Ratchet straps

It’s crucial to carry out regular checks on vehicles in your fleet, ensuring all equipment adheres to relevant standards, is functioning as it should and passes safety checks. 

One area to check when transporting loads is ratchet straps. They are susceptible to wear and tear over time and need replacing. How do you check ratchet straps for damage and when should you replace them?

How to inspect ratchet straps for damage

Check that the Safe working load limit is legible. It’s vital that this can be easily read so as not to exceed the load limit.


Check for faded colouring. If the strap has faded in colour, this may mean that sunlight has damaged and weakened the strap, therefore making it unsafe to use. 


Look for worn out stitching, tears, cuts and holes. Tears, cuts and holes in the strap are obvious signs that the strap needs replacing. However, also check stitching which looks worn as this may also compromise the safety of the strap. 


Look for buckle corrosion. Any damage or corrosion to the buckles may mean loads aren’t as secure as they should be. 


Check for mould. If ratchet straps get wet, dry them out before use as mould or mildew can develop which will then weaken the straps over time. 

How often should ratchet straps be inspected?

The more often they are checked, the safer they will be as you will identify any damage quickly. Ideally, inspect straps before and after every use. It’s important to check straps weekly as a minimum. 

Act quickly in replacing straps when any damage is identified. If you are in doubt about their safety, always replace straps as soon as possible. 

At Part-serv, we sell a range of replacement heavy duty ratchet straps and load restraint parts. Various styles and maximum working load limits are available. Browse the range.