How do you store your tie-downs and ratchets?

[WWheeler]

I'm reviving this thread because after reading all 5+ pages no one had the right answer! lol

I roll mine up after every use & takes 2 minutes tops. I don't need a storage bag or a bucket or velcro strap or zip ties or anything at all except the ratchet strap itself to bundle it up, because, I'll be honest, I will lose whatever else I had while the strap is in use and it won't be around the next time I need it.

It's very easy how I do it. I first separate the strap part from the ratchet part and I roll the strap part up longways around it's hook, and when I get to a tail of 14-16" or so I make a right angle turn and make two or so wraps around the middle and then I feed what's left of the tail through the slot in the ratchet and make one wrap around and then the very end of the tail also through the slot in the ratchet. Now I can use the ratchet itself to tighten it up and it is all neat and not going anywhere until next time I need it. I can toss it in a box or hang it or whatever.

I've been doing it this way for about 6 years now and it sure beats the old method I had which was just to toss the undone straps wherever when I was done using them, back of truck, trunk of car, all in one big tangled mess that I never ever used again and instead just threw them away and used brand new ones each and every time time I needed them.

 

[metalmagpie]

Zombie thread. However, I may have something useful to contribute. First of all, when you wind up the straps it saves time if you first pull the strap until the two free ends are about the same distance from the ratchet. Makes the shortest amount to coil up.

I use a roll of blue masking tape. One quick wind around the whole thing and it stays coiled. When I am securing a load I similarly coil up the free end and secure it with blue masking tape. It's strong enough to do the job, but flimsy enough so you can just break it with your hands, plus it lets go without leaving any residue.

I store my ratcheting straps coiled in a plastic storage container on a shelf.

metalmagpie

 

[Sharpest]

For generic 1" straps, I take the strap side and fold/layer it into ~10" layers and then overhand knot the whole shebang. I use zip ties on my heavier straps but they are too much of a pain in the *** for the small ones. The ratchet side, I hang the hook off the outside of an old gallon paint can with the ratchet dangling and all the straps go in the can. This debacle goes in my truck bed tool box and I ultimately have 10 ratchet straps in my truck at all times with minimal space needed and effort required to untangle.

 

[TractorJeff]

You guys must be talking about 1 inch tie down straps?
I have six 2 inch wide 30 footers coiled in a plastic tote in the back of the truck.
Two 1 inch straps are in the trunk of the wife's car.
Like posted before, they are of no use hanging on the wall in the garage except taking space.
Chains and binders are in a toolbox on the trailer. I do keep 2 recovery chains in the truck, one sized for cars and a bigger one for tractors and trucks.

 

[wolfhawk73]

I only use them in my truck, so they sit, tangled, in a small Rubbermaid tub behind my seat. I use one every other day to tie down my mountain bike and often when I go to the lumberyard.

 

[2002maniac]

I have been using Erickson retractable straps for most smaller jobs. They make life so much easier. My 2" straps are coiled in the tongue box on my car hauler.

 

[theoldwizard1]

My large ratchet straps are neatly coiled and then bound with a "custom" closed loop bungie (effectively a rubber band).

Smaller straps are in individual 6 mil ziplock bags.

All are stored in a drawer with bungies and bungie cord for making new bungies.

 

[6768rogues]

I throw them in a box and take the whole box with me when I need them.

 

[T_R]

Milk crate. My 6' or so 2" ones I just throw in there they aren't long enough to tangle. My 1" ones are admittedly a tangled mess usually. I just got some 20' 2" ones and am trying to keep them coiled up.

I bring the whole crate when I am hauling cars or other stuff on the trailer.

 

[23ford]

Roll them up and put them in an old p;astic kitty litter container. That way I can grab itand put it on the trailer

 

[asallwey]

I use the 1" straps mostly. My solution for keeping them untangled is to store them individually in old socks. I put the ratchet and hook together, about 4" long, then wrap the strap around it and stuff it in the sock. I use the short crew socks for the short straps. I toss them in a bag for storage. I've been doing this for years and have different socks for different strap types.

I do have a couple of 2" straps but haven't done anything with them.

