How to Use Ratchet Straps

Using ratchet straps is a great way to ensure a smooth ride for your furniture or other cargo. Ratchet straps are commonly used by professional movers to make sure things don't move around in the truck during transit. As long as you know that your moving vehicle has compatible eye bolts or lock mechanisms, you should take advantage of ratchet straps for an easier move.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Make sure your truck or trailer has appropriate eye bolts for ratchet straps. Practice locking the straps in before you load cargo.

2. Put your cargo into your truck or trailer strategically. You should minimize space between each piece and its eye bolt holder spots so that there is not space for the item to move when it is tied down.

3. Insert each end of the ratchet strap into an eye bolt or lock. Make sure the loose end of your strap (and the metal device on the strap) is facing out, toward you.

4. Pull on the loose end of the strap to tighten it. You should see the strap getting taut around the piece of cargo that you've tied on.

5. Pull until the piece is snugly tied on.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't put too much pressure on a piece, especially if it is fragile. Just pull until you can see that the strap is not loose any more. Tightening ratchet straps too much could cause fragile parts to break. The idea is that the straps help hold something into place, along with good strategic organizing of the load inside the vehicle.