Harbor Freight Ratchet Straps - Danger!

[Clik]

When using ratchet straps I usually stick a leather welding glove under any sharp corner the strap is going accross or around. In this case the strap (3")was going over a round smooth edge, but by the time I got where I was going it had almost worn through. I checked the strap several times on my two hundred mile trip and never let it get loose, but it appears their straps are not resistant to abrasion at all. I'm not sure if it has to do with thread count, material or what but in all my years of strapping stuff down in commercial trucking I've never had a strap wear like that.

Is there a way of checking the quality of straps before buying? Thread count? Abrasion resistance? I don't want to replace them and find the new supplier was buying from the same sub standard wholesaler?

 

[ChevyEFI]

Which PN?
Possibly post pictures in the HF Pass/Fail thread?

Did the load have a possibly higher amount of vibration or movement?
I haven't used them much, but I had okay luck w/ some HF straps when a friend drove a light truck / trailer into a ditch, so I don't think that helps / counts.

 

[Thumper68]

If I remember correctly the HF straps are very thin, I get mine at NT or HD the ones at menards are thin as well.

 

[ken w.]

My girlfriend bought me 4 of the 3" ratchet straps from HF and they are quite thin. I use them to strap down lawn tractors to my trailer. I have noticed that they are fraying kinda fast.But, what do you expect from Chinese made products from HF.

 

[chad99]

In my opinion HF is good for throw away screwdrivers,ratchets,hammers etc.NOT life and death stuff like jack stands,cargo straps,jacks etc.Im not going to risk my life or possibility of someone else getting hurt for some chi com piece of ****.

 

[Danglerb]

Why paint it as HF, those are the same ratchet straps sold in every cheap store on earth, and come in a good dozen different grades of cheapness.

I haven't broken one yet, but I did accidentally pull up the bed on a Chevy pickup.

 

[garyhgaryh]

This issue is not a HF specific issue. Happens with all brands of nylon type straps, esp thin ones.