Not the newspaper – the big bright one in the sky!
At Arinsdale, we believe that manufacturing excellence and environmental responsibility should go hand in hand. That's why we're proud to announce a major investment in sustainable energy at our Grangemouth facility, with the installation of a new 70kW solar panel array.
This investment means that the electricity powering our production and warehouse operations is now increasingly generated on-site from renewable solar energy. As a result, our UK-manufactured ratchet straps are being produced with a reduced environmental footprint while maintaining the quality, reliability and traceability our customers expect.
Investing in UK Manufacturing
Rising energy costs continue to challenge manufacturers across the UK. Rather than outsourcing production overseas, we've chosen to invest in both British manufacturing and sustainable infrastructure. Our new solar installation helps support long-term production efficiency while reinforcing our commitment to keeping manufacturing jobs, skills and expertise here in the UK.
A More Sustainable Future
Every ratchet strap we manufacture requires power for cutting, sewing, printing, testing and warehousing. By generating renewable energy on-site, we're reducing our reliance on grid electricity and taking a practical step towards a more sustainable future.
This latest investment reflects our long-standing commitment to continuous improvement, responsible manufacturing and supporting our customers with high-quality UK-made load restraint products.
Made in Britain, Powered by the Sun
When you choose a ratchet strap from Arinsdale, you're not only supporting UK manufacturing – you're also supporting a business that is actively investing in cleaner, more sustainable production.
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Ratchet buckles are a simple mechanism but aren't maintenance free.
Maintaining ratchet buckles properly ensures they stay safe, functional, and long-lasting.
Here's a straightforward guide to help you keep them in good condition:
1. Regular Cleaning
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After use, especially in dirty or wet environments, clean the buckle and strap.
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Use warm water and mild soap to remove dirt, grease, or salt.
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Avoid harsh chemicals that could degrade the metal or strap material.
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Dry thoroughly to prevent rust or mildew.
2. Lubrication
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Apply a light lubricant (like WD-40DRY, PTFE or silicone spray) to the moving parts of the ratchet mechanism.
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Wipe off excess to avoid attracting dust and debris.
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Do this periodically or if the ratchet feels stiff.
3. Inspection
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Check for fraying, cuts, or excessive wear on the strap.
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Inspect the ratchet teeth and handle for damage or deformation.
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Ensure the release mechanism works smoothly.
4. Storage
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Store in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight.
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Avoid leaving them exposed to the elements for long periods.
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Coil the straps neatly to prevent tangling or creasing.
5. Usage Tips
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Don't over-tighten as this can damage both the buckle and the cargo.
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Always align the strap properly in the ratchet to avoid jamming.
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Use the correct strap rating for the load you're securing.
Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions about how to look after your Tensys ratchet straps. You may also want to download our handy maintenance checklist and log (PDF opens in new window).
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SHORT ANSWER: No, you cannot use ratchet straps for lifting. Ratchet straps are designed to secure loads in place during transport; they are not designed, tested or certified for lifting applications.
Ratchet straps can be extremely useful if you're trying to stop cargo shifting around while you're on the road, but they are not lifting slings and should not be used as such.
Every Tensys ratchet strap has the words NOT FOR LIFTING printed clearly on the label. This warning is there for a very good reason: using a ratchet strap to lift or lower a load may cause the strap to fail, potentially causing severe damage and/or injuries.
If you need to lift a load, you must use suitable lifting equipment such as a certified lifting sling. Luckily, we also sell textile lifting slings that are specifically made for heavy lifting jobs.
If you've ever looked closely at one of our ratchet strap labels, you may have spotted the term BFmin. This is short for minimum breaking force – a very important measurement, and one that's often misunderstood.
Basically, the minimum breaking force is your brand new ratchet strap's absolute limit. If the strap is subjected to forces equalling or exceeding the BFmin, the strap will fail.
BFmin should not be confused with the strap's lashing capacity (LC), which refers to the maximum force your ratchet strap is designed to sustain in actual working conditions.
Read on to learn more about BFmin and what it actually means in relation to our ratchet straps.
An endless ratchet strap is a type of lashing strap that forms a continuous loop around your load instead of terminating in a hook or other endfitting.
Storing your ratchet straps correctly is crucial if you want to prevent premature wear and minimise the risk of a dangerous accident caused by a strap failing.
When attaching ratchet straps to securing / lashing points or the vehicle chassis, it’s important that the hooks fit correctly into the base radius.
Both round slings and flat slings are used to secure, support and move heavy loads. They are a popular lifting solution as they distribute the load's weight evenly, providing stability, preventing damage and enabling the safe handling of objects that lack attachment points.
