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The Best Ratchet Straps of 2024
The Best Ratchet Straps of 2024
Oct 6, 2024 8:57 AM

  We at GearJunkie take our gear on lots of trips. And we can bet that you do, too. As gear gets larger — from hard coolers and standup paddleboards to motorcycles — its essential to secure loads during transport.

  Most of us have to take our gear from our house to the outdoors. Keeping things tied down and secure helps preserve the life of your gear and keeps both people and objects safe. Thats where ratchet straps come in. They have the ability to tighten down and securely hold a load. Some of them clutch into the thousands of pounds. So they are great for securing an array of objects across a variety of platforms, be it a truck bed or rack. Then, you can dispense the cargo with a simple release.

  There are a ton of options on the market for ratchet straps of all different strengths, sizes, and attachment variations. In this guide, we cover the different options available including types of ratchets, max strengths, working loads, end attachments, tie-down accessories, length, and more.

  We dug through the internet to find the best ratchet straps available and put them to the test, attempting to abuse them in all aspects and seasons of our outdoor testing grounds in southwest Colorado. To learn more about the features of ratchet straps and a more in-depth analysis of how these straps can vary, be sure to check out our comprehensive buying guide, FAQ, and comparison chart below.

  Otherwise, scroll through to see all of our recommended buys.

  The Best Ratchet Straps of 2024 Best Overall Ratchet Straps: Macs Custom Tie-Downs Best Budget Ratchet Straps: Husky Ratchet Tie-Downs 4-Pack Best Heavy-Duty Ratchet Straps: Rhino Rack HD Ratchet Tie-Down Set Easiest to Use Ratchet Straps: Rhino Rack Retractable Ratchet Straps Best Ratchet Straps Kit: Augo Heavy Duty Ratchet Tie-Down Straps Best Ratchet Straps for Industrial Applications: US Cargo Control Ratchet Strap Best Overall Ratchet Straps Mac’s Custom Tie-Downs Specs Width 1” Breaking Strength 2,800 lbs Work Load Limit 933 lbs Material Nylon Lengths 6’, 10’ Colors Blue, black, pink, red, orange, silver, purple, yellow, green

  

The Best Ratchet Straps of 20241

  

The Best Ratchet Straps of 20242

  Pros Most thorough instructions and safety specs Nicest canvas storage bag and strap bands Multiple end fittings and color options Cons Priciest option tested Non rubber handle Eric Phillips Hands down, Macs Custom Tie-Downs ($80) are the top-of-the-line when it comes to ratchet straps. Now, you might be thinking, why does one need custom tie-downs? Macs Ratchet Straps are available with three different end fittings, so you can get the right strap for your application. Additionally, they come in a plethora of color and length options, so you can get a strap that compliments your motorcycle, UTV, or car. 

  Mac’s straps include a canvas storage bag that was the most ergonomic and durable of any of the carriers we tested. Additionally, the straps come with soft loops to help pull down larger objects that a hook wont pair with. The kit includes bands to keep the straps organized and compact when not in use, or they can hold excess slack when the straps are tightened. At a 933-pound working load for a 1-inch width, this nylon workhorse allows us to carry heavier loads without worry. 

  The ratchet straps are also outfitted with highly detailed instructions and safety manuals. So even a first-time user can thoroughly understand how to safely use, store, and take care of their straps. We found the actual ratchet — which includes a base, pawl, teeth, and handle — was easy to tighten and discharge thanks to a smooth release mechanism. However, due to the high cost, we would have liked to see rubber coatings on the handles. 

  Coming in at nearly four times the cost of our budget ratchet straps, these are a bit on the pricey side when it comes to straps. But we love our gear and during transport we want it to be safe, secure, and looking good. We also dont want to lose any equipment in transit! Discarded cargo can quickly become hazardous or broken. Spending the money on a set of Macs Custom Tie-Downs is a solid investment in our book.

