In this post, we’re breaking down the top 10 most common mistakes you can make when using cam and ratchet straps. When it comes to securing cargo, choosing the right type of cargo strap can make or break the outcome of your hauls. The choice between ratchet straps and cam straps can make a big difference in both convenience and safety. Keep reading to learn important facts about cargo straps and make sure you avoid these 10 common mistakes.
1) Over-Tightening Your Ratchet Straps
Over-tightening your ratchet strap is one of the most common causes of gear damage due to how much tension the ratcheting can create. Too much tension can cause you to crush or warp the load your straps are trying to protect. Always be sure to use a ratchet strap with the appropriate working load limit for what you need.
2) Not Threading Or Releasing Your Straps with Care
When using your cargo strap, improper threading or releasing can lead to frustrating and time-consuming jams and potential damage. Be sure your strap is threaded with the appropriate amount of tension and released with just as much care and attention. Doing this helps maintain your strap’s longevity and your overall efficiency.
3) Not Storing Your Straps Correctly
Improper storage or handling of your cargo straps may result in your straps becoming tangled or their fibers weakening over a short period of time. The best way to store your cargo straps to prevent damage to your loads is to keep them clean, dry, and neatly coiled.
Store them in a cool, shaded location away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. Use strap bands, storage bags, or dedicated bins and avoid placing heavy objects on top of them. Always inspect your straps before storing them to avoid mold, mildew, or material degradation.
4) Not Properly Cleaning Your Straps
Not properly cleaning your straps of debris or failing to keep them in good working condition is another important mistake to avoid with your cargo straps. Improper maintenance of your straps, like putting them away wet, may lead to rusty hardware over time and fray your cargo straps. The polyester webbing of your straps may become frayed, which can potentially damage your cargo the next time you use them.
5) Using The Wrong Type of Cargo Strap for Lightweight Loads
Using a ratchet strap instead of a cam strap for lightweight loads is another mistake you need to avoid. The extra tension from ratchet straps can lead to damage. Use cam straps to prevent items like cardboard boxes from being crushed by the unnecessary tension you get by using a ratchet strap. Learn more about the difference between cam straps and ratchet straps in our latest article here.
6) Using the Wrong Type of Strap for Odd-Shaped Items
Ratchet straps are the best type of cargo strap to use when multi-point tie-downs are required. Oddly shaped items like couches or chairs, may require multiple hooks or anchor points. These are easily attached using ratchet straps over other types of straps. Their strong webbing and ratcheting mechanism allows you to apply just the right amount of pressure, keeping awkward or uneven loads stable during transport.
7) Leaving Your Strap Excess Dangling From Your Cargo
Leaving your strap excess dangling which can fly around as you’re speeding down the highway, or get caught on wheels or other things, exposes you to unnecessary safety hazards. Instead, secure your loose ends by tying them off, using Velcro wraps, or tucking them into the strap itself to prevent flapping, tangling, or getting caught during transport. This simple step enhances safety and keeps your load looking clean and professional.
8) Not Using Corner Protectors for Loads With Sharp Edges
Using corner protectors for items with sharp edges or corners alongside your straps is the best way to secure your items and ensure the longevity of your straps. Without corner protectors, the webbing of your cargo straps can become frayed. During transport, the straps may even slip off your cargo, which can lead to crushing, tearing, surface damage, or worse.
9) Using Your Cargo Straps When They’re Visibly Damaged
When your cargo straps show visible signs of damage and wear, it’s time to replace them. Continuing to use your cargo straps when they show visible signs of wear and tear, may result in the reduction of their load-bearing capacity and increases their risk of failure during transport.
Some examples of visible wear include:
- Webbing feels stiff to the touch
- Webbing looks bleached by UV ray damage
- Webbing is burnt due to chemical damage during improper storage or transport issues
Imagine transporting your cargo and your old straps suddenly break! This could cause a serious safety risk to people and property around you. Check out the various types of ratchet, cam, and winch straps C.P. Lauman offers to help you replace damaged straps and prevent cargo control issues in the future.
10) Not Stopping to Check Your Load Is Still Secure
Assuming everything is fine after securing your straps once and beginning your trip is a huge mistake. Be sure to stop and check on your load after your first 10 miles of travel to make sure nothing has shifted. If all looks as it should, continue on but make sure to check again about every 50 miles afterward. It’s important to do this because loads settle as you’re traveling and you don’t want your straps to slide off your cargo during transport.
View all Ancra International Cargo Strap Products Here