 

[Tech89]

I cut a bicycle tube into large bands, like thick ruberbands, then roll the straps up and put the piece of tube around the roiled up strap.

-Pat

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[Hpozzuoli]

In a 5 gallon bucket or two.

 

[becker_atc]

Small ones get rolled and put in a 50 cal ammo can. Also keep small rope and roll of tape in there


Sent via message in a bottle

 

[Colin Len]

I'm reviving this thread because after reading all 5+ pages no one had the right answer! lol

I roll mine up after every use & takes 2 minutes tops. I don't need a storage bag or a bucket or velcro strap or zip ties or anything at all except the ratchet strap itself to bundle it up, because, I'll be honest, I will lose whatever else I had while the strap is in use and it won't be around the next time I need it.

It's very easy how I do it. I first separate the strap part from the ratchet part and I roll the strap part up longways around it's hook, and when I get to a tail of 14-16" or so I make a right angle turn and make two or so wraps around the middle and then I feed what's left of the tail through the slot in the ratchet and make one wrap around and then the very end of the tail also through the slot in the ratchet. Now I can use the ratchet itself to tighten it up and it is all neat and not going anywhere until next time I need it. I can toss it in a box or hang it or whatever.

I've been doing it this way for about 6 years now and it sure beats the old method I had which was just to toss the undone straps wherever when I was done using them, back of truck, trunk of car, all in one big tangled mess that I never ever used again and instead just threw them away and used brand new ones each and every time time I needed them.

I gotta try this one, thanks for the tip!

 

[thomfr]

A tip for better quality gummi bands or RP's. Go to an outdoor shop and look at the tens spares for the rubber bands used on older tents to strap the ground poles. They are uv resistant.
Thom

 

[NUTTSGT]

I see we had a spammer bring back another older thread only to get banned.

I used to keep mine in the door pockets of the truck. However this truck, just one goes in the door pocket and the rest are under the back seat in a locked compartment. Why are they locked up ? Because the compartment locks, and after my last truck was broken into, I want to keep my stuff.

The open trailer has a tongue box for straps and the enclosed trailer has some Pitpal hangers on the walls.

 

[Throbbin Rods]

I use the 1" straps mostly. My solution for keeping them untangled is to store them individually in old socks. I put the ratchet and hook together, about 4" long, then wrap the strap around it and stuff it in the sock. I use the short crew socks for the short straps. I toss them in a bag for storage. I've been doing this for years and have different socks for different strap types.

I do have a couple of 2" straps but haven't done anything with them.

This. Works great, if a sock turns up missing it is no big loss. Just reach in the bin in back of the Yukon, grab a sock and good to go.

 

[Organized_Garage]

While a few are tucked away under the rear seat of my truck, the majority of my ratchet straps are kept inside our trailer on these HRP Ratchet Strap Hangers:

I have one hanger high on the wall and one down low so I can have each hook in place lightly tightened. This keeps them in place and right where I need them.

 

[MarlynOC]

5 gal bucket with a screw on lid.

 

[Richard D]

I have determined this is the only way to go. Nothing to buy, nothing to keep track of. I literally timed myself. Took 1 min. 30 sec. first try.

 

[Outlawmws]

I made a rack like that for garage storage.

There is a pic of it in here somewhere...

While a few are tucked away under the rear seat of my truck, the majority of my ratchet straps are kept inside our trailer on these HRP Ratchet Strap Hangers:

I have one hanger high on the wall and one down low so I can have each hook in place lightly tightened. This keeps them in place and right where I need them.

 

[cpttuna]

the right answer. I could care less how anybody stores their straps, nor should they care how I store mine. The point is do you have them with you when you need them and are they in serviceable condition. Remember, if you don't have them, you can't S__ t them.

 

[poriggity]

I have a few stores under the seat in my truck and 4 or 5 floating around my truck bed. I can always find one when I need it.

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[Chaz]

I roll mine up and put each one in a ziplock bag, then store them behind the truck seat.

 

[Capt Chrysler]

http://i67.tinypic.com/2pr5ts0.jpg

I have determined this is the only way to go. Nothing to buy, nothing to keep track of. I literally timed myself. Took 1 min. 30 sec. first try.

