Tie-Down Strap Buckles and Their Uses

RATCHET BUCKLES:

Ratchet buckles are possibly the most well-known of all tie-down strap mechanisms. Consisting of a round rotating gear, pawl, and lever, a ratchet buckle provides an easy method for tightening and securing a load during transport. While ratchet buckles provide superior tension compared to other buckles, the ratchet buckle frame may come into contact with the sides of the cargo or vehicles, damaging it during motion. In addition, it is easy to overtighten a load with a ratchet buckle, which may cause further damage to both the cargo as well as to that which the cargo is anchored.

• Common Uses: Securing Large Furniture, Building Materials, and Recreational Vehicles.

  Surprising Uses: Slacklining and Securing Beehives for Relocation.

  

  CAM BUCKLES:

  Less known than ratchet buckles, cam buckles are most often used to safely secure light and fragile cargo. A cam buckle operates by the user depressing and opening the “cam” mechanism, threading the strap through the bottom of the buckle and then pulling the strap to the desired tension before releasing the cam to secure the strap in place. Thus, cam buckles are generally inappropriate for larger loads due to their tension being dependent upon a user’s ability to pull the strap tight.

• Common Uses: Securing Glass and Ceramic Objects, Small Antiques, and some Yard Debris.

• Surprising Uses: Securing Bicycles and Canoes to Cargo Racks.