Date: March 31, 2025  

By: Joe , Lead Engineer with 10 Years of Rigging Design Experience, Force Rigging  

Contact: joe@forcerigging.com | +86 18067355227  

Ningbo, At Force Rigging, the factory-direct leader in industrial lacing solutions, is thrilled to announce our newest resource for logistics, construction, and manufacturing professionals, “Store Ratchet Straps Smartly: Save Space, Last Longer!”Released today, this guide shares battle-tested tips to help purchasing managers and fleet operators maximize the life of ratchet tie-downs, reduce costs, and keep operations humming. As manufacturers, we often hear customers ask, “How do I make my straps last?” Here's our experience, distilled into practical steps and backed by real-world examples and lab data.

Why storage is a game changer

Ratchet straps are the unsung heroes of load security and cargo control, but how they are stored determines their staying power. Take our client, a medium-sized fleet operator based in Shanghai, for example. Before adopting smart storage, they were replacing worn out straps every six months due to UV damage and rust. After taking our advice, their Force rigging straps now last more than two years, cutting replacement costs by 60%. So concluding that poor storage can shorten the life of a strap, smart storage turns them into a long-term asset. Our straps comply with EN 12195-2 and CE standards, but proper care is what seals the deal.

The Enemies of Strap Longevity  

There are four factors that can quietly destroy your straps:

1. direct sunlight: UV rays have a 15% annual probability of degrading polyester webbing (rated at about 2,000 kilograms breaking strength), according to TUV tests.

2. Moisture: Humid environments can corrode buckles and breed 0.5 millimeters of rust in as little as three months.

3. High temperature: According to our laboratory tests, temperatures above 70°C (158°F) reduce the tensile strength of webbing by 10%.

4. Friction: Prolonged contact with rough surfaces will wear the belts down making them thinner and reducing their life by 25% over a year.

Store them in a cool, dry place, such as a shaded toolbox or warehouse hook, so you can avoid these pitfalls. It's not just about space; it's about uptime.

How we test straps for strength  

At Force Rigging, we rely on experimental and put-to-use results to support the durability of webbing. In our Ningbo lab, we tested the belts for 1,000 hours of UV exposure and 500 simulations of 2,500 kilogram cyclic loads. Last month, we took it to the field: a construction team in Jiangsu fixed steel beams for 90 days with our 50 mm wide, 5-ton straps. Post-test inspection? Zero wear and tear, and the fasteners were intact. Combine that toughness with smart storage and you have a winner.

Your Storage Playbook  

Here’s how to store like a pro:  

1. Check first: check for wear and tear  

Before putting away the straps, take the time to carefully inspect them, focusing on the buckles for rust and the webbing for wear. Our ratchet straps are made from 2mm thick, high-strength polyester webbing with a minimum breaking strength of 2,000 kilograms, lab-tested to withstand heavy use. But even the trickiest tools benefit from vigilance. Early detection of scratches or spots of corrosion on the webbing can prevent the strap from failing mid-use, saving time, money and avoiding difficulties.

2. Roll It Right: Coil with Care

When packing, it is important to learn the technique of rolling. Starting at the hook end, roll the webbing end-to-end into a tight, even coil about 15 cm in diameter. This keeps the webbing flat and evenly tensioned, maintaining its integrity. Rolling to the right isn't just about neatness; it ensures your straps are secure and ready for the next load. Don't twist the webbing, this is a rookie mistake as it creates pressure points over time and accelerated wear can be as high as 20%.

3. Lock It Down: Secure the Bundle

A perfectly coiled band is only half the battle, - keeping it that way is key. Use rubber bands, zipper ties, or reusable clips to hold the coil securely in place. This will help you not fumble around in a pile of mess or spend a lot of time disassembling it in an emergency, and according to a field trial we conducted with a construction team in Jiangsu, securing the coil reduced the preparation time by 30%, proving that this small step can lead to great results.

4. Stash Smart: Choose the Right Storage Spot

Where you store your straps is just as critical as how you prep them. For compact, dust-free storage, tuck rolled straps into a durable, dust-proof bag—our recommended 30x40cm size holds up to five 50mm-wide straps snugly. Short on space? Hang them on 10cm wall pegs in a warehouse or garage, keeping them visible and accessible without cluttering your floor. The goal is protection: shield them from UV rays, moisture, and friction.

The Force Rigging Edge  

With 15 years in the game and ISO 9001 certification, we craft straps that endure—think 50mm-wide, 7,500 kg ultimate strength designs. Combine that with these storage hacks, and you’re looking at less downtime and fewer orders. We’re proud WSTDA members, committed to industry-best solutions.