The utility and versatility of ratchet straps cannot be overlooked when thinking about certain mechanical industrial
tasks. These tools have prevailed to become invaluable in the tying down of
loads for transportation, moving house, shipping goods, and even just tying
down equipment in the back of a van.
But probably the most frequent question
we receive at Rope Services Direct is, "What is the lashing capacity of
the ratchet straps?" Let's delve a little into this topic and try to
unravel the mystery behind ratchet strap strength.
How Ratchet Strap Ratings Work
Before we move on to the numbers, it is and
should be noted how ratchet straps are rated. You may come across two key terms
often when looking at a ratchet strap's specifications:
- Lashing Capacity (LC): This is
the maximum weight the strap can withstand in normal circumstances although
during use. This is the number you want to pay the most attention to of all,
when choosing a strap to meet your needs.
- Break Force: This is the point
at which the strap would yield under laboratory tests. It is usually way
advanced than the LC and one would not wish to put it in practical application.
The Strength of Ratchet Straps
So, how strong are ratchet straps? The
answer is: it varies. Ratchet straps vary in size and strength but usually:
they will hold anywhere from 300kg to 5000kg upwards and so on. Here is a basic
guideline:
- Light Duty: 25mm straps LC500daN,
BF 1000daN
- Medium Duty: 35mm straps LC1000daN,
BF2000daN
- Heavy Duty: 50mm straps LC2500daN,
BF5000daN
Please, keep in mind that those are general
guidelines. Remember that there is always a specific rating for the strap that
you are using.
Factors Affecting Ratchet Strap Strength
Several aspects will influence the
quantities of the weight that can be contained in a ratchet strap.
- Material: Most ratchet straps
consist of polyester webbing which has some of the lowest break forces and
lowest stretch of all webbing fabrics. Different materials however are used in
some of the special straps.
- Width: It can be said that as
the width of the strap increases, its weight-bearing capacity also increases. A
50mm strap will almost always prove to be more robust than a 25mm strap made
with the same material.
- Ratchet: Attached to the
ratchet is the actual factor strength of the ratchet itself. Stronger teeth are
more reliable to plastic ratchet spokes that are well made compared to the
cheaper alternative.
- Age & Condition: After some
time, the straps would become weak from constant exposure to the sun, chemicals
and normal usage. Remember to always inspect your straps prior to use.
Safety Measures in Using Ratchet Straps
Knowing the lashing capacity of your
ratchet straps is only the first step. There’s more to safe usage than that:
- LC Should Never Be Exceeded: As
obvious as this could be, it is always crucial. The LC is provided for a
reason- to go beyond that risks the load and perhaps a life or more.
- The Correct Number of Straps is
Used: Never use one strap for the job of several straps. Try to apply more than
one strap to break up the weight imposed.
- Damaged Straps Should Not Be
Used: Always check your straps for wear or damage before any use, if you are in
doubt – do not use it.
- Tension Properly:
Overtightening has the potential to damage the strap when fastening it and the
cargo. The straps should be tensioned but not excessively so.
- Consider the Angle: The angle
formed from the strap down to the load should not be very high for the strap to
be more effective. Using straps at such angles can cause the chances of loss to
the overall strength to be a little bit more than 15 %.
Choosing the Correct Ratchet Strap
It would seem quite simple to know what the
right ratchet for the job is, focusing on the weight capacity is rarely
plausible:
- Nature of Load: It is not just
the weight that matters but even the shape, and even the size of what must be
secured.
- Transport Method: In some
vehicles or ways of transport, there may or not be a requirement or recommend
for its use.
- Legal Requirements: As much as
there may be interest in loads, there are even more industries regulations to
governing securities of loads. Should these be met.
- Frequency of Use: If it is even
of a rather more frequent usage one may invest in quality straps which will end
up being cost effective in the long run.
Future of Ratchet Straps
Just like other industries, even that of
ratchet straps has not remained unturned when it comes to technological
measures. The new innovations being introduced are:
- Smart Straps: Embedded with
tension indicators that inform when the goods have been secured optimally.
- Eco-Friendly Materials: Straps
that are used that are designed with the help of recyclable materials or built
with sustainable materials.
- Enhanced Service Life: New
technology and new sections which increase the operational period.
From a haulier's as well as a DIYer's
perspective, ratchet straps are always a part of an ‘essential kit’. Realising
several important weight capacities and their application to protect your items
from moisture within them and whilst transporting them, is worth it.
Rope Services Direct is delighted to
provide several quality types of ratchet straps suitable for all types of
securing purposes. When it comes to all aspects of load safety, it’s always
better to be sorry because you were too careful, than to be sorry because you
weren’t careful enough. Go for belts with a greater lashing capacity (LC) than
what you think you deserve, use them rightly and you can be sure your cargo is
safe.
Moving house or securing a table has never
been easier than simply picking up these cargo ratchet straps. Be careful and make sure you
have one of course!
