Ratchet Straps, Tie Downs & Bungees
Ratchet strap kit keeps loads tight in transit, whether you're strapping ladders, plant, boards or site gear onto a van, trailer or roof rack.
If you're hauling gear from yard to site, loose loads are asking for damage, fines, or both. A proper ratchet strap gives you controlled tension that bungee cords simply cannot. This range covers tie down straps and retractable ratchet straps for trades securing tools, materials, and awkward kit day in, day out. If you're sorting out site and vehicle security, it makes sense to get your loads strapped properly and pick the right set for the job.
What Are Ratchet Straps Used For?
- Strapping ladders, pipes, boards, and trunking onto roof racks stops the load shifting or chattering about when you are running between jobs.
- Securing generators, breakers, and other heavy kit in the back of the van keeps expensive gear from sliding into doors, bulkheads, or each other on sharp bends.
- Holding down pallet loads, sheet materials, and bundled stock on trailers gives you the tension needed for long runs without relying on rope that works loose.
- Using retractable ratchet straps on regular delivery and collection work saves time because the webbing stays tidier and is quicker to wind away after the drop.
- Backing up roof rack and van organisation with the right tie down straps works well alongside pipe carriers when you are moving longer lengths safely.
Choosing the Right Ratchet Strap
Match the strap to the load and the fixing points. If the strap is too light or too short, it is the wrong one full stop.
1. Weight Rating Comes First
If you are tying down plant, stacked materials, or anything with real mass, check the lashing capacity and breaking strain before you buy. Do not guess. A light-duty strap for a bundle of conduit is one thing, but for machinery or dense loads you need a properly rated ratchet strap with enough headroom.
2. Standard or Retractable
If you use them every day, retractable ratchet straps are worth it because the webbing stays cleaner, tidier, and less tangled in the van. If you are strapping awkward or oversize loads and need more flexibility on length, standard tie down straps usually give you more options.
3. Hook Type and Anchor Points
Check what you are actually clipping onto. If your van, trailer, or rack has limited anchor points, make sure the end fittings suit them properly. A decent strap is no use if the hooks do not sit right or keep slipping out under tension.
4. Length Matters More Than People Think
Too short and you cannot route it safely round the load. Too long and you are left with loose webbing flapping about unless you tie it off properly. For regular van work, buy the length that suits your usual load rather than the biggest one on the page.
Who Uses These on Site?
- Sparkies use ratchet strap sets for keeping tray, conduit, trunking, and steps secure on the van roof so nothing turns up bent before first fix even starts.
- Plumbers and heating engineers swear by them for strapping cylinders, toolboxes, and long pipe runs in place, especially when the van is packed tight.
- Chippies and kitchen fitters rely on tie down straps for sheet goods, worktops, and lengths of timber that need to stay flat and stop rubbing through finished edges.
- Groundworkers, landscapers, and plant operators use heavier ratchet strap options for securing compact kit, fuel cans, and muddy gear on trailers between jobs.
- Delivery drivers, site supervisors, and maintenance teams keep a few in the van because they are quicker and more reliable than trying to make do with rope or worn bungee cords.
Useful Extras for Ratchet Strap Jobs
A few simple add-ons save damaged loads, wasted time, and a lot of swearing at the roadside.
1. Corner Protectors
These stop the strap biting into plasterboard packs, finished boards, metal edges, or boxed goods. You will also get better strap life because sharp corners are what chew webbing up fastest.
2. Bungee Cords
Not for main load restraint, but handy for securing loose tails and stopping spare webbing from flapping about on the move. They are also useful for lighter, non-critical van organisation jobs where a full ratchet is overkill.
3. Load Covers and Sheet Clamps
If you are moving materials in bad weather, these help keep sheets and covers in place so the strap is not doing all the work on its own. That means less water ingress and less chance of the cover tearing loose on the road.
Choose the Right Ratchet Strap for the Job
Use this as a quick guide before you chuck just any strap in the basket.
| Your Job | Category or Type | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Securing ladders, conduit, or light materials on roof bars | Light to medium ratchet strap | Compact size, easy hook-up, enough length for roof rack work, tidy excess webbing |
| Holding toolboxes and equipment in the van | Retractable ratchet straps | Fast setup, neater storage, less tangled webbing, ideal for repeat daily use |
| Strapping sheet goods, timber packs, or bulky stock to a trailer | Long standard tie down straps | Extra reach, solid ratchet mechanism, suitable lashing capacity, robust hooks |
| Transporting plant, machinery, or dense heavy loads | Heavy-duty ratchet strap | Higher load rating, tougher webbing, strong end fittings, secure high-tension hold |
| Tidying light loose items or managing strap tails | Bungee cords | Quick stretch fit, useful for non-critical restraint, good as a backup not a main tie-down |
Common Buying and Usage Mistakes
- Buying on length alone is a common one. If you ignore the load rating, the strap may fit round the load but still be wrong for the weight, which is where damage and failure start.
