how to store lashing cargo straps

How to store lashing straps (video)

It is first of all important to know why good ratchet strap storage is crucial.

Lashing straps are typically made of polyester, which is a well-known polymer also used in clothing.

The material is used for webbing due to its high tenacity (strength-to-weight ratio) which have one giant advantage: less weight to throw over the load.

The material degrade

Degradation of the polyester can happen in many ways usually exposure to excessive sun (UV rays) and heat, wear and tear from sharp edges or storage in moist and wet boxes.

It is usually easy to see when your ratchet strap is out of date (tears in strap) and a good rule of thumb is to check your ratchet straps whenever you use them and/or roll-up them up for storage.

A strap that is not stored properly and taken care of will degrade in the polyester.

A degradation of the material will eventually lead to lower break strength of the lashing strap and in worst case cause accidents, when it should prevent accidents.

Make your straps ready to use

Another thing about storage is that your ratchet straps will always be ready to use.

This will save you enormously amounts of time!

Nobody wants to start their load-securing by untangling the straps, especially if its raining or storming.


ratchet strap storage mess

A box full of messy lashing straps. This is how NOT to store your straps.

Many solutions exist

There exists many ways to store your ratchet straps or to be more specific, ways to avoid the strap unwinding.

Among other solutions are velcro bands, rubber bands, old socks, winding excess strap around ratchet, a special made box and so on. What is common about these ideas is that they are meant for small ratchet straps and not 5-ton ratchet straps.

A good solution should be simple, quick to do and sustainable. Old socks and rubber won't last forever.

How to store your ratchet straps guide

 

Optimum ratchet strap storage can be done in a few simple steps:

  1. Let them dry up.
    The lashing strap should be as dry as possible before storage. If you have the option, you may want to leave them drying up in/on the trailer before rolling them up.
  2. Roll-up the straps.
    If you don't have the time to leave them drying, you can roll the strap up immediately. Your lashing straps should always be rolled up to:
    • save space,
    • avoid tangled straps,
    • easy to use next time.
    You can do this by hand or with an electric strap winder if you want to save some time.
  3. Inspect for defects.
    While rolling-up your straps, you should always inspect them for defects such as tears.
  4. Prevent unwinding.
    You want to avoid the strap unwinding again and get tangled with the other straps. For this, we recommend Dynello Clip™
    Apply the clip onto every strap close to the metal hook, which will keep the strap together.
  5. Dry and ventilated storage.
    Lastly, the place where you keep your straps should be dry and ventilated so the moist can evaporate quickly. Avoid tightly closed boxes as it will keep the moist in. Also keep the straps out of direct sunlight. The same goes for the ratchets to avoid corrosion.
  6. Tip for drying your straps!
    Unwind a half meter of strap and apply the clip. Now hang the strap inside your trailer and let the air ventilate out the moist of the lashing strap. See picture further down.

 

 

A sustainable, quick and easy solution to ratchet strap storage

Dynello Clip™ has may benefits and has proved to be one of the best solutions when it comes to storage of 5-ton (50mm strap width) European standard lashing straps.

  • Easy to apply.
    Keep your workgloves on. Put the clip on your wet, oil-greased and dirty lashing straps.
  • Sustainable.
    Lasts longer than cable ties, velcro, rubber bands and so forth.
  • Demands minimum space.
    The clip takes up very little space unlike a custom-made storage boxes, which only fits max. 6 ratchet straps anyway.
  • Low cost.
    The cost of the clip is none to less compared to many other one-time-use solutions and custom-made storage boxes.

ratchet straps stored in a box

Store your ratchet straps in a box with Dynello Clip mounted so they cannot unwind and tangle.


ratchet straps hanging in hook inside curtain trailer

Tip for drying straps! Unwind 0.5m strap and apply the clip. Now hang your ratchet straps drying in a ventilated space.

 

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