Well, took idea for a test today. Wow! Fast and slick. A keeper idea for sure. Thanks for sharing.

Capt. Chrysler

 

[Lelandwelds]

I sewed some Velcro tabs on the end that can slide along the strap and roll them individually then Velcro them tight. When in use I use the Velcro to hold the end loose strap and keep it from blowing around.

I would like a photo please. Pretty please, even.

 

[tonyciambrone]

the right answer. I could care less how anybody stores their straps, nor should they care how I store mine. The point is do you have them with you when you need them and are they in serviceable condition. Remember, if you don't have them, you can't S__ t them.

Huh-uh...O.K...We'll just..back away slowly....

 

[Capt Chrysler]

Heck! I picked up a good idea. So I say, let's belly up to the bar and chat some more!

Capt. Chrysler

 

[gtae07]

I roll mine up and store them in the pockets at the bottom of the auxiliary doors on my truck (I have a short-cab F150 with those little ~1ft wide doors to get behind the seats).

 

[stikman56]

In a pile in the truck bed lol. That way they are always there when I need them. I recently bought an ammo can to use, but I'm trying to think of a way to mount it in the bed. I have a first gen double cab tundra and there is very little storage space inside.

This, but inside on the floor of the truck. Always have them that way.

 

[PhantomEB]

Milk crate along with tow strap, booster cables, first aid kit. Sitting in garage waiting for me to get another truck. This truck will have a tonneau cover so I probably will put all this into a duffle bag along with tire chains.

 

[Ironcrow]

I have determined this is the only way to go. Nothing to buy, nothing to keep track of. I literally timed myself. Took 1 min. 30 sec. first try.

Somebody's going to have to draw me a diagram or something. It seems like they would just unwind.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Somebody's going to have to draw me a diagram or something. It seems like they would just unwind.

Looks like it is wound around the hook and then wrapped itself and the last few inches run through the ratchet to pull it tight.


Yeah, now that I think of it, it does seem like it would unwind unless it was done with a half hitch or something. I think I need to try this tomorrow.

 

[On-Wheel]

I leave then all over the place. I think the ones I leave on the car hauler floor get beat up.Unloading motorcycles all the time make winding the straps up a task.So when ever they start looking bad I replace them with 600-1200 # working strength.Some times there not available and the breaking strength is lower than I like.So I found a place that has 1 inch at 3,000 and 6,600 # breaking strength,$35-45 for 300 feet .My Uncle has an industrial sewing machine and said no problem.Wait till he sees how many.haha Thanks to this post I'll be taking better care of them!

 

[vetron]

I keep mine in a kitty litter box with the lid. With 3 indoor (sigh) cats there are plenty of uses. Anyway that way if I happen to leave them in the back of my truck in the rain they stay dry.
Kitty litter box is also perfect for my harbor freight gear oil pump and hose that is designed to put oil everywhere except in the transfer case.

 

[Chris705]

I put my straps in old socks .....one per sock, after a couple years i am surprised that I keep putting them back in the socks when done. I keep em all in a canvas bag that came with my drill/driver set....keeps them tangle free.

 

[DGersic]

Somebody's going to have to draw me a diagram or something. It seems like they would just unwind.

Wind strap around hook, leaving 18-24”


Fold 90* down in the middle.


Wrap around a couple of turns.


Run the strap up through the take up thing.


Around the hook again and through the take up thing again.


Pull tight with the handle.

I doubt I’ll ever do that again. I keep a couple in the under seat storage box in my truck, and the rest in a plastic clamshell box.





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[gahrajmahal]

I do the DGersic method without the ratchet part. I then have two pieces. I keep two sets on the back floor, and the rest in the under-the-bed trunk in a plastic bucket in my Ridgeline.

 

[like2wheel]

Wind strap around hook, leaving 18-24”


Fold 90* down in the middle.


Wrap around a couple of turns.


Run the strap up through the take up thing.


Around the hook again and through the take up thing again.


Pull tight with the handle.

I doubt I’ll ever do that again. I keep a couple in the under seat storage box in my truck, and the rest in a plastic clamshell box.





Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

So I take it that would not work for the cam buckle type?