The Best Ratchet Straps of 2024

We take our gear on lots of trips. And we can bet that you do, too — meaning you, too, need a collection of ratchet straps. As gear gets larger — from hard coolers and standup paddleboards to motorcycles — it’s even more essential to secure loads during transport.

Ratchet straps have the ability to tighten down and securely hold a load. There are a ton of options on the market for ratchet straps of all different strengths, sizes, and attachment variations. Some of them clutch into the thousands of pounds like the Rhino Rack HD Ratchet Tie-Down Set. You can even customize the length, color, and end fittings of the Mac’s Custom Tie-Downs. Both sets are great for securing an array of objects across a variety of platforms, be it a truck bed or rack. Then, you can dispense the cargo with a simple release.

In this guide, we cover various details including types of ratchets, max strengths, working loads, end attachments, tie-down accessories, length, and more. We dug through the internet to find the best ratchet straps available and put them to the test, attempting to abuse them in all aspects and seasons of our outdoor testing grounds in Southwest Colorado. To learn more about the features of ratchet straps and a more in-depth analysis of how these straps can vary, be sure to check out the Buyer’s Guide or jump to the Price & Value summary. Still weighing your options? Consult our Comparison Chart to see how straps stack up. Otherwise, take a look at our awarded goods.

Editor’s Note: We updated our Ratchet Straps buyer’s guide on October 27, 2024, to include the Uline Retractable Tie Downs 1″ x 10′.

The Best Ratchet Straps of 2024

Best Overall Ratchet Straps: Mac’s Custom Tie-Downs
Best Budget Ratchet Straps: Husky Ratchet Tie-Downs 4-Pack
Best Heavy-Duty Ratchet Straps: Rhino Rack HD Ratchet Tie-Down Set
Easiest to Use Ratchet Straps: Rhino Rack Retractable Ratchet Straps
Best Ratchet Straps Kit: Augo Heavy Duty Ratchet Tie-Down Straps
Best Ratchet Straps for Industrial Applications: US Cargo Control Ratchet Strap

Specs

Width: 1”
Breaking Strength: 2,800 lbs
Work Load Limit: 933 lbs
Material: Nylon
Lengths: 6’, 10’
Colors: Blue, black, pink, red, orange, silver, purple, yellow, green

Pros

Most thorough instructions and safety specs
Nicest canvas storage bag and strap bands
Multiple end fittings and color options

Cons

Priciest option tested
Non rubber handle

Hands down, Mac’s Custom Tie-Downs ($80) are the top-of-the-line when it comes to ratchet straps. Now, you might be thinking, why does one need custom tie-downs? Mac’s Ratchet Straps are available with three different end fittings, so you can get the right strap for your application. Additionally, they come in a plethora of color and length options, so you can get a strap that compliments your motorcycle, UTV, or car.

Mac’s straps include a canvas storage bag that was the most ergonomic and durable of any of the carriers we tested. Additionally, the straps come with soft loops to help pull down larger objects that a hook won’t pair with. The kit includes bands to keep the straps organized and compact when not in use, or they can hold excess slack when the straps are tightened. At a 933-pound working load for a 1-inch width, this nylon workhorse allows us to carry heavier loads without worry.

The ratchet straps are also outfitted with highly detailed instructions and safety manuals. So even a first-time user can thoroughly understand how to safely use, store, and take care of their straps. We found the actual ratchet — which includes a base, pawl, teeth, and handle — was easy to tighten and discharge thanks to a smooth release mechanism. However, due to the high cost, we would have liked to see rubber coatings on the handles like those on the Husky Ratchet Tie-Downs 4-Pack.

Coming in at nearly four times the cost of our budget ratchet straps, these are a bit on the pricey side when it comes to straps. But we love our gear, and during transport we want it to be safe, secure, and looking good. We also don’t want to lose any equipment in transit! Discarded cargo can quickly become hazardous or broken. Spending the money on a set of these Custom Tie-Downs is a solid investment in our book.