  $93 at AmazonCheck Price at Macs Best Budget Ratchet Straps Husky Ratchet Tie-Downs 4-Pack Specs Width 1” Breaking Strength 1,500 lbs Work Load Limit 500 lbs Material Polyester Lengths 12’ Colors Black with red stripes

  

The Best Ratchet Straps of 20243

  Pros Priced affordably Rubber-coated handles Comes with carrying bag Cons Only 500-pound breaking strength Shows wear quickly Eric Phillips Looking for a simple solution for your cargo carry? With a 1-inch girth, the Husky Ratchet Tie-Downs 4-Pack ($22) is a bundle of ratchet straps that wont break the bank and will hold up to 500 pounds of weight. They are available in a 12-foot length in a quad pack, which includes a small bag for storage. That expansive length means this collection can work well for a broad range of uses. 

  Over the years, our team has used and abused countless sets of Husky ratchet straps. Despite the cheap price and countless yanks, these straps continue to serve us year-round and for a range of rigs, whether were tightening down our dirt bikes or luggage. Sure, they might not be the easiest to use, and the long tails can be hard to manage for small loads. But they function well enough for most people. 

  Basic, in a word, describes the design. Broad, fairly wide handles allow a range of hand sizes to comfortably grab em. We appreciate the rubber jacket. A secondary interior handle (which isnt as soft) is framed by the rubber handle and a sharp pull should loosen the load. The colors are extremely limited, and the design feels clunky. Most modern straps run smoother than these, but sometimes butter isnt the priority.

  Also, the polyester webbing is rated for a 500-pound working load, so heads up: That might not be enough for some circumstances and users. Additionally, the straps and their vinyl-coated S-hooks both quickly show wear. Despite the shrugs, the Husky Ratchet Tie-Downs 4-Pack is a good strap at an economical price. 

  $22 at Amazon Best Heavy-Duty Ratchet Straps Rhino Rack HD Ratchet Tie-Down Set Specs Width 1.6” Breaking Strength 5,208 lbs Work Load Limit 1,736 lbs Material Polyester, silk Lengths 8’ Colors Black, green, blue, orange, red, grey

  

The Best Ratchet Straps of 20244

  Pros High breaking strength and workload Large rubber-coated ratchet handles Large S-hooks with gates Includes pair of matching soft shackles Cons Gates often won’t easily close due to their large size Flimsy storage bag Eric Phillips Massive loads call for substantial ratchet straps. The Rhino Rack HD Ratchet Tie-Down Set ($30) is the right pair for the job with a whopping 1,736-pound working load limit and a 5,260-pound max breaking strength! Its available in a dual-pack for $30 or a tetrad for $60. Each package comes with a carrying bag, stickers, two soft shackles, and S-hook fittings with a gate. 

  Among the things we love about these straps are the softly padded, easy-to-grip handles. The plush jackets were inviting to our digits and made letting off high-tension loads much easier. We also loved the included Velcro straps that easily wrap around and sandwich the extra slack. They can also be used to help tidy up the ties for storage.

  Our main critique: The storage bag wasnt nearly as robust as the straps, and the instructions could be more detailed for debut users. We also noticed that the gates are voluminous, which sometimes prevented the S-hook from being able to close around certain bars like a few on our testers snowmobile rack. But the supplied soft shackles — which are both 1.7-by-17 inches — solve this issue. Ultimately, the locked gates are power-hungry and dont come unclipped, which is key.

  For loads that exceed the weight limits of other straps, the Rhino Rack HD Ratchet Tie-Down Set should be top of mind. This design is an affordable option with heavy-duty capacity. Plus, the straps are backed by a lifetime warranty, so you can squeeze every bit of that 30 bucks.

