If you’re reading this article, you are probably like most people who cannot wrap their heads around how the ratchet strap works. Don’t worry; you’re not the only one; in fact, this is common since this weird tool comes without a manual, and it is complicated the way it looks.
We can tell you a lot of stories where people misused it, so, fortunately, this won’t be the case for you as I will explain to you in detail how to work a ratchet strap in the most straightforward way possible so you won’t be afraid of the ratchet straps anymore.
How to Work a Ratchet Strap
Working with a ratchet strap can be easy if you do it properly. First, take the ratchet, push the strap from the bottom, and then around the spindle. Now work the handle back and forth to tighten the load you want to carry. Finally, press the handle down, and now the ratchet is locked and safe. Then attach both ends to the hooks for safe transportation.
To loosen up the ratchet strap, slowly push the handle upwards to unlock it and then pull out the strap.
Related: What Is a Lanyard Hole?
Working the ratchet strap
Concerning your ratchet strap anxiety, one of the most important things you need to know about how to work a ratchet strap is that there are a lot of models of ratchet straps. However, today we will speak about the most commonly used one.
A ratchet strap consists of a ratcheting mechanism and webbing that can be one inch, two inches, or more. Sometimes the ratchet straps come with hooks, but not necessarily, as some have butterfly clips. Mainly all of them have four components.
Step 1: Prepare the ratchet
First, when you take the ratchet strap out of the box, you can see that the device comes in two parts – the main ratchet piece and, of course, the webbing comes with a hook at the end.
When you are assembling both pieces, make sure the slot is turned towards you while the release should be facing away from you. To open the ratchet, release the small handle from the top by moving it upwards.
Now make sure that you can insert the webbing through the slot.
Step 2: Place the strap
Now, take the strap and slowly thread it from under the spindle through the slot from the center. Now depending on the length of the cargo, pull the strap long enough so it will have space to tighten it.
Step 3: Secure the hooks
Using the hooks, place them into the metal bars to secure the cargo’s back and front.
After you ensure that both hooks are in place, you need to tighten the ratchet strap, so it holds the cargo safely from moving during transportation.
Read more: How to Use a Gimlet
Step 4: Tighten the ratchet strap
The next step requires working the ratchet strap, so it’s tight enough to hold the cargo. Work the handle by cranking it back and forth. With each movement, it will become tighter and tighter.
Once you reach the desired tension, pull it down, and it will be locked and will work properly. One of the tricks you’ll know that works correctly is if it pops a little.
Step 5: Prevent the ratchet strap’s loose ends
Whenever you are securing cargo, it’s essential for you to make sure that the ratchet strap is secure enough and prevent your load from falling out.
Our best advice, in this case, is to check whether the strap is in place every couple of miles you cross. The truth is it doesn’t matter how tight you fasten the ratchet strap; if the weather is too windy or you are traveling on a bumpy road, there is always a risk that it might loosen down.
Loosening the ratchet strap
Finally, when you are done with the transportation, you will want to release the ratchet strap. Don’t worry since it’s as easy as tightening it down.
Step 1: Unlock the handle
To release the tightened ratchet strap, you’ll need to open it. Just push the handle upwards, then position it to lay flat.
Step 2: Pull the webbing out of the spindle
Now take off the hooks from the handles and slowly release the webbing from the handle.
Stuck ratchet strap? – Do this!
Finally, when you are learning how to work a ratchet strap and how to loosen it, which is where most people face issues, follow our advice to avoid them. No, you don’t have to break or cut it, even though, in some cases, if the ratchet strap is too stuck, this might be the only option.
First, you want to look for the issue of why your ratchet strap is stuck; most of the time, it is because it’s not fastened properly, or if you are using an old and rusty one, then you might need additional tools to help it get unstuck.
Pull the ratchet strap using a screwdriver
If your ratchet strap is too tight and stuck, so you cannot loosen it up, one of the easiest ways to do it is to take a screwdriver and try to pull the strap out one layer. You’ll need a little patience, and also, you’ll need to be careful not to damage it. Once you loosen it, you can pull it off from the spindle.
My advice to prevent this from happening is to pull out all the excess webbing and tie together the loose ends neatly or wrap them around the hook so they won’t get jammed.
Also read: How to Use a Camp Percolator
Lubricate the handle
In case your ratchet strap is corroded, this would be a little bit tricky; however, not impossible to loosen it up. You’ll need to use a lubricant to help the parts move more easily. You can use white lithium grease and spray it directly on the handle. If you don’t have this product, you can use any cooking oil you have at home.