Specs

Width: 1”
Breaking Strength: 1,500 lbs
Work Load Limit: 500 lbs
Material: Polyester
Lengths: 12’
Colors: Black with red stripes

Pros

Priced affordably
Rubber-coated handles
Comes with carrying bag

Cons

Only 500-pound breaking strength
Shows wear quickly

Looking for a simple solution for your cargo carry? With a 1-inch girth, the Husky Ratchet Tie-Downs 4-Pack ($22) is a bundle of ratchet straps that won’t break the bank and will hold up to 500 pounds of weight. They are available in a 12-foot length in a quad pack, which includes a small bag for storage. That expansive length means this collection can work well for a broad range of uses.

Over the years, our team has used and abused countless sets of Husky ratchet straps. Despite the cheap price and countless yanks, these straps continue to serve us year-round and for a range of rigs, whether we’re tightening down our dirt bikes or luggage. Sure, they might not be the easiest to use, and the long tails can be hard to manage for small loads. But they function well enough for most people.

Basic, in a word, describes the design. Broad, fairly wide handles allow a range of hand sizes to comfortably grab ’em. We appreciate the rubber jacket. A secondary interior handle (which isn’t as soft) is framed by the rubber handle and a sharp pull should loosen the load. The colors are extremely limited, and the design feels clunky. Most modern straps run smoother than these, but sometimes butter isn’t the priority.

Also, the polyester webbing is rated for a 500-pound working load, so heads up: That might not be enough for some circumstances and users. Additionally, the straps and their vinyl-coated S-hooks both quickly show wear. Despite the shrugs, this Husky Ratchet set is a good design at an economic price. All considering, if you need to triple the work load limit, check out the Rhino Rack HD Ratchet Tie-Down Set.

Specs

Width: 1.6”
Breaking Strength: 5,208 lbs
Work Load Limit: 1,736 lbs
Material: Polyester, silk
Lengths: 8’
Colors: Black, green, blue, orange, red, grey

Pros

High breaking strength and workload
Large rubber-coated ratchet handles
Large S-hooks with gates
Includes pair of matching soft shackles

Cons

Gates often won’t easily close due to their large size
Flimsy storage bag

Massive loads call for substantial ratchet straps. The Rhino Rack HD Ratchet Tie-Down Set ($30) is the right pair for the job with a whopping 1,736-pound working load limit and a 5,260-pound max breaking strength! It’s available in a dual-pack for $30 or a tetrad for $60. Each package comes with a carrying bag, stickers, two soft shackles, and S-hook fittings with a gate.

Among the things we love about these straps are the softly padded, easy-to-grip handles. The plush jackets were inviting to our digits and made letting off high-tension loads much easier. We also loved the included Velcro straps that easily wrap around and sandwich the extra slack. They can also be used to help tidy up the ties for storage.

Our main critique: The storage bag wasn’t nearly as robust as the straps, and the instructions could be more detailed for debut users. We also noticed that the gates are voluminous, which sometimes prevented the S-hook from being able to close around certain bars like a few on our tester’s snowmobile rack. But the supplied soft shackles — which are both 1.7-by-17 inches — solve this issue. Ultimately, the locked gates are power-hungry and don’t come unclipped, which is key.

For loads that exceed the weight limits of other straps, the HD Ratchet Tie-Down Set should be top of mind. This design is an affordable option with heavy-duty capacity. Plus, the straps are backed by a lifetime warranty, so you can squeeze every bit of that 30 bucks.

Specs

Width: 1”
Breaking Strength: 1,209 lbs
Work Load Limit: 403 lbs
Material: Polyester, silk
Lengths: 10’
Colors: Black, green, blue, orange, red, gray

Pros

Smooth, user-friendly ratchet system
Retractable design automatically coils extra slack
Rubber handles
S-hooks with gates

Cons

Low breaking strength
Bulky ratchet is heavier and takes up more space than traditional design
Shows wear quickly

When we first saw the Rhino Rack Retractable Ratchet Straps ($40), we thought there was no way they could be that revolutionary. But after a few weeks of hard testing, we were thoroughly impressed with how easy these straps are to use compared to a normal ratchet strap.