  $30 at AmazonCheck Price at Rhino Easiest to Use Ratchet Straps Rhino Rack Retractable Ratchet Straps Specs Width 1” Breaking Strength 1,209 lbs Work Load Limit 403 lbs Material Polyester, silk Lengths 10’ Colors Black, green, blue, orange, red, gray

  

The Best Ratchet Straps of 20245

  Pros Smooth, user-friendly ratchet system Retractable design automatically coils extra slack Rubber handles S-hooks with gates Cons Low breaking strength Bulky ratchet is heavier and takes up more space than traditional design Shows wear quickly Eric Phillips When we first saw the Rhino Rack Retractable Ratchet Straps ($40), we thought there was no way they could be that revolutionary. But after a few weeks of hard testing, we were thoroughly impressed with how easy these straps are to use compared to a normal ratchet strap. 

  What separates these straps from the rest in terms of use lies in the unique ratcheting design. The ratchet is one piece instead of two separate pieces and can be operated with a single button. Webbing is wound and stored in a spring-powered coil. Pushing a button can release slack when pulled. Using the button, the material can likewise retract, pulling excess webbing and slack back into the coil. When in use, the system tightens like a normal ratchet. When you want to let up, just hit the button again. This retractable ratchet system is much easier and faster to use than a traditional ratchet. 

  The downside of this innovative retractable system is that its much bulkier than its normal counterpart, taking up more space. Its heavier, too. The power is a tad lower than other straps, with a breaking strength of 403 pounds. We tested these particular ratchets extensively while working for a week in the high-alpine backcountry, running the course setup and avalanche mitigation for a backcountry ski race. Operations involved a lot of tying down and readjusting loads of equipment via snowmobile transport. After that hard daily use and exposure to the elements, there was visible discoloration of the straps where they had worn down. But mechanically, they still worked just as easily. 

  Overall, if you dislike the typical involvement of ratchet straps or want to save time and effort when strapping down equipment, the Rhino Rack Retractable Ratchet Straps are a great option—as long as you dont mind the lowered working load.

  Check Price at WalmartCheck Price at Rhino Best Ratchet Straps Kit Augo Heavy Duty Ratchet Straps Specs Width 1” Breaking Strength 2,200 lbs Work Load Limit 733 lbs Material Polyester Lengths 15’ Colors Black, blue, green, grey, orange, red, yellow

  

The Best Ratchet Straps of 20246

  Pros Full kit includes a bag, bungee cords, and soft shackles Compact design keeps unit light and small Cons For a heavy-duty ratchet we would like to see a higher breaking strength Long tails without a way to easily secure them Eric Phillips The mother lode has arrived: No matter what youre securing, the Augo Heavy Duty Ratchet Tie-Down Straps ($30) delivers the best complete tie-down bundle, which comes in a 4-pack. This kit comes with everything you need from a large storage bag to space-saving ratcheting straps, soft shackles, and even bungee cords to help secure smaller loads. 

  Rounded off, the package includes a variety of accessories, so you can secure everything from small loads, like boxes, to large loads, such as motorcycles or ATVs. The 15-foot length enables the reach and flexibility to strap down even the bulkiest loads. And the supplied bungee cords provide additional attachment points on the shorter side of the spectrum. 

  A nod goes to Augos devices, too, which are very modest in size and lightweight thanks to a single-finger design thats meant to easily fit into your hand. They fold down more compactly than any other ratchet, too. Even more, these units shine for their seamless ease of use.

  Although this kit is very comprehensive, wed also prefer to see an included Velcro strap to tie down the tails of the lengthy webbing. Given the heavy-duty label, we also think the working load should be closer to 1,000 pounds. Though, the 733-pound load is still beefy enough for most situations. 

  If youre hauling a wide variety of loads, the Augo Heavy Duty Ratchet Tie-Down Straps offers a very affordable ratchet strap package that covers small to extra-large gear. 

