Best Ratchet Straps of 2026, Tested and Reviewed 

Anyone who owns a truck or trailer has needed to secure something in it. I remember back in the day using ropes and cam lock straps in my dad’s trucks, and I remember when ratchet straps came out and how cool I thought they were. Well, tie down designs have had some improvements and updates over the years. So to find out which ones are the best and easiest to use, I put the top models to the test, ranging from light duty all the way up to 10,000 lb-rated straps. 

The Best Ratchet Straps

How to Choose a Ratchet Strap

It’s difficult to pick a single best ratchet strap because there are so many different uses for them, and while many have similar designs and ratchet systems, the size and strength and attachment style make them all pretty different. So it all comes down to what you’re securing and how. For example, I don’t want a strap with a 5,000lb rating that is 27’ long to secure my chainsaw to the rack on my ATV. Not only is it overkill, but it’s harder to use in that case. Something much shorter and with thinner webbing will be great for that and I can keep it stowed in the little cargo box built into the Quad. But, that same 5,000lb rated, 27’ long strap will be just what I need when I’m securing a bunch of 10-15’ logs on a trailer. 

For the safety of whatever you’re tying down, your own safety, and the safety of others on the road, choose a tie down that will have more than enough strength, and make sure you understand how to rig it. Also make sure your ratchet straps aren’t damaged or worn down.

The Best Ratchet Straps, Reviews & Recommendations

Most Versatile: Nite Ize CamJam HookLock 

The Nite Ize CamJam HookLock Ratchet Strap System is a little steep on price, and takes a bit to get used to. They work like a regular ratchet strap in regards to the ratcheting action, but there is a lot more to them than that, and getting a handle on the system takes a bit of practice. I’m a visual and hands on learner, so the QR codes they have printed that link to instructional videos was necessary to understanding all they can do. I really liked these straps once I got the hang of them, and the versatility you get from having multiple attachment options and fully enclosed hooks is really nice. The hooks are spring loaded and split so you can get them on a bar or D-ring or ATV rack, and once they close, they don’t fall off, which is so nice when you are working alone. The Inline setup is similar to a traditional ratchet strap while the loop setup is great for keeping things bundled without using any hooks. After you get the ratchet unit figured out, being able to move the ratchet anywhere is a game changer, and when configured correctly, the 1000lb WLL is good for most applications. Overall, Nite Ize put a lot of thought into this system (and it is a system) to make it very versatile and capable of tackling just about any job you can think of. 

Easiest to Use: Tork Strap HD

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Pros

• Spring helps strap keep tension even when the load shifts
• 175 lbs of tension available in the spring
• Fast and easy cam lock
• Hooks have spring gate to keep them on during setup

Cons

• Peak tension lower than a ratchet strap can achieve

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Key Features

• 
  750lb WLL, 2,250lb break strength

• 
  Two Straps Per Pack

• 
  Cam and Spring Tensioning

• 
  1.5” Wide Nylon Webbing

• 
  Price: $50

The Tork Strap HD tie downs are great for securing stuff that tends to move around during transport. Just about anyone who has moved has had things start tight, and end up loose halfway through the ride. Tork Straps have a built in spring with a nylon cover that stretches when you tension the strap. This allows for a little movement without losing tension, which gives you a better chance of keeping things where you want them for the whole trip. These use a cam lock which is fast, and tension is set just by pulling on the tag end of the strap and stretching the spring. However, this means you can’t get them quite as tight as a ratchet strap because you lose the mechanical advantage. The Tork Strap HD falls somewhere between a ratchet strap and a heavy-duty bungee cord. You end up taking the advantages of each and getting a fast and simple tie down that is strong enough for most jobs, and will stay under tension when your load shifts around a bit. Also, the cam end of the strap has a hook and a loop strap which is great for grabbing handlebars or frames that hooks will damage or not fit. The Tork Strap HD’s are fast and simple and keep tension when others won’t, and are a great general purpose tie down. 

Best Budget Tie Down Straps: Jaco Ratchet Straps

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Pros

• Soft shackles great for holding handlebars/frames without damaging them
• Four 15’ straps can get a lot done
• Extra length on ratchet handle for more leverage and tension
• Carry Bag and velcro straps included

Cons

• Lower working load limit than others
• Basic ratchet design with clunky releases

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Key Features

• 
  607 lb WLL, 1,823lb min. breaking strength

• 
  Four Straps Per pack with soft shackles included

• 
  Ratchet tensioning

• 
  1” Wide Nylon Webbing

• 
  Price: $29

The Jaco Ratchet Straps have a basic design. One of the things I liked most about them is the four soft shackles the set comes with. These are great for wrapping on handlebars and frame parts that hooks don’t fit on, or may otherwise damage. I have had so many motorcycles in the back of my trucks over the years and used to have to buy special harnesses for the bars with loops for the straps so they wouldn’t beat up the bars, fairings, or tank. For under $30, the Jaco straps come with a shackle for each strap and Velcro straps to keep things organized. The ratchets work well, and have the typical release you have come to love and hate. At the end of the day though, Jaco is putting out a very solid strap (with a lifetime warranty) for a lot less than others. If you’re on a budget, it’s hard to beat the Jaco Tie Downs. 