What separates these straps from the rest in terms of use lies in the unique ratcheting design. The ratchet is one piece instead of two separate pieces and can be operated with a single button. Webbing is wound and stored in a spring-powered coil. Pushing a button can release slack when pulled. Using the button, the material can likewise retract, pulling excess webbing and slack back into the coil. When in use, the system tightens like a normal ratchet. When you want to let up, just hit the button again. This retractable ratchet system is much easier and faster to use than a traditional ratchet.

The downside of this innovative retractable system is that it’s much bulkier than its normal counterpart, taking up more space. It’s heavier, too. The power is a tad lower than other straps, with a breaking strength of 403 pounds. We tested these particular ratchets extensively while working for a week in the high-alpine backcountry, running the course setup and avalanche mitigation for a backcountry ski race. Operations involved a lot of tying down and readjusting loads of equipment via snowmobile transport. After that hard daily use and exposure to the elements, there was visible discoloration of the straps where they had worn down. But mechanically, they still worked just as easily.

Overall, if you dislike the typical involvement of ratchet straps or want to save time and effort when strapping down equipment, the Retractable Ratchet Straps are a great option—as long as you don’t mind the lowered working load.

Specs

Width: 1”
Breaking Strength: 2,200 lbs
Work Load Limit: 733 lbs
Material: Polyester
Lengths: 15’
Colors: Black, blue, green, grey, orange, red, yellow

Pros

Full kit includes a bag, bungee cords, and soft shackles
Compact design keeps unit light and small

Cons

For a heavy-duty ratchet we would like to see a higher breaking strength
Long tails without a way to easily secure them

The mother lode has arrived: No matter what you’re securing, the Augo Heavy Duty Ratchet Tie-Down Straps ($30) delivers the best complete tie-down bundle, which comes in a 4-pack. This kit comes with everything you need from a large storage bag to space-saving ratcheting straps, soft shackles, and even bungee cords to help secure smaller loads.

Rounded off, the package includes a variety of accessories, so you can secure everything from small loads, like boxes, to large loads, such as motorcycles or ATVs. The 15-foot length enables the reach and flexibility to strap down even the bulkiest loads. And the supplied bungee cords provide additional attachment points on the shorter side of the spectrum.

A nod goes to Augo’s devices, too, which are very modest in size and lightweight thanks to a single-finger design that’s meant to easily fit into your hand. They fold down more compactly than any other ratchet, too. Even more, these units shine for their seamless ease of use.

Although this kit is very comprehensive, we’d also prefer to see an included Velcro strap to tie down the tails of the lengthy webbing. Given the heavy-duty label, we also think the working load should be closer to 1,000 pounds. Though, the 733-pound load is still beefy enough for most situations. That said, if you need a higher work load limit, the U S Cargo Control Ratchet Strap also offers a 15-foot length with a work load of 1,100 pounds.

If you’re hauling a wide variety of loads, the Heavy Duty Ratchet Tie-Down Straps offers a very affordable ratchet strap package that covers small to extra-large gear.

Specs

Width: 1”
Breaking Strength: 3,300 lbs
Work Load Limit: 1,100 lbs
Material: Polyester
Lengths: 6’, 10’, 15’, 20’
Colors: Black, blue, grey, green, red, white, yellow

Pros

High work-load limit
Multiple end attachment options
Bulk ordering available

Cons

No rubberized handles
Lacks extras like storage bags or soft shackles

Starting a business in the outdoor industry? Simple and hard-working hit the mark with the US Cargo Control Ratchet Strap ($8). This no-frill blueprint delivers an impressive working load limit of 1,100 pounds and a breaking strength of 3,300 pounds — all packed into webbing with a 1-inch waist. With a bare-bones style, these straps are perfect for commercial or industrial applications.

USCC offers multiple strap options, from 1-inch webbing to 4-inch webbing, as well as varying lengths and color choices. They are available with multiple and unique end fittings, so you can find the exact strap for each use case. Additionally, the designs are available at bulk-order discounted pricing. Here’s where you can load up with up to 100 straps.

