoid unnecessary contact with abrasive surfaces. If you notice any signs of wear or visible defects caused by friction, it is advisable to replace the affected tie-downs to ensure optimal performance and safety.

It is crucial to avoid overloading retractable tie-downs, even though they are built to endure heavy loads. Overburdening the straps can result in premature wear and the possibility of them failing. To ensure safety, utilize ratchet straps with appropriate breaking strength and working load limit.

Adhere to the load capacity recommended by the manufacturer and securely fasten the cargo to evenly distribute the weight. Always remember that a properly secured load guarantees safety.

The maximum load that can be applied to a component of a cargo securement system during normal service is typically determined by the manufacturer.

The comparison between a Tie Down's Working Load Limit and its Break Strength is crucial when determining how much weight a tie-down can safely carry. The Working Load Limit (WLL) is typically calculated as one-third of the break strength. For instance, if a tie-down has a break strength of 20,000lbs, its WLL would be approximately 6,660lbs.

Working Load Limit (WLL) is the maximum weight that a tie-down should bear, considering factors such as the vehicle's movement, sharp turns, bumpy surfaces, and emergency stops. It is essential to adhere to FMSCA safety regulations and not mistake the break strength as the actual weight limit of the tie-down.

Break Strength refers to the amount of weight required to break a tie-down without any additional force, like during emergency stops at high speeds. Each component of a cargo securement system has its designated break strength, and the WLL is determined by the lowest of these values.

For example, if the anchor point on a vehicle has a break strength of 10,000lbs, the strapping used as a tie-down has a break strength of 6,000lbs, and the hook connecting the strap to the vehicle has a break strength of 1,500lbs, the WLL would be calculated based on the lowest break strength, which is 1,500lbs in this case.

This is why chains are often preferred over webbing systems, as they have higher break strength and can connect directly to the vehicle's anchor points, simplifying the calculation of the WLL.