Best General Purpose Ratchet Straps: Mac’s 6’ ATV Utility Pack

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Pros

• Larger hooks can fit on bigger bars
• Comes with four 18’’ soft loops
• Oversized ratchet for extra power and tension
• Nylon duffle carry bag and straps included

Cons

• The 6’ length is good for ATV and motorcycle use, but a bit short for other applications

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Key Features

• 
  933lb WLL, 2,800lb break strength

• 
  Four Straps Per Pack

• 
  Ratchet tensioning

• 
  1” Wide Polyester Webbing

• 
  Price: $89

Mac’s Tie Downs just inspire confidence. They feel heavy duty, they feel strong, and they don’t feel like they will let you down. And, honestly, that means a lot to me. When I’m tying down a new bike or I’m bringing my ATV somewhere, I need to know it’s going to be good for the trip. I don’t want to worry about the strap rubbing on a rail and breaking or a hook pulling straight, which has happened to me with cheap-o straps. The extra leverage on the larger ratchets make adding tension very easy…almost too easy! I had to be careful to not keep cranking things down too far with the Mac’s straps. As a company, Mac’s makes a ton of specialty vehicle transport straps, and have really figured out how to make these things work well, and be stronger than others. If you want a tie down that you will trust and not think twice about, the Mac’s Ratchet Straps are a great option. There are many other lengths available if your application needs it. 

Best Heavy-Duty Tie Down: US Cargo Control 2’’ Wire Hook Ratchet Strap

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Pros

• Can handle just about any job out there even in commercial applications
• Long ratchet handle allows for lots of tension
• 30’ strap can reach over very large and bulky cargo

Cons

• Expensive
• Hooks don’t have a very big mouth

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Key Features

• 
  3,333lb WLL, 10,000lb breaking strength

• 
  Single Strap (Multi packs available)

• 
  Ratchet tensioning

• 
  2” Wide Polyester Webbing

• 
  Price: $43-$62 depending on color

The US Cargo Control Ratchet Strap is big and beefy and is meant for hard work. Most guys with a pickup or small trailer won’t need a strap this strong, but there are some people who would love a strap like this. The hooks are designed to work on larger trailers that have lips on the outside. Even in my pickup I like a ratchet strap this long because I can start in a corner, go over the top to the middle of the other side, and back over again to the rear to make a “V” shape for more points of contact. The long ratchet handle allows for a lot of force to be put in and make a lot of tension. While they are not for lifting or towing, I was able to lift the front of my ATV off the ground while running this over a rafter (just to see if it would do it). The US Cargo Control is a great ratchet strap for those who are doing bigger jobs or professionally hauling, and can even strap down an old shed to a RV frame so you can tow it up a hill into a field to make it a hunting camp… or so I hear. 

Best Medium Duty Tie Down: ULINE H-9712 Ratchet Tie Down

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Pros

• Beefy ratchet for the weight rating
• 27’ of length for large items
• Smooth ratchet
• Hooks made for load rings on large trailers, but will fit on pickup loops and smaller rings

Cons

• Easy to visually confuse these with the heavy-duty straps if you aren’t paying attention

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Key Features

• 
  1,666lb WLL, 5,000lb breaking strength

• 
  One strap per pack

• 
  Ratchet tensioning

• 
  2” Wide Polyester Webbing

• 
  Price: $25

The ULINE H-9712 is really marketed to commercial shipping operations, and is built to those standards. So for a regular joe or a tradesman or farmer who needs a beefy strap for some heavy use, the ULINE is the right choice. This would be a great option for transporting SXS’s and UTV’s and, in my case, log loads for firewood on an 18ft trailer. The ULINE has a standard ratchet that provides lots of tension that can easily suck up preload in suspension or keep heavy objects firmly anchored. Realistically, this ratchet strap is a bit overkill for most non-commercial applications, but if you need that extra strength on the job, or you just want some extra insurance over a standard duty strap, the medium duty ULINE H-9712 is a great option that is built to last. 

FAQ

Q: What does WLL mean?

WLL is an abbreviation for Working Load Limit. A strap’s WLL is how much the strap can safely hold under normal conditions. It is usually derived from dividing the breaking strength by three. This gives the strap a large safety margin because under braking and sharp turns, the load can significantly increase on a strap. 

Q: Can I lift and tow things with a tie down strap?

Generally speaking, no. Nearly all tie down straps with a ratchet will be labeled, stating they are not meant for lifting or towing. Towing with one of these can be extremely dangerous because towing generally has very high momentary loads which will exceed breaking weight quickly. If the strap breaks, the ratchet and/or hooks can become deadly. Any towing with a tie down strap is a serious gamble. However, some of the heavy-duty straps are capable of lifting ATV’s and motorcycles and it will be within their WLL, but the ratchets are not designed to lower, so releasing them can be dangerous. 

Q: How long do tie downs last?

That greatly depends on their environment and how they are used. UV rays will deteriorate anything made from nylon or polyester and your tie downs constantly being outside in the sun and elements will reduce their lifespan and slowly weaken them. Also, using one at or near its weight limit and using them on abrasive surfaces and sharp edges will reduce their lifespan. Always inspect the stitching and hardware, and check for fraying and cuts in the webbing, especially for critical jobs. 

Final Thoughts

Tie downs and ratchet straps are great tools, and make securing loads much simpler than just using rope. They hold much more securely than bungee cords. The trucking and shipping industries rely heavily on them, and they are a great tool to help outdoorsmen transport their gear. I keep a variety of them in my truck to make sure I am ready for whatever needs to be done. And don’t forget: After you tighten your straps, give ‘em a pluck and say “that ain’t going anywhere.” This boosts peace of mind by 50 percent, and I’m pretty sure it’s the law.