These don’t come with rubber handles, which makes them less ideal in outdoor or adverse weather conditions, but for commercial indoor use, these would be a solid selection. At such a low bill, it’s not a surprise this strap leaves out extra accessories like storage bags or soft shackles.

At the end of the day, these US Cargo straps are perfect for industrial uses thanks to the diverse menu of lengths, end fittings, and colors, plus the impressive breaking strength and option to bulk order. Not to mention, these straps check a boatload of boxes for the working load limits of various organizations. Those tags of approval include the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) and Web Sling and Tie Down Association (WSTDA) guidelines, and the North American Cargo Securement standards.

If you feel like you don’t need as much of a working load but like the extra length, check out the 15-foot Augo Heavy Duty Ratchet Tie-Down Straps.

Specs

Width: 1”
Breaking Strength: 1,200 lbs
Working Load Limit: 400 lbs
Material: Polyester
Length: 6’, 10’
Color: Black

Pros

Very convenient no mess design
Quality construction and materials
Simple operation

Cons

Roughly the same size and storage footprint as a standard ratchet strap
Can be a little difficult to release with high tension
Does not come with a storage bag

Traditional ratchet straps can be frustrating and time consuming. There is the leftover tail that you have to find something to do with once your load is secured, so that it’s not flapping around in the breeze waving at all of the drivers behind you. Then once you’re finished, you have to decide how you’re going to roll them up and store them, so that the next time you need them it’s not sorting out a birds nest. As an organizational design, the Uline Retractable Tie Downs ($16) solve this issue.

We tested the 1” x 10’ model. It has a working load of 400 pounds and a maximum capacity of 1,200 pounds. While this working load is lower than most other favorites like the US Cargo Control Ratchet Strap — which has a working load of 1,100 pound — it’s still more than capable for the vast majority of tasks that any of us will ask of it on a day to day basis. Securing most cargo, mowers, motorcycles, and dirt bikes, for instance, are within its wheelhouse. But should you need something with a bit more strength, Uline does have a 2” x 10’ version with a maximum capacity of 3,300 pounds.

Right out of the box we noticed the high quality construction and materials. The release system is made from quite a hefty piece of steel that is made to withstand the elements. The retractable ratcheting mechanism works smoothly and is actually rather quiet. The use of a one-finger release button releases the strap. For the most part, this function works well, although we did have a bit of trouble releasing the strap when it was under a sizable amount of tension, which could’ve partly been operator error. Despite the upgraded ratchet system, the weight and overall footprint is not much different than traditional ratchet strap.

But in this case, you have the added benefit of easy storage with the Uline Retractable. While we were wishing the straps came with a storage bag for keeping things even more well organized, it’s certainly not a deal breaker. These Uline straps are sold individually as well, should you need a single replacement. Overall, we really liked the functionality and quality of these straps. They are a very solid, well made unit at a comfortable pricepoint.

a lineup of ratchet straps — We ran side-by-side tests of a range of ratchet straps; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Ratchet Straps Comparison Chart

Scroll right to view all of the columns: Price, Breaking Strength, Work Load, Width, and Materials.

Ratchet Strap	Price	Materials	Breaking Strength	Work Load Limit	Width
Mac’s Custom Tie-Downs	$80	Nylon	2,800 lbs.	933 lbs.	1”
Husky Ratchet Tie-Downs 4-Pack	$22	Polyester	1,500 lbs.	500 lbs.	1”
Rhino Rack HD Ratchet Tie-Down Set	$30	Polyester, silk	5,208 lbs.	1,736 lbs.	1.6”
Rhino Rack Retractable Ratchet Straps	$40	Polyester, silk	1,209 lbs.	403 lbs.	1”
Augo Heavy Duty Ratchet Tie-Down Straps	$30	Polyester	2,200 lbs.	733 lbs.	1”
US Cargo Control Ratchet Strap	$8	Polyester	3,300 lbs.	1,100 lbs.	1”

close up of ratchet unit — A ratchet device has a round gear with teeth and a spring-loaded pawl that engages the teeth to pull the system tight; (photo/Eric Phillips)

How We Tested Ratchet Straps

Our Expert Testers

Our lead tester and photographer, Eric Phillips, has been an outdoor professional for the last 10 years and a hobby automotive enthusiast. From growing up working as a ranger for his local Boy Scout camp to volunteering search and rescue in Crested Butte, Colo., Phillips has used ratchet straps for a ton of different scenarios over the course of his career and daily life.

