The Best Securing Straps

Buying Guide

Improperly secured cargo poses a serious hazard on the roads. When you’re going 65 miles per hour or faster, even a small piece of debris can become a projectile that can damage cars, cause injury and potentially even lead to a fatal accident.

For that reason, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has enacted strict regulations regarding secured cargo. Local laws can vary, but even if you’ve tossed a few items in the back of your pickup truck, you can be pulled over for failing to secure those items properly. In addition to the danger it poses to those around you, it’s also important to tie everything down simply to avoid hefty fines.

That’s where securing straps can help. Made specifically for helping consumers transport cargo, these bindings can protect your valuables while also keeping others safe. These come in a variety of formats, with each designed to hold up against the pressures your items will encounter while being carried from one location to another in a vehicle.

There are two things to consider when you’re looking for securing straps. One is the capacity, which simply tells you how much the strap can hold. Then there’s break strength. That weight is usually much higher and it tells you the temporary load the strap can withstand without breaking. The capacity you need will depend on the items you’re carrying.

But cargo isn’t the only thing you need to secure. Straps can be handy for bundling items together, whether it’s the electronics cables at your desk or valuables you’re storing. The right straps can keep your spaces neat and tidy with minimal effort.

Ease of use is another important consideration. You’ll want securing straps with a locking mechanism that’s easy to maneuver. Whether you’re new to security straps or you’ve worked with them for a while, the easier your straps are to put in place, the less time you’ll have to spend locking everything down.

• The material of your securing straps is important, but it’s also vital to look at how the pieces are attached. You’ll need reinforced stitching and top-quality adhesives to ensure the strap doesn’t separate from the buckle or S-hook.
• If your straps will be exposed to moisture, stainless steel parts will help ensure they don’t corrode or degrade over time.
• Size can be tricky with binding straps. You might find that you don’t quite have the length you need if you rely on some you have on hand. You can find securing straps that can be connected together to make a longer strap as needed.
• The process of securing your straps can be challenging, especially if you choose one with a more complicated buckling system. Look at the clasp or hook before you buy and check to make sure it will work with your particular need. Some are easier to use than others, with an ergonomic design that keeps you comfortable while you work.
• Between uses, you’ll need a place to store your securing straps. Some come with a carrying case, but you can also purchase a bag for them or simply set aside a drawer for them in your tool cabinet.
• When not in use, it’s important not only to store your straps away from moisture but also out of direct sunlight and heat. Moisture, light and heat can all degrade the material and adhesives, weakening them so that they might not work as efficiently. Proper storage will also ensure they last longer.
• Experts recommend you use more than one securing strap, especially if you have safety concerns. Having at least two straps securing each item will give you a backup in case one doesn’t hold.