Minimum breaking strength (sometimes shortened to MBS) is a key term when talking about ratchet straps. MBS refers to the load or force that can be handled before the item breaks. When lifting or securing a load, you should be careful to avoid pushing an item past its MBS.
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A ratchet strap is a type of tie-down strap used to secure cargo during transportation. It features a strong, adjustable strap (often made of polyester webbing) and a ratchet mechanism that allows for tightening and locking the load. This type of strap is commonly used on trucks, vans, and trailers to keep cargo in place during transport.
1. Use the release lever to open the ratchet fully so that it sits flat with the cogs facing upwards.
2. Thread the end of the strap through the open slot in the ratchet mechanism.
3. Flip the end of the strap over and feed it back over the top of the ratchet mechanism so that it is doubled-over on itself.
4. Continue feeding the strap through until it is pulled taut.
5. Crank the ratchet handle back and forth to tighten the strap. Once it feels secure, stop ratcheting – too much pressure can damage your ratchet strap and cargo!
6. Lock the strap by pushing the ratchet handle all the way down until it clicks.
7. To release the strap, pull and hold the release tab and pull the strap loose by hand.
At Tensys Direct, we stock a wide range of ratchet straps in a variety of different sizes and strengths to accommodate different sized loads.
Use the button below to browse our ratchet strap collection or if you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us and a member of our team will be happy to help!
Browse Ratchet Straps
The terms and ratings on ratchet strap labels can be confusing. We’ve put together this handy graphic to explain each section in easy-to-understand terms. If you're looking to better understand our ratchet strap labels, simply refer to the infographic above!
Customers often ask us for advice on how to secure specific loads. We understand why - securing heavy loads can be complicated. This is particularly true if the load type and weight change several times per day.
If you need to understand how to secure heavy loads on HGVs and goods vehicles, then let us explain the basics. Essentially, load restraint works on the principle of preventing the load from moving due to transport forces. This is achieved by the friction between the load and the load platform, whether the lashings are directly connected or placed “over the top”. The force of the lashings on the load needs to be considered, as this varies depending on the angle of the lashing to the load and the hand force applied to the tensioner.
It can be a complicated mathematical calculation for each application! Read on to for more details on securing heavy loads on HGVs (Heavy Goods Vehicles).
In the UK, the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) provide guidance and carry out roadside checks to ensure trucks and their loads are safe to drive. They publish specific guidance here Securing loads on HGVs and goods vehicles - Guidance - GOV.UK. The latest update was 09th December 2024, available here Updates - Securing loads on HGVs and goods vehicles - Guidance - GOV.UK.
These DVSA resources are great for staying informed on HGV load security. The information provided includes:
Each section provides practical guidance and terminology, plus supporting videos. For health and safety compliance, assessing risk and for driver trainers, it is a worthwhile read that will help you with HGV load security.
At the roadside examiners and authorised constables will use the Categorisation of Vehicle Defects Document Categorisation of vehicle defects to determine the actions they will take if they find an insecure load. Information on the Security of Load is on page 50 and again on page 212. The defects, actions, and notes are all listed there. If found, many of these issues could mean an Immediate Prohibition, which may lead to fines, licence points or both.
Please note that this guidance applies to public service, heavy goods (HGVs), agricultural vehicles, passenger cars, private buses and light goods vehicles throughout the UK. It applies to commercial businesses with large trucks as well as to private individuals transporting cars or goods on a trailer
Load restraint can be inexpensive and is essential for heavy loads. A few more straps costs very little and can help ensure you are compliant at the roadside! If you need help securing loads on your HGV, contact Tensys Direct to discuss your options.
Shoring Poles and load bars create a rigid mechanical divide within the box van vehicle to prevent the load from moving. They locate into anchor track which will be preinstalled in one or more horizontal strips on the vehicle walls. The most popular anchor track sections have a series of 25mm diameter round holes along their length. This is where the spigot end of the spring-loaded shoring pole will locate into a single hole, heavy duty load bar cups use two holes in the track for extra security. E track is also a popular fitment, this is a wider section than standard anchor track, it features a keyhole shape in the section with a 25mm round hole in the centre. Spring loaded poles locate into this hole, load bar cups and decking beams are available to fit the keyhole shape too, here is an example Decking Beams from TensysDirect
Check out our range of anchor tracks here Anchor Track from TensysDirect
It’s important that that the load is evenly distributed across the length of the bar to prevent any point loading. Poles/bars should be fitted as close to the load as possible to prevent any possible travel.
Shoring poles are all spring loaded, the round profile version comes in 5 sizes to suit a range of track-to-track dimensions. When choosing the length required, carefully measure from the face of the track on one side to the other, Record this dimension and select the corresponding option that is closest. Shoring poles have a range of adjustment with a series of holes in 50mm increments. Adjustment can be by push button or by knocking out and replacing a roll pin when the desired length is set. Some versions may feature a nut and bolt to allow adjustment. To allow for the compression in the spring we recommend setting the pole around 100mm wider than the recorded track to track width. A heavy-duty square version is also available as an upgrade from the round version, for ease of handling and installation this version is fitted with two handles.
If you need something more substantial than spring loaded poles, we recommend load bars and cups. These consistent of a pair of load bars cups, and a rigid beam that can be a 40mm x 40mm or a 60mm x 40mm section. Cups have a bar on one side and a clip on the other. On the back of the cups there are forged studs which locate into the holes in the anchor track. There are two types, one fits 25mm round hole anchor track, the other fits E track and comes in 3 different pitches to suit the different keyhole spacings. To determine which one is best measure from the centre of one hole to the other. Load bars are used to retain heavy wheeled loads such as supermarket roll cages and stillages containing liquids. Load bar cups are installed in line on opposing sides of the vehicle, the rigid load bar slides under the bar on one side then drops into position on the other with the clip preventing the bar from being released. To remove the bar simply lift the clip and reverse the process used for installation.
Check out our range of shoring poles, load bar cups and beams here Shoring Bars from TensysDirect
For extra security internal box van straps can be used in conjunction with shoring poles and bars too Lashing Straps from TensysDirect
Webbing has an amazing strength to weight ratio, 50mm lashing webbings can have a break strength over 7.5 Tonnes. The warp & weft fibres are woven from hundreds of 100% polyester single filaments,. If you look closely, the surface isn’t completely smooth, you can see all the fibres woven and intertwined where the warp meets the weft yarns. Essentially a textile, webbing needs protection from sharp or abrasive edges. Wear sleeves and corner protectors are ideal for this and cost a fraction of a replacement strap, and ultimately damage or loss of the load being carried which may lead to insurance claims and or prosecution. Wear sleeves simply slide onto the strap and are positioned where the strap contacts the load, they are available in standard and heavy-duty materials. Check them out here Wear Sleeves from TensysDirect
Corner protectors are ideal for loads where the straps pass at 90° over the edge of the loads, this may be brick or concrete blocks, paper reels, building materials, stillages etc. Simply place the corner on the edge of the load and pass the strap over it to provide protection. We also stock/supply poles and applicators to fit corner protectors at height. Corner protectors are made from heavy duty plastic and come in a range of widths to suit 50mm and 75mm webbing. Corners can be 800mm long or more to suit pallets of building & construction materials
Check out our range of corner protectors here Corner Protectors from TensysDirect
Wear protection will also extend the longevity and duty cycle of your lashings
Remember that while the edge of the load may not feel sharp when the webbing is tensioned with several hundred kg and the vibration from transport forces is introduced the webbing can quickly wear with the potential for a premature failure.
Protect your cargo and your lashings with wear sleeves and corner protectors!