Gear tester, photographer, and all-around outdoor enthusiast Chip Jordan has plenty of experience using ratchet straps, ropes, and webbing — throughout the past 15 years, he’s worked as a full-time firefighter and spent eight years in the Army with two combat deployments, and now works as an NCCCO certified crane operator.

Our Testing Grounds

Our GearJunkie test team lives in the heart of the Rocky Mountains — Southwestern Colorado — and they like to recreate pretty hard. We also have automotive testers in neighboring New Mexico. When it comes to testing ratchet straps, we wanted to put these straps to the test by ramping up the seasonal volume to match that of a year in the field. From the exposure to snow and below-freezing alpine conditions to lengthy durations holding gigantic, heavy loads, these straps took a beating.

Our Testing Process

The fleet of test vehicles included a 2014 Ford F-150 Raptor, 2008 Ford F-250, 2007 Suzuki DRZ 400 motorcycle, and a 2022 Ski Doo Summit snowmobile. We used the straps to secure a range of oddly shaped objects, like hard coolers and lumber, to each vehicle. There were even a couple of paddleboards tossed in for good measure. We also strapped down the snowmobile and motorcycle to their respective trailers for transport.

Throughout our field tests and personal experience, we determined the best ratchet straps based on various metrics, including load capacity, breaking strength, strap size, ratcheting function, handles, end fitting, materials, accessories, ease of use, durability, instructions and safety protocol, price, and overall quality.

Beyond our tests, we also considered the most popular, award-worthy, universal, and case-specific designs. These ratchet straps serve a range of uses, styles, and budgets, and we’re certainly happy with them.

ratchet straps holding down markers on snowmobile rack — We used ratchet straps to carry loads on the snowmobiles throughout winter for volunteer work, safety, and recreation; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Ratchet Straps

Most of us have to take our gear from our house to the outdoors. Keeping things tied down and secure helps preserve the life of your gear and keeps both people and objects safe. That’s where ratchet straps come in.

Ratchet straps include two foundational pieces: the straps and the ratchet. The ratchet is the metal centerpiece of the system that tightens, holds, and releases tension on the strap.

The straps are typically 1-inch wide and range wildly by length and there are various attachment styles. Within the ratchet, there are specific pieces that make the unit function. The handle design and release mechanism are two of the key differentiators.

Ratchets

Ratchets have two opposing sides — a flat base and a handle — that work by using teeth to catch and hold tension. The teeth are located on a round gear that rotates. Those apexes are uniformly placed but asymmetrical in shape, with one steep edge that the spring-loaded pawl grabs. While tightening the ratchet, the threaded strap rolls around the axle. This movement shortens and tightens the strap across the load.

You only really need to know that the system captures progress and holds tension.

Release System

The opposite is true for the release. Inside each side is a shorter release arm. When you want to release the tension, you slide your hand into each release arm, pull up, and widely spread the handle like opening a book. Pulling the handle open while simultaneously holding both release arms allows the ratchet to free up tension.

Nearly all ratchets have a manual design where the user must pull slack out of the system before tension can snag the strap. The exceptions are the Rhino Rack Retractable Ratchet Straps and Uline Retractable Tie Downs.

Retractable System

These novel systems offered by Rhino and Uline are a single housing (instead of the separate flat base and handle) and can be operated with a button for the tighten and release. The extra webbing is wound around a spring-powered coil. Pushing the button can release the slack (with a pull) or retract the strap, which brings the excess webbing back into the coil. From here, the system can be tightened like a normal hand-operated ratchet.

When you want to release the strap, just hit the button again. This retractable ratchet system is much easier and faster to use than a traditional design without the release-and-tighten button.

