Back on the subject of ratchet strap sets. Most sets you buy will have 5t ‘breaking strength’ or SWL for the actual webbing strap, but once the ratchet assembly and hook are fitted the overall assembly will be rated at less than that - but again it should be labelled or stamped with the SWL and without the label how does the driver know what load the assembly will restrain? The 5 rows of stitching is a good indication the strap itself is a 5t capacity - but what about the ratchet? I have a ratchet here rated at 1500KGs but has 5 lines of stitching on the webbing bit - its the ratchet assembly that limits it to 1.5t
I would say what equipment the driver ends up with will be based on cost. The boss will ring the strap place and ask for a couple of strap sets (in most cases - the 5t is the most popular in use). The supplier will possibly offer a couple of cost options and by putting the lighter capacity ratchet with it bring the price down.
The supplier I use does a 5t strap with 5t ratchet for about £6 if i buy enough and dependant on length. I can however have a 5t strap with 2.5t or 3t ratchet for less than a fiver. if I wanted an 8t set - it’s about £25 - big differance.
Often I need to replace the webbing strap - but the ratchet is still fine. I buy a 5t strap - the driver then sticks it with a 3t ractchet and it all looks fine.
I have 2 ratchets on my desk. One is stamped at 5000kg and one at 2500daN (so its a 2500kg). I can’t see a single difference between the actual ratchets apart from what is stamped on them. The only visible difference is the hook on the end of the little strop … the 5t is far thicker material. I took both ratchets for a walk round the yard and asked any drivers I saw what capacity they were. I got 8 answers from 8 drivers.
Both 2t
Both 5t
Both 5t
2.5 & 5t
both 10t
both 5t
about 20t?
2.5 & 5t.
Somebody mentioned earlier in this thread about a need for the DCPC. I don’t know if this was a joke (most DCPC comments are) but it was actually a fair comment. Drivers need to know most of what has been highlighted in this thread so that they can make an informed decision when faced with a 9t load and wondering how many straps to use, which straps, or a chain or just rope or -" ■■■■■■■■ - the weight will hold it"
my little survey above - the two that got it spot on have both completed DCPC courses in load security
I don’t think drivers need to go into PUWER or BS numbers and standards - that’s for the boss to know ( yeah all right) and as long as the boss buys the right gear - the driver will know what to do with it.
Wheel Nut:
Your post does show up another problem though, how many people have strapped a load but then hooked the strap onto a rope hook
Some of the companies I have worked for in the past have ratchet straps that have triangles of metal at each end that are just for hooking over those little hooks. However, these are still relatively new trucks (post 2005) so surely they would be rated enough for ratchets rather than just rope? Because if not it makes the whole securing thing a bit of a joke!
Although saying that, things don’t shift as much when they are strapped!
Wheel Nut:
Your post does show up another problem though, how many people have strapped a load but then hooked the strap onto a rope hook
Some of the companies I have worked for in the past have ratchet straps that have triangles of metal at each end that are just for hooking over those little hooks. However, these are still relatively new trucks (post 2005) so surely they would be rated enough for ratchets rather than just rope? Because if not it makes the whole securing thing a bit of a joke!
Although saying that, things don’t shift as much when they are strapped!
Straps should be fastened to crossmembers, chock rails or better still chassis rails, rope hooks give a clue as to what they may be used for.
Wheel Nut:
Straps should be fastened to crossmembers, chock rails or better still chassis rails, rope hooks give a clue as to what they may be used for.
So are you saying that those strap hooks are incorrect, unsuitable etc? They were used on the back of HIAB trucks I drove during the summer. Everyone in the company was using them, there was even a chap around one time to check that they still were legit to use safetywise so if they weren’t suitable, then surely it would have been bought up then?
shep532:
Somebody mentioned earlier in this thread about a need for the DCPC. I don’t know if this was a joke (most DCPC comments are) but it was actually a fair comment.
pete
Wasn’t intended as a joke, deadly serious. (even though I still have it to do).
Something no-one has mentioned yet.
A 5t strap / sling / chain (or other device) is tested to 5t on a straight pull.
If this device is used by securing both ends to form a U shape around the object to be secured or slung, then your 5t strap is good for a 10t object.
So 1 brand new 5t strap and ratchet would technically supply the required securing forces to retain that 9t container.
Check that label the next chance you get. It’s right there in little diagrams.
5t in a straight pull, 10t in a U.
Personally I’d have used 2, one at each end, to stop it twisting and probably put another one across the middle for piece of mind.
That would give you 30t of restraint on a 9t container, not 15, less some for wear and tear of your straps. assuming they ain’t brand new. If your straps were hooked onto 5t or higher securing points.
Simon:
Something no-one has mentioned yet.
A 5t strap / sling / chain (or other device) is tested to 5t on a straight pull.
If this device is used by securing both ends to form a U shape around the object to be secured or slung, then your 5t strap is good for a 10t object.
So 1 brand new 5t strap and ratchet would technically supply the required securing forces to retain that 9t container.
Check that label the next chance you get. It’s right there in little diagrams.
5t in a straight pull, 10t in a U.
Personally I’d have used 2, one at each end, to stop it twisting and probably put another one across the middle for piece of mind.
That would give you 30t of restraint on a 9t container, not 15, less some for wear and tear of your straps. assuming they ain’t brand new. If your straps were hooked onto 5t or higher securing points.
