Pinning down your payload is a piece of cake using this kit
Releasing a ratchet strap takes seconds when you open the release tab fully, loosen the webbing, and unhook the strap from your cargo.
Hiring professional movers costs $50 to $100 for single-item transport, helping you avoid the hassle of securing awkward or heavy loads yourself.
You should inspect your ratchet straps before each use, checking for fraying, tears, or damage that could compromise the security of your cargo.
Hiring a local moving company provides reliable help when you need to transport difficult items like pianos or exercise equipment across town or long distances.
Whether you’re packing your car for a move, taking a kayak on a camping trip, or moving a musty mattress, you don’t want your cargo shifting around precariously on top of your roof rack or in your truck bed. A rope, belt, or other homemade tie-down won’t cut it for safe, stress-free transportation.
Ratchet straps are worth having in your arsenal of tools. Using durable polyester webbing and strong metal locks, they’re reliable and won’t tie you in knots. Learn how to use a ratchet strap or two to lock down your load tightly.
There’s no onerous prep work when it comes to working ratchet straps, but there are some things you need to do:
Check the straps can support the size and weight of the load you're securing.
Give the straps a once over before using them. Don’t use any with fraying or tears.
If your straps have been gathering dust in storage, spraying them with an industrial lubricating oil or dry silicone spray helps smoothly mobilize the moving parts.
Rake out the instructions for your ratchet straps, if you can find them. It’s worth checking any specific model configurations.
Loosely place the untwisted ratchet strap around your cargo in preparation for securing.
Find the release catch/lever. It’s a small handle in the middle of the moveable part of the ratchet. Usually, it’s just a case of lifting up or pushing down the handle to flip it open. This allows you to freely feed the webbing strap through (see next step).
Find the slot at the bottom of the ratchet (called a “mandrel”), which holds the length of the strap. Pull the free end of the strap up through, leading into the take-up spool.
The strap you thread through should lie straight, overlapping the strap on the other side of the ratchet. Keep pulling until it feels taut. If you leave it too slack, you risk jamming the ratchet when you tighten it. You can go back and readjust and tighten it later, so don’t worry about getting it perfect at this stage.
Use the strap hooks to position and secure your cargo on the roof rack, truck bed sides, or van wall groves. If you’re transporting multiple items, you might need to hook one ratchet strap around the items to hold them together and then another to strap them in place.
Crank the ratchet mechanism up and down, fully tightening the straps until your cargo is firmly in place. You’ll not be pumping on the ratchet for an age—four to five cranks is usually plenty.
Pro tip: Don’t get carried away—over-tightening can lead to dents or scratches in your valuables or damage the strapping. You’ll know you’ve gone too tight if you can’t fit a finger between your load and the strapping.
Double check the strap hooks are secure and that the strap is laying flat against the cargo. Tie down any loose strap ends to stop them from flapping around distractingly when you're driving.
You’re almost ready to hit the road! All you need to do now is flip the ratchet handle back and press on it to latch it closed. Listen for the click and tug on the strap and buckle to check it’s fully secure.
If the handle doesn’t lock in place, you could have a faulty ratchet strap. You might have to postpone the trip until you replace it with a new one.
Pro tip: Regularly check everything is still securely in place once you're on the road. Doing a quick inspection after the first ten minutes, when you’re tackling uneven terrain or speed bumps, and regularly on a long journey, makes sense.
Once you’ve arrived at your destination, find the release tab (it’s typically on top of the ratchet). Open it up fully (usually by pulling and holding), and you should be able to loosen the strap on the non-fixed side easily.
Unfasten all the strap hooks. Loosen the strap enough to allow you to remove it from around the cargo easily. Close and lock the ratchet in position again before storing.
Sometimes it's just not possible or practical to transport cargo yourself—even if you’ve got a top-notch roof rack and ratchet straps. Difficult-to-move items, such as pianos or exercise machines, are best left in the hands of the pros.
For extra wide or cumbersome loads, long journeys, or if you have to make multiple trips, it makes more sense to call in professional movers near you. The cost to hire movers for a one-off item might be as low as $50 to $100, and it’s money well spent to guarantee safety, security, and convenience.
It’s not just locking down a heavy load on your roof rack or truck bed that ratchet straps come in handy for. Some other ingenious ideas for use include:
In place of clamps for woodwork enthusiasts
To hold large items securely in place against the walls of your garage
As handles to lift awkward, heavy items
For a quick patch-up job—think, securing a loose bumper while you get it to the auto repair shop
As a slackline or rope swing for adventurous kids
The last thing you want is to pull out your ratchet straps for an urgent transport job, only to find them knotted and covered in mold and mildew or tears because of improper storage.
Fold the strap up carefully, hold it in place with a rubber band, and keep it in a cool, dry spot away from direct sun. Keep it away from anything sharp that could rub against the webbing, causing damage.
Even with regular use, a well-cared-for, high-quality ratchet strap can last five years or more. Inspect it for any signs of wear and tear before each use and shell out for a new one if you notice any damage.
My furniture was delivered today, and the whole move went smoothly. The final cost matched the original quote with no extra charges. The movers were friendly, professional, and handled everything with care. Even after the long distance, everything arrived in perfect condition. I’m very happy...
Moving of AmericaShowed up on time and cleaned carpets well, but didn?t move furniture.
Voda Cleaning & Restoration of ColumbusA reliable team for moves across state. My switch to a new place needed careful lifting through tight hallways. The movers checked the doorway first, then carried heavier pieces with slow, controlled movements. Their patience helped prevent damage, and I?d choose them again.
**Would rate a 0 if i could** NEVER USE THIS COMPANY!!!!! They shattered my tv console and dresser, lost a mirror, and never finished the move. The broken furniture cost me over $600 to replace. They left me with 6+ hours of personal labor moving my 1BR apartment, when I was quoted a FULL...
All My Sons Moving & StorageI could not have moved without the help of Jen Stover! I was in my house for nearly 20 years, so the thought of clearing it out while working full time was overwhelming. Jen takes great joy in sorting and organizing while asking the hard questions with patience and compassion. Jen is...
Go and Stow Home OrganizingExcellent experience for me! They helped me a lot with my move. very reasonable price. Good communication with the office manager is excellent.
Goodview Moving and StorageI was concerned about my possessions safety throughout the move but Bridge View Van Lines took all necessary security measures to make sure everything arrived in mint shape I am really appreciative of their effort and commitment They made my long distance move seem simple
Bridgeview Van LinesThis moving company is the best in Columbus, Ohio! They rescued me when my movers didnâ t show up. Do not ever use Plane Movers! They never showed up for my move, claiming that I never signed the contract. They didnâ t call me to follow up, communication was awful. The people that work for...
All My Sons Moving & StorageOzie and Tyquese were great and worked fast. It was a good move
All My Sons Moving & StorageJust moved from PA to Columbus in a studio apartment and needed help with some heavy furnitures because I couldn't do it alone. I called Hyremovers and they did a great and timely job and also left my apartment walls intact. Great service!
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