Rhino Rack Retractable Ratchet Straps on a snowmobile rack — **Rhino Rack Retractable Ratchet Straps** have a unique button-operated system that pulls in slack or releases tension; (photo/Eric Phillip)

End Fittings

End fittings are where the webbing has an affixed attachment on the ends of the strap. These points are used to connect the webbing to the anchor and come in multiple forms.

The standard three end fittings are S-hook, S-hooks with a gate, and a flat snap hook.

S-hook

S-hook — with or without a gate — is the standard option. This design can be as simple as a wire hook with a rugged vinyl coating for added protection. The curvature, circumference, and overall size can range a bit.

Some S-hooks have a gate, which is a spring-loaded trap that allows the hook to be an enclosed circle around whatever its clipped to. Like insurance, it also keeps the S-hook from unfastening due to an abrupt jolt during transit.

Flat snap hook

A flat snap hook is a specific attachment style that is best used with an existing D-ring anchor. Similar to a gate, a broad yet slender chip swings backward then snaps closed upon release. This is a great alternative when the orientation of other attachment hooks would put a twist in the webbing.

The flat snap hook is the most secure in terms of preventing the strap from disconnecting even when slack develops in the system.

A closed ratchet strap — A typical ratchet strap like the **Husky Ratchet Tie-Downs 4-Pack** includes a handle and a flat base that face each other when closed; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Soft Loops or Shackles

Soft loops are shorter webbing straps that can be used for girth hitching. A single shackle is looped around an object to create an anchor point that a hook would otherwise not be able to grab. Also called shackles, they can be used to prevent scratches on precious parts of gear like the shocks of a dirt bike.

Malleable and robust, shackles have a straight section of webbing with loops on each end, but one loop is straight while the other loop has a twist. First, you’ll thread the shackle around where it needs to be anchored with the two endpoints straddling that object. Simple and brilliant, you’ll feed the straight loop through the twisted loop and pull tight. The resulting anchor will have zero twists in the system. Now, a S-hook can grab the free side of the shackle.

Shackles are helpful if you need to wrap an anchor through the wheel and rim of your vehicle or around the handlebar of a bike, to name a couple examples. Soft loops simply open up customization for rigging anchors.

Both of the Rhino Ratchets — Rhino Rack Retractable Ratchet Straps and Rhino Rack HD Ratchet Tie-Down Set — as well as the Mac’s Custom Tie-Downs and Augo Heavy Duty Ratchet Tie-Down Straps come with soft loops included in the package. Those soft shackles are each rated for the same workload as their complimentary ratchet straps.

ratchet with a s-hook and velcro strap to secure the line — We appreciate ratchet strap kits that include a Velcro strap to help secure the extra line; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Materials

Ratchet straps are made of a few different materials.

The ratchet mechanism is made of steel. Some of the handles come with a rubber coating. The attachment S-hooks, with and without a gate, are built of steel with a vinyl coat. The webbing is typically manufactured from nylon, polyester, or a silk-polyester blend.

Nylon webbing — which comprises the Mac’s Custom Tie-Downs, for instance — has higher abrasion resistance compared to polyester but doesn’t do as well with water as the polyester webbing.

The water-absorption rate of nylon is higher than polyester, which leads to a lower tenacity, mold, or mildew. Furthermore, nylon can absorb more UV light, which accelerates the decomposition.

Generally, nylon is stronger in terms of breaking strength and working load but doesn’t hold up to the outdoor elements as much as polyester.

labeled release arm on a ratchet strap — Some ratchets have a release arm that is clearly labeled; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Breaking Strength & Working Load

When talking about load capacities of ratchet straps there are two crucial numbers: the breaking strength and the working load. They are both measured in pounds (lbs.) and can be easily confused. Let’s break the two terms down.

carrying bag for ratchet straps — Some ratchet straps include a carrying bag, which we like for storage and maintaining the integrity and lifespan of the kit; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Breaking Strength

The breaking strength refers to the maximum weight that can be placed on the strap before the weakest point in the system fails.

Each part in a ratchet strap — from the S-hooks to the ratchet body to the webbing — has an individual breaking strength. The lowest number — or part that is most likely to fail first — sets the breaking strength for the entire system. For example, if the webbing is rated for 2,000 pounds but the S-hooks are only rated for 1,000 pounds, then the breaking strength of the entire ratchet strap would be 1,000 pounds.

