4 Common Mistakes When Using Ratchet Straps

If you are the new driver and start to drive the truck to do hauling business, you will find there are a lot of tips you need to learn, Especially how to use some specific products to ensure transportation safety.

A product that is frequently used in transportation, is ratchet tie-down strap, you need to know what are they, how many types of ratchet straps and how to use them?

This is not an easy course, even if you are not a new driver, you will have some mistakes during operation, here are 4 common mistakes made by many haulers, you can have a look to avoid making them.

4 Common Mistakes When Using Ratchet Straps

1. The Ratchet is Jammed

Many truckers always set up the ratchet very quickly and do not pull the long webbing through the mechanism. In this way, the ratchet will be jammed.

You just need to pull the long excess webbing through the ratchet mechanism, so the ratchet will never get jammed.

2. Incorrect Flat Hook Operation

Many haulers hook the flat hook to the trailer’s side rail incorrectly the first time. You should hook the flat hook to the inside of the side rail upside down, let the webbing over it and the gravity will work for you.

3. Store the Excess Webbing Correctly

Improper storage of the excess webbing may cause the strap to get loose and the strap may flap in the wind. So, after tightening the strap, you need to organize the excess webbing and stuck them into the webbing can load, or you can use a bungee cord to organize them.

4. Incorrect Way to Throw the Strap

When you want to throw the webbing to another side of your flatbed, you need to roll the strap and then press lightly on the strap with your index finger and throw the strap underhand, not overhand. If you frequently throw the webbing overhand, this is harmful to that arm.

If the ratchet strap you are going to throw has end fitting, you should check if anyone is standing on the other side of your trailer before throwing the strap.