You can use this type of strap for securing items like tarps or other large pieces of equipment. But how do you release one? The answer is not as simple as you might think! Read on for instructions on how to slowly release a ratchet strap so that your objects are safe and secure when transporting them.

A ratchet strap is a cargo net with a handle on the end to tighten and loosen the rope. When tightening, it pulls the lines taut, creating tension in all directions.

How to Slowly Release a Ratchet Strap

There are few reasons why you would need to slowly release a ratchet strap. For example, you may have just attached the straps tightly around your load and are ready to drive away when one of your straps breaks or comes loose.

If that happens on the highway, it could be dangerous for both you and others sharing the road with you because part of an unsecured cargo load can fall onto the road. You may also need to release your ratchet straps slowly if you don’t have enough time to completely tighten them before moving on with your day.

Whatever reason you are facing, it is important that you know how to safely slow down a ratcheting mechanism without breaking or damaging anything around you. Here’s how:

Step 1

The first thing you need to do is let go of the ratchet handle. This will cause it to stop moving in either direction without releasing any tension from the strap itself.

Step 12

After letting go of your ratchet’s handle, you can then slowly move that hand down towards where the hook attaches to the strap while keeping a grip on that particular section with your other hand. You should now be holding both ends of this side at once and there won’t be any movement coming from them for right now.

Step 3

Then take one end and release it back into its locked position by re-pushing down on its plunger bar if necessary (or just pull up gently so as not to break it). Then let go of the handle again.

Step 4

Follow this by moving down to that side’s other end and do exactly what you just did with its opposite, releasing tension into the strap after re-pushing or pulling up on its plunger bar (or whichever method your ratcheting mechanism needs for release).

Step 5

Now both sides are free from any pressure, so they can move freely without breaking anything. You should also be able to pull them apart at will because no locking action is happening in either direction along their lengths.

You should now be able to slowly release a ratchet strap without causing damage or losing any of your cargo. It may take some practice and patience, but eventually, you will get it down the first time around! If you are also having a problem with your untangle ratchet straps, check out our other blog post here.