A high-quality ratchet strap is a guardian angel for transport safety. However, incorrect usage can turn the strongest equipment into a safety hazard. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a novice, you might be unintentionally guilty of some common mistakes. These habits not only threaten your valuable cargo but also endanger everyone on the road.
Today, let's count down the Top 10 common ratchet strap mistakes. See how many you recognize!
Mistakes List：
1. Overloading
gnoring the strap’s Working Load Limit (WLL) and using it to secure loads far beyond its capacity. This is the number one cause of sudden failure.
2.Twisting the Strap
Allowing the strap to be twisted under tension. This significantly reduces its strength and concentrates stress on a single point, making the webbing prone to tearing.
3. Ignoring Sharp Edge Protection
Running straps directly over the sharp edges of your cargo. During transit, these edges can act like knives, slicing through the webbing, causing invisible internal damage and potential failure.
4. Incorrect Hook Attachment
Attaching S-hooks to other hooks, rails, or unsuitable points. This creates an unstable pivot point that can slip, bend, or fail under pressure, leading to unexpected release.
5. Loose Binding
Failing to tighten the ratchet mechanism properly. Loose straps cannot secure the cargo effectively, allowing it to shift, rub, or even topple during acceleration, braking, or cornering.
6.Using Damaged Straps
Continuing to use straps that show signs of wear, cuts, tears, melted areas, or hooks that are rusted or bent. The "one more time" mentality is a major safety risk.
7. Incorrect Basketing / Angling
Using strap angles that are too shallow (much greater than 90 degrees). This creates massive downward pressure instead of a tightening force, drastically reducing the strap's effective capacity.
8. Dragging or Stepping on Straps
Dragging straps across the ground to position them or stepping on them with footwear. This grinds dirt and abrasives into the webbing, causing premature wear and unseen damage.
9. Sudden Release Under Tension
Opening the ratchet handle quickly while the strap is under high tension. The rapidly releasing strap and metal handle can snap back with whip-like force, causing serious injury to the operator.
10. Improper Storage & Cleaning
Storing straps while wet or cleaning them with harsh chemicals. This promotes mildew and material degradation, silently weakening the strap over time.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Safety is no small matter. Avoiding these common mistakes is crucial for protecting your cargo, your vehicle, and most importantly, yourself and public safety.
Choosing high-quality ratchet straps is your first line of defense. Autofonder is committed to providing the highest standard of safety solutions. Every product we offer is rigorously tested and clearly marked with its WLL, ensuring peace of mind for every journey.
Visit our website today to explore our range of safe and reliable tying solutions tailored for your needs!