What is a Ratchet strap?
A ratchet strap is a tie-down webbing strap that is made of polyester equipped with tie-down hardware, which is used for secure cargo movement from one place to another. Ratchet Straps With E Fitting are used to make sure that your cargo does not move out of place or fall while shipping. Whether you are shipping your cargo to a long distance or short, using Dry Van Trailer Straps would ensure that your cargo reaches its destination without any wear and tear.
What is meant by a working load limit?
The working load limit refers to the working load strength that is safe to use for a ratchet strap. The load limit for work is written on the tie-down strap. A strap that does not have a rated working load limit should not be used, not even when it is written but not clearly visible.
One-third of the breaking strength of the ratchet strap determines its working load, which is evaluated based on the strength of the strap when it is incapable of holding more load or weight and breaks during the process. The load limit of the ratchet straps was set up by keeping in mind the safety when the tie-down straps are pulled. Without a working load limit rated on the strap, there are risks of hurting someone in case the straps are unable to hold the load.
Even though the tie-down straps can handle the load more than it is rated for, the load limit set up for the straps is considered in case there is a sudden pull on the straps, the cargo will be safe as well as the people. For example, you are driving down the road with cargo in the back of your truck tied down with a ratchet strap, and then, for some reason, an abrupt pulling of brakes takes place. Now, during this abrupt pulling of brakes, if your cargo is tied down with the straps based on the working load limit it was rated for, the straps would be able to handle that sudden shock or stretch during the pull, but in case the straps were used beyond their rated load limit. They would not be able to handle the sudden pull and would break off, resulting in injuring people and ruining the cargo.
There are many ways that ratchet straps can be used, such as:
- For cargo securement in the back of the pickup truck or a big trailer
- For fun activities with family and friends, being used as a slackline.
- Professional movers
- To die down ATVS and motorcycles
- Transportation of cars
- For towing
- Pulling the vehicle out of the mud or any other place it is stitched in
- During DIY projects, use the straps to hold stuff together so you can work on it, especially woodworking projects.
- To secure transportation of bicycles that are on hitches at the back of the car
- For lifting objects
- For transporting Christmas trees
- Storing luggage in the garage
The job of the ratchet strap is to hold down the stuff for smooth transportation of the cargo without any damage to it as well as the people around it. However, everything that we use has some limitations that we need to consider, which determine the safety of the process. Thus, it is essential to follow the instructions and working load limit on the ratchet strap to ensure a smooth and secure delivery of the cargo.