- Using bungee cords as the main restraint is asking for trouble. They are fine for light loose items and tidying tails, but they are not a substitute for a proper ratchet strap on anything valuable or heavy.
- Over-tightening across fragile materials can crack edges, crush boxed goods, or mark finished surfaces. Use edge protection and enough tension to hold the load, not to flatten it.
- Leaving straps twisted, frayed, or dragged through mud shortens their life fast. Clean them off, check the webbing and hooks, and replace worn ones before they let go on the road.
- Clipping hooks onto poor anchor points is another regular error. If the anchor point bends, slips, or is not rated properly, the whole setup is compromised no matter how good the strap is.
Ratchet Straps vs Retractable Ratchet Straps vs Bungee Cords
Standard Ratchet Straps
These are the go-to for most proper load restraint jobs. You get strong tension, plenty of length options, and better flexibility for awkward loads, trailers, and roof racks. The downside is loose webbing if you do not roll and store them properly.
Retractable Ratchet Straps
Best for regular van and pickup use where speed and tidy storage matter. They are quicker to deploy and pack away, and they are far less likely to end up in a knot. Usually a better choice for repeat smaller securing jobs than oversized loads.
Bungee Cords
Useful to a point, but not for serious restraint. They are handy for holding covers, bundling light items, or controlling excess strap tails, but they do not give the same clamping force, security, or confidence as a ratchet system.
Maintenance and Care
Check Webbing Before Every Use
Look for cuts, fraying, melted fibres, or wear where the strap runs over edges. If the webbing is damaged, retire it. It is not worth risking a load for the sake of one more trip.
Keep the Ratchet Mechanism Clean
Dust, grit, and road filth make the mechanism stiff and harder to release. Brush it out and keep it dry where possible so it still tensions smoothly when you need it.
Dry Them Before Storage
Do not leave wet straps screwed up in the van for weeks. Let them dry out first to stop mildew, stiffness, and corrosion on the metal parts.
Store Them Tidy
Roll standard straps neatly or use retractable ratchet straps if you are fed up with tangles. Good storage means less damage, quicker setup, and less time spent untwisting them in the rain.
Replace Bent or Worn Hooks
If the hooks are opening up, rusting badly, or no longer sitting right on the anchor point, replace the strap. The metal ends take a lot of abuse and are usually the first giveaway that the set is done.
Why Shop for Ratchet Straps at ITS?
Whether you need a single ratchet strap for the van or a full set of tie down straps and retractable ratchet straps for daily transport work, we stock the range. You will find light, medium, and heavy-duty options, plus the related kit trades actually use alongside them, from vehicle security storage boxes to van locks and other load carrying equipment. It is all in our own warehouse, in stock, and ready for next day delivery.
Ratchet Strap FAQs
What's another name for ratchet straps?
Most trades will also call them tie down straps or load straps. You will hear rachet straps said as well, even if it is spelt wrong. The main thing is you want the type with a ratchet mechanism that lets you tension the webbing properly for transport.
What does it mean to be ratchet strapped?
In plain site terms, it means the load has been cinched down tight with a ratchet strap so it cannot shift about. If someone says a machine or pallet is ratchet strapped, they mean it has been secured for moving, not just loosely tied off.
What weight can a ratchet strap hold?
That depends entirely on the strap's rated lashing capacity and breaking strain. There is no one answer for every ratchet strap. Always read the rating on the strap itself and make sure it matches the load, with a sensible margin rather than working right on the limit.
How do I release a ratchet strap safely?
First make sure the load is stable and not going to roll or drop once tension comes off. Hold the handle firmly, open the ratchet fully to the release position, and let the webbing feed back in a controlled way. Do not just flick it open under full tension and stand in line with the strap.
Are retractable ratchet straps worth it for van work?
Yes, if you use them all the time. They keep the strap cleaner, stop it tangling with other kit, and speed things up when you are loading and unloading all day. For awkward oversized loads, standard straps can still be the better shout because they usually give you more reach.
Can I use bungee cords instead of tie down straps?
Not for proper load restraint. Bungee cords are fine for light jobs, covers, and tidying loose items, but they do not give the secure tension you need for tools, materials, or machinery in transit. If the load matters, use a proper ratchet strap.
