Ratchet straps and safety go hand in hand. Without one, the other doesn’t exist. So if you have to tie down heavy cargo, be sure you do it properly.
Both ratchet straps as well as cam buckles are varieties of e track straps. Each one of these e track straps has a work load limit along with a rated capacity so that you, the consumer, can decide which one will work best for you particular situation.
The workload limit what an e track strap assembly can be subjected to, in regards to weight, on a daily basis. This is the maximum, and it should NEVER be tested by someone other than those in the proper places. If this maximum capacity is ignored disastrous things may happen, and I doubt you want that on your conscience.
The other safety limit, or rated capacity, is the maximum load that the e track assembly can withstand. This number is determined in a professional testing facility using a pull test. And again, this is the maximum capacity. NEVER go beyond what it says, even by a little. When tests are ignored and put to the side, horrible things happen. (Yes, I said that already in regards to the working load limit, but it can happen in either case and it’s worth repeating several times.)
Another point of safety when dealing with ratchet straps are the different kinds of end fittings and other hardware associated with tying down cargo. Again, and I cannot stress this enough, this is all about safety. Use the proper fitting for the assembly you have, don’t just make do and hold it together with a bit of string – use the right fittings.
Just remember, if it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right. So be sure you know your cargo well, understand what the capacity is for the ratchet straps you want to use and know what kind of assembly you have on your truck or trailer, and go from there. Once you know what you are dealing with, putting safety first will be easy.