  $30 at AmazonCheck Price at Augo Best for Industrial Applications US Cargo Control Ratchet Strap Specs Width 1” Breaking Strength 3,300 lbs Work Load Limit 1,100 lbs Material Polyester Lengths 6’, 10’, 15’, 20’ Colors Black, blue, grey, green, red, white, yellow

  

The Best Ratchet Straps of 20247

  Pros High work-load limit Multiple end attachment options Bulk ordering available Cons No rubberized handles Lacks extras like storage bags or soft shackles Eric Phillips Starting a business in the outdoor industry? Simple and hard-working hit the mark with the US Cargo Control Ratchet Strap ($8). This no-frill blueprint delivers an impressive working load limit of 1,100 pounds and a breaking strength of 3,300 pounds — all packed into webbing with a 1-inch waist. With a bare-bones style, these straps are perfect for commercial or industrial applications.

  USCC offers multiple strap options, from 1-inch webbing to 4-inch webbing, as well as varying lengths and color choices. They are available with multiple and unique end fittings, so you can find the exact strap for each use case. Additionally, the designs are available at bulk-order discounted pricing. Heres where you can load up with up to 100 straps. 

  These dont come with rubber handles, which makes them less ideal in outdoor or adverse weather conditions, but for commercial indoor use, these would be a solid selection. At such a low bill, its not a surprise this strap leaves out extra accessories like storage bags or soft shackles.

  At the end of the day, the US Cargo Control Ratchet Strap is perfect for industrial uses thanks to the diverse menu of lengths, end fittings, and colors, plus the impressive breaking strength and option to bulk order. Not to mention, these straps check a boatload of boxes for the working load limits of various organizations. Those tags of approval include the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) and Web Sling and Tie Down Association (WSTDA) guidelines, and the North American Cargo Securement standards.

  Check Price at USCC

  

The Best Ratchet Straps of 20248

  We ran side-by-side tests of a range of ratchet straps; (photo/Eric Phillips) Ratchet Straps Comparison Chart Scroll right to view all of the columns: Price, Breaking Strength, Work Load, Width, and Materials.

  

Ratchet StrapPriceMaterialsBreaking StrengthWork Load LimitWidth
Mac’s Custom Tie-Downs $80 Nylon 2,800 lbs. 933 lbs. 1”
Husky Ratchet Tie-Downs 4-Pack $22 Polyester 1,500 lbs. 500 lbs. 1”
Rhino Rack HD Ratchet Tie-Down Set $30 Polyester, silk 5,208 lbs. 1,736 lbs. 1.6”
Rhino Rack Retractable Ratchet Straps $40 Polyester, silk 1,209 lbs. 403 lbs. 1”
Augo Heavy Duty Ratchet Tie-Down Straps $30 Polyester 2,200 lbs. 733 lbs. 1”
US Cargo Control Ratchet Strap $8 Polyester 3,300 lbs. 1,100 lbs. 1”

  

The Best Ratchet Straps of 20249

  A ratchet device has a round gear with teeth and a spring-loaded pawl that engages the teeth to pull the system tight; (photo/Eric Phillips) How We Tested Ratchet Straps Our GearJunkie test team lives in the heart of the Rocky Mountains — western Colorado — and they like to recreate pretty hard. When it comes to testing ratchet straps, we wanted to put these straps to the test by ramping up the seasonal volume to match that of a year in the field. From the exposure of snow and below-freezing alpine conditions to lengthy durations holding gigantic, heavy loads, these straps took a beating.

  The fleet of test vehicles included a 2014 Ford F-150 Raptor, 2007 Suzuki DRZ 400 motorcycle, and a 2022 Ski Doo Summit snowmobile. We used the straps to secure a range of oddly shaped objects, like hard coolers and lumber, to each vehicle. We also strapped down the snowmobile and motorcycle to their respective trailers for transport.

  Our lead tester and photographer, Eric Phillips, has been an outdoor professional for the last 10 years and a hobby automotive enthusiast. From growing up working as a ranger for his local Boy Scout camp to volunteering search and rescue in Crested Butte, Colorado, Phillips has used ratchet straps for a ton of different scenarios over the course of his career and daily life.