If you’re hauling a hefty load, consider snagging the Rhino Rack HD Ratchet Tie-Down Set with a 5,260-pound breaking strength.

gate of a Rhino Rack HD Ratchet Tie-Down Set — The **Rhino Rack HD Ratchet Tie-Down Set** has a broad gate that doesn’t always fit gaps; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Working Load

A ratchet strap’s working load refers to the amount of weight that it can safely handle under normal conditions.

This number will always be smaller than the breaking strength. The working load is one-third of the breaking strength. To determine how much weight your ratchet strap can hold, check the working load. For example, to strap down a 1,000-pound motorcycle, you’ll need to use a ratchet strap that has a working load higher than 1,000 pounds.

On the lower end, the Husky Ratchet Tie-Downs 4-Pack offers a working load of 500 pounds, which is still suitable for a lot of applications.

two ratchet straps held taut — S-hooks with a gate allow the hook to become fully enclosed around the object at the anchor point; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Price & Value

Ratchet straps are not one-size-fits-all, and the price tags reflect the range of materials, sizes, attachment points, tightening mechanisms, and customization of each set.

Budget

If you don’t need anything fancy, the Husky Ratchet Tie-Downs ($22) are a great basic tie-down that is very affordable. They do tend to show wear rather quickly but somehow manage to keep chugging along season after season doing exactly what they’re supposed to. The Augo Heavy Duty Ratchet Tie-Down Straps ($30) have a bit more capacity for only a few more dollars. This kit covers a very wide range of load sizes and is a compact design. However, they could use some Velcro to secure the end of the excess strap.

Testing the Uline Retractable Tie Downs 1" x 10'; (photo/Chip Jordan) — Testing the **Uline Retractable Tie Downs 1″ x 10′**; (photo/Chip Jordan)

Mid-Tier

Bumping up 10 to 20 bucks, you’ll get ratchet straps with a higher breaking strength and, in some cases, a broader width and a higher workload limit. Certain designs also have higher-end textile blends and adjustment mechanisms like the silk-polyester Rhino Rack Retractable Ratchet Straps ($40). You’ll also find the US Cargo Control Ratchet Strap ($32), which offers a higher working load than the Rhino Retractable Straps, but the Rhino’s have the added convenience of the retractable mechanism.

Conversely, the US Cargo straps do not have rubberized handles and do not come with soft shackles or a storage bag. And the Rhino Retractables are a bit on the bulky side.

If this is within your price range and you need the extra capacity, the US cargo straps will serve you better. If you don’t need the extra capacity, the retractable system’s no-mess design might be right for you.

Using the Uline Retractable Tie Downs to secure a SUP; (photo/Chip Jordan) — Using the **Uline Retractable Tie Downs** to secure a SUP; (photo/Chip Jordan)

Premium

The uppermost price tag of our favorite straps is on the Mac’s Custom Tie-Downs ($80). While they are not retractable, you do get high quality materials and the benefit of being able to choose from three different end fittings, so you can really dial in the straps to your specific needs. We appreciate the customizable features including the length and color in addition to the attachment ends. Even more, the Mac’s has a whopping breaking strength of 2,800 pounds, so you’re seeing greater durability, performance, and strength the more tie-downs cost.

You’ll also find the Uline Retractable Tie Downs ($64) and Rhino Rack HD Ratchet Tie-Down Set ($60). The Uline straps offer a retractable system, while The Rhino straps will most certainly get the job done with the highest breaking strength of the entire test pool at 5,260 pounds.

All of these straps offer premium materials and construction. It comes down to a matter of what your specific needs are. Convenience? Consider the Uline straps. Versatility? Take a hard look at the Mac’s Tie-Downs. Strength? The Rhino straps will certainly fit the bill.

We like the rubber coating on the ratchet lever of the Uline Retractable Tie Downs; (photo/Chip Jordan) — We like the rubber coating on the ratchet lever of the **Uline Retractable Tie Downs**; (photo/Chip Jordan)

Frequently Asked Questions

Ratchet straps may look intimidating, but once you know how to work one, they are easy to use.

