How to Inspect Ratchet Straps
- 1). Pull the lock release lever up on the ratchet with one hand, then pull the strap off of the ratchet spool.
- 2). Lay the ratchet down on the ground. Stretch the strap out until it lies straight on the ground.
- 3). Begin inspecting at the end of the strap that contains the hook. Check the fabric that makes up the strap for any damage such as tears, cracks, holes and frays. If any of the damage is excessive, replace the strap immediately.
- 4). Move back to the ratchet end of the strap. Pull up on the locking lever handle again to ensure that it moves up and down with no restrictions. Also inspect the bottom of the handle to ensure that it holds the strap in place with the handle in the "down" position.
- 5). Inspect the hardware to ensure that it is properly secured to the ratchet, not damaged and free of rust. This hardware includes the snap hooks, flat hooks, wire hooks, grab hooks, s-hooks, buckles and gears. Also inspect the gears to ensure that they are not wore down to the point where they can't stay locked inside of the gear holders.
- 6). Ratchet the strap back onto the spool of the ratchet. Inspect the ratchet and the strap as the strap is being wound around the spool to ensure that all of the necessary components work together. The ratchet should wind the strap onto the spool with no restrictions.
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