  Throughout our field tests and personal experience, we determined the best ratchet straps based on a variety of metrics including load capacity, breaking strength, strap size, ratcheting function, handles, end fitting, materials, accessories, easy of use, durability, instructions and safety protocol, price, and overall quality.

  Beyond our tests, we also considered the most popular, award-worthy, universal, and case-specific designs. These ratchet straps serve a range of uses, styles, and budgets. Were certainly happy with them.

  

The Best Ratchet Straps of 202410

  We used ratchet straps to carry loads on the snowmobiles throughout winter for volunteer work, safety, and recreation; (photo/Eric Phillips) Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Ratchet Straps Ratchet straps include two foundational pieces: the straps and the ratchet. The ratchet is the metal centerpiece of the system that tightens, holds, and releases tension on the strap.

  The straps are typically 1-inch wide and range wildly by length and there are various attachment styles. Within the ratchet, there are specific pieces that make the unit function. The handle design and release mechanism are two of the key differentiators.

  Ratchets Ratchets have two opposing sides — a flat base and a handle — that work by using teeth to catch and hold tension. The teeth are located on a round gear that rotates. Those apexes are uniformly placed but asymmetrical in shape, with one steep edge that the spring-loaded pawl grabs. While tightening the ratchet, the threaded strap rolls around the axle. This movement shortens and tightens the strap across the load.

  You only really need to know that the system captures progress and holds tension.

  Release System The opposite is true for the release. Inside each side is a shorter release arm. When you want to release the tension, you slide your hand into each release arm, pull up, and widely spread the handle like opening a book. Pulling the handle open while simultaneously holding both release arms allows the ratchet to free up tension.

  Nearly all ratchets have a manual design where the user must pull slack out of the system before tension can snag the strap. The exception is the Rhino Rack Retractable Ratchet Straps.

  Retractable System This novel system offered by Rhino is a single housing (instead of the separate flat base and handle) and can be operated with a button for the tighten and release. The extra webbing is wound around a spring-powered coil. Pushing the button can release the slack (with a pull) or retract the strap, which brings the excess webbing back into the coil. From here, the system can be tightened like a normal hand-operated ratchet.

  When you want to release the strap, just hit the button again. This retractable ratchet system is much easier and faster to use than a traditional design without the release-and-tighten button.

  

The Best Ratchet Straps of 202411

  Rhino Rack Retractable Ratchet Straps have a unique button-operated system that pulls in slack or releases tension; (photo/Eric Phillip) End Fittings End fittings are where the webbing has an affixed attachment on the ends of the strap. These points are used to connect the webbing to the anchor and come in multiple forms.

  The standard three end fittings are S-hook, S-hooks with a gate, and a flat snap hook.

  S-hook S-hook — with or without a gate — is the standard option. This design can be as simple as a wire hook with a rugged vinyl coating for added protection. The curvature, circumference, and overall size can range a bit.

  Some S-hooks have a gate, which is a spring-loaded trap that allows the hook to be an enclosed circle around whatever its clipped to. Like insurance, it also keeps the S-hook from unfastening due to an abrupt jolt during transit.

  Flat snap hook A flat snap hook is a specific attachment style that is best used with an existing D-ring anchor. Similar to a gate, a broad yet slender chip swings backward then snaps closed upon release. This is a great alternative when the orientation of other attachment hooks would put a twist in the webbing.

  The flat snap hook is the most secure in terms of preventing the strap from disconnecting even when slack develops in the system.

  

The Best Ratchet Straps of 202412

  A typical ratchet strap like the Husky Ratchet Tie-Downs 4-Pack includes a handle and a flat base that face each other when closed; (photo/Eric Phillips) Soft Loops or Shackles Soft loops are shorter webbing straps that can be used for girth hitching. A single shackle is looped around an object to create an anchor point that a hook would otherwise not be able to grab. Also called shackles, they can be used to prevent scratches on precious parts of gear like the shocks of a dirt bike.

