Testing Ratchet Straps

He does a really good job on this aspect of testing. As many of the responses that follow, there's significant interest in OTHER tests which are equally important, and frankly, if he DID, I think an accordant video would be something that (if I were doing safety training), I'd actually offer him a check for gentleman's license for a training class.

I'd make a suggestion of slight change for his test rig-

Replace the 'toggle' setup at top, with a roller, so that it doesn't lean and bind...

Put at least one more turn on the ratchet, to get away from any point-bind (the slip through shaft is not a constant, so it MAY cause a skew in data)

Put the instrument on a shelf hanging UNDER the table, get the S-type load-cell on a mechanical link UNDER the table, and put a hydraulic damper on the mechanical link. First, because the unrestrained strap hardware could damage it, and the load-cell cable, and second, the S-type load-cell is undergoing significant shock, enough to change it's zero-offset linearity after each shock cycle. It may be indicating RTZ, but the shock induces fatigue that makes it errant without applying a calibrated load.

Change to an instrument that does integral peak load recording. Yeah, he's doing this on a budget, and it's a cheap imported instrument and cell... borrowing a good used instrument isn't difficult if you call any neighborhood scale guy.

Last... setting up each test, zip-tie the strap hook to the table eyelet... so that it doesn't launch.

and for other tests:

A well-UV exposed strap... and some worn, nicked, driven-over straps... Hydraulic or motor oil, grease, anti-seize, paint... Not having time to actually FORCE a UV exposure, just grab a few OLD straps and visually LOOK for problems, mark 'em with a sharpie, and give'm hell to see if/any of the flaws are incipient failure points. (actually, because this will eat up lots of straps unnecessarily, a second fixture that clamps a sample securely would work great, a hydraulic ram pulling on a about a foot sample of the previous test straps' unloaded 'tails' would be perfect... and use a hydraulic pressure sensor, rather than the S-type)

Adding one twist to stop vibration, in the long run, extends the life and safety, because that vibration is a stress in-and-of-itself. What doesn't arise from simple abrasion at the wrap-over point (With, or without Strap Protectors), will be from internal abrasion- friction from the fibers working back and forth at several thousand times a second.

I hope he decides to take it forward, as it's an excellent subject, and he does his videos well. I love the builds on some of his tools, I wish MY shop had a perfect spot for an orphaned waterjet! LOL

Edited by DaveKamp - 22 May 2022 at 9:48am

Ten Amendments, Ten Commandments, and one Golden Rule solve most every problem. Citrus hand-cleaner with Pumice does the rest.

We had an old section of fire hose... Rubber on the inside and cloth covered outside.. Cut that into 18 inch long pieces and slide the strap thru them... Put the "hose" on sharp edges to stop the wear.... I agree with WF.. never had a failure except due to rub wear on sharp edges..

The guy did a great job showing that a couple twists do nothing to hurt the load... and yes, they will stop vibration from the wind "whipping"..

Knots and sharp edges are all you have to worry about.

Like them all, but love the "B"s.

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Gary Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Orange Level Access Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Location: Peterborough,On Points: 5892	Post Options Post Reply Quote Gary Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Testing Ratchet Straps Posted: 22 May 2022 at 7:39am
	Came across this interesting Video on 'Testing Ratchet Straps' One interesting result at the end. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifyJjQXOttE

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DaveKamp Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Orange Level Access Joined: 12 Apr 2010 Location: LeClaire, Ia Points: 6036	Post Options Post Reply Quote DaveKamp Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 22 May 2022 at 9:45am
	He does a really good job on this aspect of testing. As many of the responses that follow, there's significant interest in OTHER tests which are equally important, and frankly, if he DID, I think an accordant video would be something that (if I were doing safety training), I'd actually offer him a check for gentleman's license for a training class. I'd make a suggestion of slight change for his test rig- Replace the 'toggle' setup at top, with a roller, so that it doesn't lean and bind... Put at least one more turn on the ratchet, to get away from any point-bind (the slip through shaft is not a constant, so it MAY cause a skew in data) Put the instrument on a shelf hanging UNDER the table, get the S-type load-cell on a mechanical link UNDER the table, and put a hydraulic damper on the mechanical link. First, because the unrestrained strap hardware could damage it, and the load-cell cable, and second, the S-type load-cell is undergoing significant shock, enough to change it's zero-offset linearity after each shock cycle. It may be indicating RTZ, but the shock induces fatigue that makes it errant without applying a calibrated load. Change to an instrument that does integral peak load recording. Yeah, he's doing this on a budget, and it's a cheap imported instrument and cell... borrowing a good used instrument isn't difficult if you call any neighborhood scale guy. Last... setting up each test, zip-tie the strap hook to the table eyelet... so that it doesn't launch. and for other tests: A well-UV exposed strap... and some worn, nicked, driven-over straps... Hydraulic or motor oil, grease, anti-seize, paint... Not having time to actually FORCE a UV exposure, just grab a few OLD straps and visually LOOK for problems, mark 'em with a sharpie, and give'm hell to see if/any of the flaws are incipient failure points. (actually, because this will eat up lots of straps unnecessarily, a second fixture that clamps a sample securely would work great, a hydraulic ram pulling on a about a foot sample of the previous test straps' unloaded 'tails' would be perfect... and use a hydraulic pressure sensor, rather than the S-type) Adding one twist to stop vibration, in the long run, extends the life and safety, because that vibration is a stress in-and-of-itself. What doesn't arise from simple abrasion at the wrap-over point (With, or without Strap Protectors), will be from internal abrasion- friction from the fibers working back and forth at several thousand times a second. I hope he decides to take it forward, as it's an excellent subject, and he does his videos well. I love the builds on some of his tools, I wish MY shop had a perfect spot for an orphaned waterjet! Edited by DaveKamp - 22 May 2022 at 9:48am
	Ten Amendments, Ten Commandments, and one Golden Rule solve most every problem. Citrus hand-cleaner with Pumice does the rest.

WF owner Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Orange Level Joined: 12 May 2013 Location: Bombay NY Points: 4929	Post Options Post Reply Quote WF owner Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: 22 May 2022 at 10:59am
	My experience is that most straps get damaged rubbing on a foreign surface, usually near the hook point. I have never had a strap fail unless it had rubbed on something. I am now buying the straps with a section of chain at the hooks. I find them much better when trying to attach to stake pockets or rub rails. Sometimes, especially for tractors, chain is still the best.

steve(ill) Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Orange Level Access Joined: 11 Sep 2009 Location: illinois Points: 86330	Post Options Post Reply Quote steve(ill) Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: 22 May 2022 at 12:50pm
	We had an old section of fire hose... Rubber on the inside and cloth covered outside.. Cut that into 18 inch long pieces and slide the strap thru them... Put the "hose" on sharp edges to stop the wear.... I agree with WF.. never had a failure except due to rub wear on sharp edges.. The guy did a great job showing that a couple twists do nothing to hurt the load... and yes, they will stop vibration from the wind "whipping".. Knots and sharp edges are all you have to worry about.
	Like them all, but love the "B"s.