Everything you need to know about ratchet straps

What are ratchet straps?

Ratchet straps, also known as tie down straps, cargo straps, lorry ratchet straps or ratchet lashing straps, are high strength and durable fixings for securing and moving cargo loads. They are available in different lengths, widths, and breaking strengths. Ratchet straps are an essential safety tool used to secure loads in the haulage and cargo control industry. 

UK laws surrounding ratchet straps

There are a number of UK laws that directly relate to the use of ratchet straps when securing loads:

The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations of 1986 states that, ‘the weight, distribution, packing and adjustment of the load of such vehicle or trailer shall at all times be such, that no danger is caused or is likely to be caused to any person in or on the vehicle or trailer or on a road.’

The Health & Safety Executive Road Traffic Act states, 

• Anyone who causes or permits a vehicle to be loaded, may be held responsible if the load is dangerous.
• If a load is properly restrained, on a stationary tipping truck or trailer, it will not dislodge, even when the deck is fully tilted.
• A ‘curtain-side’ cannot restrain a load properly unless it is part of a certified load restraint system.
• If a load falls off a vehicle travelling at 100 km/h and is hit by a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction at 100 km/h, it has the same impact as the load travelling at 200 km/h and hitting the vehicle when it is stationary.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency enforces prohibition and £100 fixed penalty for any load found to be insecure. 

How do these laws relate to ratchet straps? Simple. Ratchet straps secure loads. To make sure you are carrying the load safely, it’s important to use the correct strap for load security.

Weight capacity of ratchet straps UK

One of the most important things to consider is the weight of the load you’re securing. You need to know how much your cargo weighs and use a suitable type and number of ratchet straps to secure it. The safe working load limit (WLL) should be clearly identified on the packaging and the strap itself. 

Length of ratchet straps

Ratchet straps need to be long enough to reach from tie down point to tie down point, or to secure to a suitable fixing. If the ratchet straps are too short, they will not offer a secure fixing. Any excess strap must be securely fastened to stop it coming loose.

Ratchet strap end fittings

There are a huge range of ratchet strap end fittings available with features that differ depending on the load they will secure:

• Claw hook ratchet straps: the claw hook secures to anchor points or the vehicle itself.
• Chassis hook ratchet straps: these heavy-duty straps attach to the body of the vehicle using the chassis as the anchor point.
• Endless ratchet straps: a ratchet strap without hooks or end fittings ideal for securing loads to roof racks or binding together where fixing points are not required.
• Ergonomic ratchet straps: allow the operator to pull the ratchet handle down rather than up, putting less physical stress on the operator.
• Flat or twisted snap hook ratchet straps: a flat heavy-duty hook that fits over specific vehicle anchor points and has a spring-loaded clasp/gate.
• D-Ring ratchet straps: D-shaped metal end fitting that fits over hooks and dedicated anchor points.

Tightening straps and protective devices

Ratchet straps allow you to use the ratchet to tighten the strap, making the load secure. You can also use wear sleeves to protect the ratchet strap webbing and increase longevity.

Ratchet strap storage and maintenance

When you’re not using ratchet straps it is advisable to store them in a weatherproof place to avoid damage or degradation.

You should never knot any part of the strap, instead roll your ratchet straps up to avoid tangling. Inspect your straps for signs of damage or wear. Cuts, tears, or other kinds of damage mean your strap is weakened and should be replaced.

What is Break Strength?

Break Strength, also known as Breaking Strength, is the ultimate point before failure. For ratchet straps, typically the hardware choice is the weakest link and will fail before the webbing. The importance of testing breaking strength is, without a breaking strength it is impossible to know the safe weight for cargo loads and the appropriate safety materials for keeping the loads secure. 

What is Working Load Limit?

Working load limit (WLL) is calculated by dividing the Breaking Strength by three to reach the Safe Working Load Limit. WLL should never be exceeded when using ratchet straps. Before using a piece of load-bearing equipment, it is essential to look at the WLL before use as it is the maximum allowable loading force. 

The Blue Label

A two-part ratchet strap must have an individual label sewn into each part to conform with the UK and European standard. This secures all the critical identification in case of an incident. Ratchet Straps do not comply with EN12195-2:2001 without a visible, intact data label securely sewn to all detachable sections. Furthermore, all labels should have a stitched-in portion which is covered by webbing and can be exposed by unpicking the webbing in the event of an incident where the actual data label has become detached.

How are CargoStop’s ratchet straps different?

CargoStop’s ratchet straps are manufactured using superior webbing and incorporating several key design features for safety and durability:  

• Long life labels: we use a heavy-duty embossed vinyl which resists tear out. This increases the legal longevity of CargoStraps.
• Second safety instructions label sewn in.
• Double Sprocket mechanism.
• European Side by Side ZigZag sew pattern for resistance.
• TUV Approved and GS Accredited.
• Welded Claw Hook prevents splaying under tension.
• All end fittings are stamped with identification for traceability.
• Personalisation available via printed branding or strap colours.
• Backed up by 15M product liability insurance.

CargoStop are innovators. We are the only UK supplier of a unique ratchet strap with a double sprocket and short handle. With an in-house R&D department creating bespoke solutions, if there’s a load control product you need, we can develop it. Contact us now for further information or view our full catalogue of ratchet straps here.