  Malleable and robust, shackles have a straight section of webbing with loops on each end, but one loop is straight while the other loop has a twist. First, youll thread the shackle around where it needs to be anchored with the two endpoints straddling that object. Simple and brilliant, youll feed the straight loop through the twisted loop and pull tight. The resulting anchor will have zero twists in the system. Now, a S-hook can grab the free side of the shackle.

  Shackles are helpful if you need to wrap an anchor through the wheel and rim of your vehicle or around the handlebar of a bike, to name a couple examples. Soft loops simply open up customization for rigging anchors.

  Both of the Rhino Ratchets — Rhino Rack Retractable Ratchet Straps and Rhino Rack HD Ratchet Tie-Down Set — as well as the Macs Custom Tie-Downs and Augo Heavy Duty Ratchet Tie-Down Straps come with soft loops included in the package. Those soft shackles are each rated for the same workload as their complimentary ratchet straps.

  

The Best Ratchet Straps of 202413

  We appreciate ratchet strap kits that include a Velcro strap to help secure the extra line; (photo/Eric Phillips) Materials Ratchet straps are made of a few different materials.

  The ratchet mechanism is made of steel. Some of the handles come with a rubber coating. The attachment S-hooks, with and without a gate, are built of steel with a vinyl coat. The webbing is typically manufactured from nylon, polyester, or a silk-polyester blend.

  Nylon webbing — which comprises the Macs Custom Tie-Downs, for instance — has higher abrasion resistance compared to polyester but doesnt do as well with water as the polyester webbing.

  The water-absorption rate of nylon is higher than polyester, which leads to a lower tenacity, mold, or mildew. Furthermore, nylon can absorb more UV light, which accelerates the decomposition.

  Generally, nylon is stronger in terms of breaking strength and working load but doesnt hold up to the outdoor elements as much as polyester.

  

The Best Ratchet Straps of 202414

  Some ratchets have a release arm that is clearly labeled; (photo/Eric Phillips) Breaking Strength and Working Load When talking about load capacities of ratchet straps there are two crucial numbers: the breaking strength and the working load. They are both measured in pounds (lbs.) and can be easily confused. Lets break the two terms down.

  

The Best Ratchet Straps of 202415

  Some ratchet straps include a carrying bag, which we like for storage and maintaining the integrity and lifespan of the kit; (photo/Eric Phillips) Breaking Strength The breaking strength refers to the maximum weight that can be placed on the strap before the weakest point in the system fails.

  Each part in a ratchet strap — from the S-hooks to the ratchet body to the webbing — has an individual breaking strength. The lowest number — or part that is most likely to fail first — sets the breaking strength for the entire system. For example, if the webbing is rated for 2,000 pounds but the S-hooks are only rated for 1,000 pounds, then the breaking strength of the entire ratchet strap would be 1,000 pounds.

  If youre hauling a hefty load, consider snagging the Rhino Rack HD Ratchet Tie-Down Set with a 5,260-pound breaking strength.

  

The Best Ratchet Straps of 202416

  The Rhino Rack HD Ratchet Tie-Down Set has a broad gate that doesnt always fit gaps; (photo/Eric Phillips) Working Load A ratchet straps working load refers to the amount of weight that it can safely handle under normal conditions.

  This number will always be smaller than the breaking strength. The working load is one-third of the breaking strength. To determine how much weight your ratchet strap can hold, check the working load. For example, to strap down a 1,000-pound motorcycle, youll need to use a ratchet strap that has a working load higher than 1,000 pounds.

  On the lower end, the Husky Ratchet Tie-Downs 4-Pack offers a working load of 500 pounds, which is still suitable for a lot of applications.

