How did they come about? The history of ratchet straps

History of the Ratchet Strap

Ratchet straps are used to secure cargo during transportation. They are pivotal in revolutionising the way goods are transported enabling the process to be more effective and safe. A simple, reliable, and reasonably priced creation, the ratchet strap has been used for a long time. In fact, the history of ratchet straps can be traced back to the early 20th century. But how did they come about?

Who invented the Ratchet Strap?

Ratchet straps were first established by a French engineer, Gustave A. Audiffren. He filed for a patent on his creation in the early 1900s, and the French military soon adopted it as a means of protecting cargo while it was being transported. The early ratchet straps had to be manually tightened by turning a crank; they were composed of metal and operated by hand.

Since then, a new type of ratchet strap was introduced which would make the securing of loads more effective. This was achieved by using a mechanism to tighten the straps which was a big difference from the manual process used before.

This was especially effective during World War II, as the ratchet straps were used to secure tanks and heavy equipment during transport. This led to the introduction of new synthetic materials such as nylon and polyester, which proved efficient as it reinforced the durability and practicality of the ratchet straps.

Today’s Ratchet Strap

Ratchet straps are now commonly employed to secure cargo during transportation, ranging from large machinery to domestic products. The straps can be tailored to the user's exact requirements and are available in a range of lengths and strengths.

These include:

• Heavy Duty Ratchet Straps
• Endless Ratchet Straps
• Light Duty Ratchet Straps

They can be used in an array of different ways and for multiple purposes. From tying down your load during transit to securing mount goods to a car roof, ratchet straps have become incredibly versatile pieces of equipment. It is worth noting that these straps undergo several tests by ratchet strap manufacturers to ensure they continue to meet the high quality standards they do today.