Ratchet Straps Vs Cam Buckle Straps: What's Better?

If you’re shopping for straps to tie down cargo, you’ll come across two popular options: ratchet straps and cam buckle straps. We offer both here at Taut Strap, and the reality is that both are equally good - they each have their own set of pros and cons that make them better suited to different types of cargo.

That’s why transport and haulage firms will have both designs in their arsenal: each type of strap is better in different situations. We’re going to take a closer look at the pros and cons of each product in this article, helping you understand the differences - and work out which one is more suitable for you.

Ratchet straps

Ratchet straps are the most versatile of the two, with weight capacities ranging from 800 to 10,000 kg! Choose the right strap, and you’ll be able to safely transport practically any type of cargo. They have a number of other advantages, too:

• It’s easy to tighten these straps to keep your load extremely secure. Used properly, ratchet straps can prevent your load from moving around on the move.
• They’re heavy-duty ratchet straps that are built to last and are extremely robust.

It’s not all positive, though. Disadvantages include…

• A lack of flexibility. It’s good that ratchet straps are strong and durable, but their thick webbing can limit their ability to secure unusually-shaped loads.
• The process of attaching and securing them takes longer.
• The hard metal ratchet handle can damage cargo if you’re not careful - as can the webbing itself. If you have a fragile or easily-scratched load, ratchet straps aren’t ideal.

Cam buckle straps

What about cam buckle straps? Well, they’re less heavy duty than ratchet straps, typically only being able to secure loads weighing up to 250 kg. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, though.

Advantages include:

• Increased flexibility. Because the webbing is thinner and less rigid, cam buckle straps are better suited to unusually-shaped items.
• They’re less likely to cause damage, as they don’t have large metal handles that could dent or scratch cargo. And because they don’t have a ratcheting mechanism, they can’t be over tensioned.
• They’re quick and easy to use - securing a load takes less time and is simpler.

The only real downside to cam buckle straps is their relative lack of strength. Although they’re designed with durability and longevity in mind, they simply can’t hold the same weight as ratchet straps. This rules them out of many transport jobs, but for lighter and more fragile loads, cam buckle straps are the ideal tool for the job.

Order your straps online today

Ready to start shopping? Explore our extensive range of ratchet and cam buckle straps and order yours online today, directly from our UK-based manufacturing and testing facility.