First, feed the strap through the rectangular slot in the center of the ratchet. Then, connect both S-hooks to your anchor points. Pull all of the slack out of the strap using your hands. Once the slack is out, use the handle of the ratchet to leverage and tighten the strap — you’ll hear a clicking of the pawl against the teeth — until the tension is totally tight with zero budget. Tie up any extra strap in the tail that may be hanging out, or use the quaint Velcro strap that’s sometimes included in a kit, and you’re good to go.

To release the ratchet strap, locate the interior release arms using a finger on both sides of the ratchet: the flat base and the handle. While pulling each release arm, fold the ratchet completely open like a book until the two parts are relatively flat, and then gently tug away from the anchor. The strap should now be loose.

Alternatively, there is a self-contained retractable design, such as the Rhino Rack Retractable Ratchet Straps and Uline Retractable Tie Downs, that offers a simple, straightforward operation without the fuss of excess webbing.

shackle around a dirt bike handle — Soft shackles can be used for securing dirt bikes via the handlebars; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Each ratchet strap has its own safety instructions and load ratings. Never exceed the tie-down’s rated capacity, as it could break. Unplanned releases of the load could recoil with deadly force. Also, never use a tie-down for towing purposes, lifting, lowering, or suspending objects.

soft loop in a truck bed — Soft loops, also called shackles, are a handy way to create an anchor on a variety of objects; (photo/Eric Phillips)

The use of ratchet straps on public roads and highways is legal as long as they are used correctly and remain within their working load capacity limits.

For instance, the U.S. Cargo Control Ratchet Strap meets the working load limits of a large list of entities, including the regulations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Department of Transportation (DOT), guidelines of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) and Web Sling and Tie Down Association (WSTDA), and the standards of the North American Cargo Securement.

S-hook attached to a soft loop — S-hooks can be opened without a gate and are typically made of steel coated in vinyl for durability and rigidity; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Environmental factors like sunlight, rain, snow, dirt, grit, or extreme changes in temperature can accelerate degradation of tie-downs. Additionally, abrasions, sharp surfaces, twisting, kinking, or knotting the tie-down could shorten the lifespan.

A heavily used or abused ratchet strap might only last a few months, while a properly stored and tactfully used tie-down might last up to a few years. Soft goods like the webbing used in tie-downs have a working lifespan of around five years.

Keep in mind, the lifespan will depend greatly on the cumulative hours of use, weather, and the environment. If you only pull out your ratchet straps for an overnight SUP trip every summer, that’s not a high volume of use.

Be sure to check the manufacturer’s guidelines for the lifespan, as well, and inspect your ratchet straps between uses. If you catch visible wear and tear like discoloration, holes, fraying, divots in the edge, mold, mildew, rusting, or disfigured plastic or metal then consider a replacement setup.

the Rhino Rack Retractable Ratchet Straps being used on a snowmobile rack — In addition to a release/retract button, the **Rhino Rack Retractable Ratchet Straps** has a single-unit housing rather than a base and handle; (photo/Eric Phillips)

It is not recommended to haul a car with a ratchet strap (or a truck, for that matter). Ratchet straps are not designed with tow weight factored in and could fail dangerously when used that way.

We recommend keeping a properly-rated tow strap in your vehicle in the event that you’ll need a tow.

You’ll want to tighten each strap enough to safely and securely keep the cargo in place but not so tight that you begin to damage whatever cargo you are securing. You also do not want the straps to be so tight that it makes it nearly impossible to release the tension when removing the strap. This can sometimes make for a very unsafe, violent release that could be potentially harmful.

ratchet strap tightened around a hard cooler — Not all handles are wrapped in plastic and ergonomic, but we — and our hands — appreciate the ones that are; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Motors

The Best Rooftop Cargo Boxes of 2024

Whether you’re road-tripping with the family or need to stow your camping gear, here are the best rooftop cargo boxes of 2024 from Thule, Yakima, and more!