How To Use Tie Downs Safety
Overview
“If you can’t tie knots, tie lots”. It may not be the wisest approach to securing a load. Thankfully, Ridge Ryder has an alternative with their tie down straps, and they’re so easy to use.
Steps
What you need:
Before making your purchase, consider the size and weight of the load to be secured. Ridge Ryder offer two tie down sets for different needs. The blue heavy duty ratchet tie down set - contains four ratchet straps rated to a 650kg lashing capacity. The green combo tie down set contains two ratchet straps of the same 650kg rating - and two cambuckle tie downs - with a 320kg lashing capacity.
Mounting & Inspecting
Before you begin, inspect each strap for fraying, wear or sun damage - and discard the strap if any of these are present. Remember that your strap is only as strong as its mounting point, so position your load where the strap will have a straight pull - between two sturdy mounting points.
Feed Straps Through
For ratchet tie downs, feed the end of the strap through the mechanism and back towards the hook. Attach the strap end first, followed by the ratchet end, and ensure there are no twists in the strap along the way.
Fasten Straps, Beware of Edges
Once there is a little tension on your strap, inspect its length for any sharp edges that may damage your strap, and protect these areas with a rag; or piece of cardboard. Also keep an eye out for anywhere the strap could potentially damage the load. Once these points are checked, operate the ratchet mechanism until the desired tension is achieved – then close the ratchet mechanism.
Different Straps, Same Technique
The same points must be considered with cambuckle straps, only their operation is – a little different. These cambuckle straps rely on the strength of the user and, as such; are less likely to damage fragile and lightweight cargo. They are perfect for securing small loads on roof racks - or in the back of a vehicle. Once attached to mounting points, the user presses the thumb release, feeds the end of the strap through and pulls this tight to apply tension. Releasing the cambuckle mechanism will lock the strap in place.
Freeing the Load
Freeing your load is as easy as pressing the thumb release and pulling the strap back through the cambuckle.
Ratchet tie downs, on the other hand – require some technique. There are two release triggers inside the mechanism. The top one frees the ratchet handle, so pull this back and raise the ratchet handle half way. Allow this release trigger to fall back into place, then apply some pressure to the ratchet handle – and using your other hand – pull the second release lever inside the ratchet mechanism - and hold it back.
Now slowly lower the ratchet handle to ease the tension on the strap. Repeat this step until the strap is loose, at which point both of the release levers can be used to free up the mechanism - and completely remove the strap.
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