If you’ve ever stood scratching your head in the back of a van, trying to figure out which way ratchet straps are supposed to feel through – or worse, you’ve had something slide about mid-journey – you’re not alone. Most tradespersons and van renters have used them at some point, but let’s be honest, they’re not always as straightforward as they look. For anyone new to the game: ratchet straps (also known as tie-down straps) are those tough webbing straps with a ratcheting handle that lets you clamp your load down tight and keep it there.

In this blog, we’re looking into the ins and outs of using ratchet straps properly, so your kit stays put and your journey stays safe and stress-free, whether you’re on the tools or just shifting a sofa.

How To Secure Items With Ratchet Straps
(The Right Way!)

1. Thread The Strap Through The Ratchet

Take the loose end of the strap (the end without the hooks) and feed it through the slot in the ratchet from underneath. Pull it through until it’s snug but not tight – leave enough slack to hook both ends where you need them.

2. Hook The Ends In Place

Attach the hooks (or ends) of the strap to secure points on either side of your load – anchor points inside the van, trailer loops, or D-rings. Make sure whatever you’re hooking onto is solid and won’t shift or bend.

3. Pull The Slack Through

Before you start ratcheting, pull the loose end of the strap through by hand to remove as much slack as possible. The ratchet is for tightening, not taking up loads of slack – doing that can wear it out faster or cause jamming.

4. Ratchet It Tight

Pump the ratchet handle up and down to tighten the strap. You’ll feel it start to pull tight – keep going until your load feels secure, but don’t overtighten to the point of damaging what you’re strapping down.

5. Lock It In Place

Once tight, close the ratchet handle completely until it clicks into the locked position. That keeps everything held securely and stops the strap from loosening during transit.

6. Tie Off The Excess

Got a long tail of strap flapping about? Tie it off or tuck it away so it doesn’t catch in the wind, tangle, or become a trip hazard when unloading.

7. To Release, Pull And Open

To release the strap, pull and hold the release lever or tab (usually a small catch on the top), and fully open the ratchet handle. This will release the tension and let you pull the strap free.

How To Use Ratchet
Straps Demonstration

How To Thread A Ratchet Strap 

  1. Start by opening the ratchet handle (the buckle) all the way, until it’s lying flat. You should see a slot (called the mandrel) in the middle of the rotating spool.
  2. Take the loose end of the strap (the one without the hook) and thread it up through the bottom of the mandrel slot – from underneath and out through the top. You’re basically looping it through the rotating spool.
  3. Pull the strap through to remove any major slack. You don’t need to pull it tight just yet – just enough to reach your anchor points and hook everything in place.
  4. Once it’s threaded and your hooks are secured, you’re ready to start pumping the ratchet handle to tighten things up.

Expert tip: Don’t wrap the strap around the mandrel multiple times. It only needs to pass through once. Over-wrapping can cause jams and make it harder to release later.

How To Release a Ratchet Strap

Releasing a ratchet strap can seem a bit fiddly at first, but it’s actually pretty straightforward once you know how.

  • Locate the small release tab or lever on the ratchet (usually found near the handle). Pull and hold it to disengage the ratcheting mechanism.
  • Whilst holding the release lever, swing the ratchet handle all the way open until it lays flat. You should feel it “click” into a fully open position – this disengages the gear and releases all the tension.
  • Now the tension has been released, simply pull out the loose end of the strap back through the mandrel (that central pool you threaded it through to begin with). It should slide out easily.
  • Once the strap is free, unhook it from the anchor points and you’re good to go.

Top Tip: If the strap feels stuck, it might be wound too many times around the mandrel. Give it a little wiggle while pulling – it’ll usually come loose.

How To Loosen A Ratchet Strap
(Without Releasing It Completely)

  • Stop ratcheting – don’t crank further or force it; that just tightens it more and could damage the strap or mechanism.
  • Pull the release lever gently to disengage the gear just enough to open the handle slightly (but not all the way into the release position).
  • Ease the handle open partway (gently and slowly) to relieve tension. Don’t let it snap.
  • Once there’s a bit of slack, pull the strap back through the mandrel to loosen and enable you to reposition or adjust your load.
  • Once you’ve adjusted, you can either ratchet it tight again or fully release if done.

How To Store Ratchet Straps

Storing ratchet straps correctly will help prevent damage from mould, UV rays, tears or friction.  Before you put your straps away, give them a thorough inspection for any damage or tears.

Roll each strap up separately and with care. Taking time to do this will avoid battling with tangled straps when you get them out to use again. Use rubber bands or zip ties to keep the roll secured in place.

Store away from direct sunlight or moisture to any damage whilst not in use. Many tradespeople choose to keep theirs in their tool bag for safe keeping.

How Much Weight Can Ratchet Straps Hold?

The overall strength, Working Load Limit (WWL) and Lashing Capacity (the maximum force the strap can withstand before breaking) of ratchet straps will vary depending on a number of influencing factors:

  • Strap size and material: Wider and thicker straps, made from materials like nylon, will typically have higher strength capacity.
  • Hardware: The type of ratchet, handle (buckle), and hooks used can affect the overall strength and WWL.
  • Testing: Ratchet straps are tested to determine key capabilities such as the lashing capacity. The conditions under which they are tested may vary affecting the result.
  • Manufacturing technique.

Ratchet straps should be marked with a tag that shows the break strength and working load limit of the strap. The break strength is the weight in Kg at which any load-bearing part of the ratchet strap fails. The WWL is the maximum load assigned to each ratchet strap by the manufacturer. Generally, the rule of thumb is that the WWL should not exceed one-third of the overall assembly breaking strength.

The DVSA (Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency) provides useful load securing guidance on the expectations set by the DVSA and other regulators on how loads should be secured during transit.

The reliable 5m straps that we sell at Pace Van Hire ensure a cargo of up to 200kg is protected for the entirety of your journey.

Why It Is Important To Secure Your Load

When you stop and think about how many loads are moved across the country every single day, it’s pretty impressive that most of them make it to their destination safely and on time. But let’s be honest – it doesn’t always go that smoothly. Loads can shift, come loose, or fall off completely, and the consequences can be not just costly, but downright dangerous.

We’ve all seen those shocking dash cam videos online – cars sliding off trailers, pallets flying off lorries in the middle of the motorway. It’s easy to think, “That won’t happen to me,” but all it takes is one mistake during loading or using the wrong kit for the job, and you’ve got a serious problem on your hands. An unsecured load can damage tools and equipment which is a nuisance, but devastatingly, it can also injure or kill someone.

If you’re the driver, you’re the one who’ll carry the responsibility, whether you loaded the van or not. That means possible fines, points on your licence, even a ban – plus the mental weight of knowing something avoidable caused harm. So always check the load before you set off. It takes minutes and could make all the difference.

And don’t forget – it’s not just about strapping things down but using the right ratchet straps. The wrong type or a damaged strap can be just as dangerous as not securing the load at all. Always check that each strap is the right length, strength, and in good condition before hitting the road.

Tip Summary:

  • Always check the WWL and breaking strength of your ratchet straps before using it.
  • Don’t exceed the WLL
  • Regularly check ratchet straps for wear and tear.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct use and storage. Typically, this will involve keeping the straps away from damp and direct sunlight.

You can find more details about our durable ratchet straps in the accessories section. They’re a must-have for work vans – especially if you’re taking advantage of our long-term van hire contracts.

Prefer a chat? Feel free to give us a call or drop by one of our three branches, we’re always happy to help in person.