The Best Way to Store and Organize Ratchet Straps Properly

Why Proper Ratchet Strap Storage Matters

Ratchet straps are crucial for safely transporting equipment and materials for various industries including construction, contracting, and hauling. However, if not properly cared for, straps can wear out faster. They may also become a safety hazard if damaged.

Storing ratchet straps correctly keeps them organized, untangled, and easy to access when needed. Well-maintained straps with clevis hooks free of dirt and grime will also slide and lock into place easier when securing loads.

Preventing Damage

Improperly stored straps are prone to damage from moisture, sunlight exposure, or compression. The webbing material can rot or fray, endangering the integrity of the straps and making them unsafe for heavy loads.

Avoiding Loss

Unorganized ratchet straps are easily misplaced or forgotten, especially when stowing multiple straps after offloading. Developing consistent storage habits reduces the likelihood of accidentally losing straps.

Ratchet Strap Hanger Storage Solutions

Specialized ratchet strap hangers offer a simple and affordable way to organize straps during storage and transport. Hangers keep straps neatly in place, prevent tangling, and make straps easily accessible.

Wall-Mounted Racks

Wall-mounted strap racks provide designated storage space out of the way inside trailers, garages, and warehouses. Racks properly store straps while keeping them safely inside and protected yet ready to access when loading up for the next job.

Trailer Hangers

Hangers designed for mounting inside trailers allow easy storage and access on the go. Trailer hangers keeps straps organized and untangled despite bumps in the road, eliminating frustrating tangles when unloading.

Truck Bed Racks

Compact truck bed hangers mount on the sides or back of pickup truck beds. These racks keep straps out of the weather but still conveniently accessible. Truck racks help save wear and tear from moisture while reducing the chance of straps sliding out on sharp turns.

Key Features of Quality Ratchet Strap Hangers

All ratchet strap hangers are not created equal. Seeking out hangers designed specifically to protect straps will save hassle and expense in the long run. Here are key features to look for:

Adjustability

A hanger should easily adjust to securely hold straps of varying width, thickness, and length. Multiple size options guarantee a custom fit.

Durability

Hangers made from top-grade materials like stainless steel resist wear and tear even in harsh conditions inside trailers and truck beds. Durable construction prevents hanger damage during transport.

Secure Mounting

The most well-designed hangers provide a range of versatile but stable mounting options to keep the rack safely in place during transport without budging. Moveable mounting brackets allow positioning hangers where they work best.

Compact Storage

Space comes at a premium inside trailers and truck beds already loaded down with tools and materials. Quality hangers organize straps in a slim vertical footprint to conserve floor space.

Storing Straps When Not in Use

Properly placing straps into hangers after each use prevents damage and tangles. Here are quick tips for organizing straps:

Inspect for Wear

Check over each strap, looking for any cuts, tears, damaged hooks or ratchets. Set aside compromised straps for repair or replacement.

Remove Debris

Wipe down straps to remove any mud, dirt, gravel, moisture, or grime which could lead to abrasions. Pay special attention to cleaning out clevis hooks.

Untangle the Webbing

Fully extend the strap and lay flat to remove any knots or twists before recoiling smoothly. Untangling eliminates kinks which lead to tears.

Wind Up Correctly

Always re-roll straps from the clevis hook end, keeping the webbing material flat and tight. Improper rolling stresses and distorts the webbing.

Store in Hangers

Once rolled, immediately store straps on hangers, using adjustable tie-downs to secure in place. Keeping straps off the floor prevents damage.

Regular Ratchet Strap Care

Developing consistent storage procedures makes taking proper care of ratchet straps a habit. Dirty or damaged straps cannot safely secure cargo.

Inspect straps thoroughly after each use. Plan quarterly deep cleanings to remove built up dirt or grime. Replace worn out straps instead of tempting fate.

Investing in quality storage solutions like ratchet strap hangers saves money over time. Well-maintained straps last for years, so protecting your investment upfront is wise.

Never leave loose straps to get tangled, dirty, or damaged. Make proper storage inside ratchet strap hangers a standard procedure to rely on straps when you need them.

FAQs

Why should I use a hanger for storing my ratchet straps?

Hanging straps properly keeps them organized, untangled, protected from damage, and easy to access when needed for loading and transporting cargo. Just grabbing loose straps out of a jumbled pile risks frustrating tangles or worse - worn out straps that can't safely secure materials.

What types of ratchet strap hangers are most versatile?

Hangers that mount inside trailers or truck beds provide the most versatility for storing straps on the go. Straps remain tidy and accessible whether parked or transporting heavy loads on the road.

How can I determine when my ratchet straps need replacing?

Inspect straps thoroughly for signs of wear - fraying edges, cuts, tears, damaged hooks or ratchets. Worn out or compromised straps cannot safely handle heavy loads regardless of knots or clevis hooks used to secure. Replace damaged straps.

What’s the most important factor when selecting strap hangers?

Durability. Seek hangers constructed from top grade materials like stainless steel that maintain integrity despite bumps in the road or exposure to outdoor elements in truck beds. Durable hangers protect your investment in ratchet straps.