  

The Best Ratchet Straps of 202417

  S-hooks with a gate allow the hook to become fully enclosed around the object at the anchor point; (photo/Eric Phillips) FAQ How do you use a ratchet strap?  Ratchet straps may look intimidating, but once you know how to work one, they are easy to use.

  First, feed the strap through the rectangular slot in the center of the ratchet. Then, connect both S-hooks to your anchor points. Pull all of the slack out of the strap using your hands. Once the slack is out, use the handle of the ratchet to leverage and tighten the strap — youll hear a clicking of the pawl against the teeth — until the tension is totally tight with zero budget. Tie up any extra strap in the tail that may be hanging out, or use the quaint Velcro strap thats sometimes included in a kit, and youre good to go.

  To release the ratchet strap, locate the interior release arms using a finger on both sides of the ratchet: the flat base and the handle. While pulling each release arm, fold the ratchet completely open like a book until the two parts are relatively flat, and then gently tug away from the anchor. The strap should now be loose.

  

The Best Ratchet Straps of 202418

  Soft shackles can be used for securing dirt bikes via the handlebars; (photo/Eric Phillips) What should you not do with a ratchet strap? Each ratchet strap has its own safety instructions and load ratings. Never exceed the tie-downs rated capacity, as it could break. Unplanned releases of the load could recoil with deadly force. Also, never use a tie-down for towing purposes, lifting, lowering, or suspending objects.

  

The Best Ratchet Straps of 202419

  Soft loops, also called shackles, are a handy way to create an anchor on a variety of objects; (photo/Eric Phillips) Are ratchet straps legal?  The use of ratchet straps on public roads and highways is legal as long as they are used correctly and remain within their working load capacity limits.

  For instance, the US Cargo Control Ratchet Strap meets the working load limits of a large list of entities, including the regulations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Department of Transportation (DOT), guidelines of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) and Web Sling and Tie Down Association (WSTDA), and the standards of the North American Cargo Securement.

  

The Best Ratchet Straps of 202420

  S-hooks can be opened without a gate and are typically made of steel coated in vinyl for durability and rigidity; (photo/Eric Phillips) Whats the lifespan of a ratchet strap? Environmental factors like sunlight, rain, snow, dirt, grit, or extreme changes in temperature can accelerate degradation of tie-downs. Additionally, abrasions, sharp surfaces, twisting, kinking, or knotting the tie-down could shorten the lifespan.

  A heavily used or abused ratchet strap might only last a few months, while a properly stored and tactfully used tie-down might last up to a few years. Soft goods like the webbing used in tie-downs have a working lifespan of around five years.

  Keep in mind, the lifespan will depend greatly on the cumulative hours of use, weather, and the environment. If you only pull out your ratchet straps for an overnight SUP trip every summer, thats not a high volume of use.

  Be sure to check the manufacturers guidelines for the lifespan, as well, and inspect your ratchet straps between uses. If you catch visible wear and tear like discoloration, holes, fraying, divots in the edge, mold, mildew, rusting, or disfigured plastic or metal then consider a replacement setup.

  

The Best Ratchet Straps of 202421

  In addition to a release/retract button, the Rhino Rack Retractable Ratchet Straps has a single-unit housing rather than a base and handle; (photo/Eric Phillips) Can you pull a car with a ratchet strap? It is not recommended to haul a car with a ratchet strap (or a truck, for that matter). Ratchet straps are not designed with tow weight factored in and could fail dangerously when used that way.

  We recommend keeping a properly-rated tow strap in your vehicle in the event that youll need a tow.

  

The Best Ratchet Straps of 202422

  Not all handles are wrapped in plastic and ergonomic, but we — and our hands — appreciate the ones that are; (photo/Eric Phillips)

  

  

The Best Ratchet Straps of 202423

  The Best Rooftop Cargo Boxes of 2024 Whether you’re road tripping with the family’s skis and boots or need to stow your weekend camping gear, here are the best rooftop cargo boxes for outdoor travel.

  

The Best Ratchet Straps of 202424

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