How to Use a Ratchet Strap

Download Article

Secure your cargo safely and quickly with this simple guide

Co-authored by Eric McClure Reviewed by Charley Helvy

Last Updated: November 10, 2024 Fact Checked

Download Article

Threading a Ratchet Strap

|

Tightening the Strap

|

Releasing the Strap

|

Video

|

Tips

|

Warnings

Ratchet straps are fasteners used to secure cargo during transport. When used correctly, these straps can support many different weights and cargo sizes. In order to properly use your ratchet straps, thread the strap through the mandrel and then crank the ratchet to tighten it. To release the strap, press the release tab and open the ratchet.

How to Use Ratchet Tie Down Straps

Open the ratchet fully so it sits flat.
Slide the end of the strap through the open slot in the ratchet mechanism.
Double-over the end of the strap.
Feed the strap back over the top of the ratchet mechanism.
Pull the strap taut.
Pull the ratchet handle back and forth to tighten the strap.
Push the ratchet handle down all the way until it clicks to lock the strap.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Threading a Ratchet Strap

Download Article

1
Open the ratchet all the way using the release catch. The release catch, also known as the release lever, is a smaller handle that disengages the ratcheting handle. It’s located in the center of the top movable piece of the ratchet. Pull up the release catch and flip the ratchet fully open. Set the open ratchet on a table before you so that the spiked wheels (cogs) are facing upwards.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Does the handle move freely without pressing the release catch? If so, you unlock your ratchet by opening it all the way so that the handle is perfectly in line with the portion of the ratchet attached to the strap.
- Note: The “strap” part of the ratchet strap is the side with only fabric. The “ratchet” refers to the side with the actual locking mechanism.^{[2]
  X
  Research source}
2
Thread the strap through the middle of the mandrel. The key part of the ratchet strap system is the mandrel. The mandrel refers to the two metal strips at the bottom of the ratchet where the two metal components meet. To thread the strap, slide the fabric through the opening in the middle of the mandrel.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Pro tip if you’re loading a truck or trailer: Put a single twist in the strap before feeding it through the mandrel so that the topside of the strap on one side is the underside of the strap on the other side. This will capture a bit of the wind and keep the strap from sliding off the item.^{[4]
  X
  Research source}
Advertisement
3
Flip the end of the strap and pull it over the top of the mandrel. Once you’ve threaded the strap through the middle of the mandrel, flip the end of the strap over. Pull this end back through the ratchet using the slot in between the top of the mandrel and the bottom of the release catch.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- The strap should now be doubled over on the strap side of the ratchet strap.
4
Continue feeding the strap through the mandrel until it feels taut. Remember that you can always tighten the entire thing using the ratchet later, so don’t worry if you’ve got slack in your strap.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- If you need help picturing what’s going on here, the strap is now wrapped around the top bar of the mandrel in a U-shape. When you eventually tighten the strap using the ratchet, the mandrel will spin and bundle up all the excess strap fabric to make everything taut.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Tightening the Strap

Download Article

1
Secure the cargo with the S-shaped strap hooks. Ratchet straps can easily secure cargo in a truck bed, moving van, or wherever you need to tie something down. Move your cargo where you want it to stay, then place the ratchet strap across your cargo. Loop the S-hooks anywhere where they’ll stay in place.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- There are typically dedicated hooks or grooves for ratchet straps in truck beds and van walls.
- You can also hook the S-hooks to themselves. Simply wrap the ends of the ratchet straps entirely around your cargo and connect the two S-hooks together.
- To hold multiple objects together and keep them in place, you’ll need two ratchet straps. Use one strap to secure the objects together and the other strap to wrap around them.
2
Crank the ratchet to tighten the strap until the cargo feels secure. Pull the ratchet back and forth to shorten the length of the strap through and tighten it. Once it feels taut and secure around your cargo, stop ratcheting. Tug at the strap and check it for give—it should feel tight and secure.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Be careful not to over-tighten. Too much pressure could damage your ratchet strap or your cargo.
3
Lock the strap securely in the folded (closed) position. The ratchet is unlocked when it is laid flat in a straight line, and locked when it is folded on top of itself. Flip the ratchet into the closed position by applying pressure until you hear a click. This means that the strap is locked into place and should hold your cargo securely.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- If you don’t hear the click, tug on the strap and buckle to make sure it’s secure. If it comes loose, you may have a faulty ratchet strap.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Releasing the Strap

Download Article

1
Pull and hold the release tab to unlock the strap. This will override the ratcheting function and release the lock. The release tab should be easy to access and located on the top of the ratchet.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- If you can’t locate the release tab, check your ratchet strap’s operation instruction manual.
- Don’t see a release tab? Some ratchet straps don’t have a manual unlocking feature. To unlock these straps, simply push down on the handle and pull the handle up.
Flip the ratchet completely open so it lays flat, then pull on the non-fixed side of the strap. This will release the strap from the ratchet’s hold and allow you to completely remove it.^{[11]
X
Research source}
Locate the release tab once again and hold it down while you flip the ratchet closed. This will keep the ratchet in the locked position until it is ready to be used again. If you don’t have a release tab, just close the strap until you hear a click.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

Ratchet straps are rated by their weight capability, ranging from a light strap for 300 pounds (140 kg) to a heavy-duty strap that can support up to 10,000 pounds (4,500 kg). Make sure to weigh your cargo so you can choose the correct straps to support it.^{[12]
X
Research source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Ratchet straps also have a wide variety of sizes and end fittings to secure many different sizes loads. Choose the length you’ll need and the type of hardware that will work best, such as flat hooks, snap hooks, wire hooks, grab hooks, s-hooks, and more.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Always inspect the straps for signs of wear before using them. Do not use a strap that has fraying, abrasive wear, broken or worn-down stitching, tears, cuts, or defective hardware.

Thanks
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1