#Reference > sources: > https://www.roundforge.com/articles/how-to-use-ratchet-strap/ > https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Ratchet-Straps ## Ratchet strap mechanism ![[ratchet 1.jpg]] *At least one* of the pawls is engaged when tightening. *Neither* pawl is engaged in loosening. A typical ratchet mechanism uses a gear and a single pawl, a ratchet strap uses: - a gear - a manual pawl  - _you move it_ - an automatic pawl - _it moves itself_ ![[ratchet 2.jpg]] When a ratchet strap is stuck, it’s usually because pawls haven’t disengaged ## Three ratchet strap positions 1. **Ratcheting** - You can tighten it. ![[ratchet 3.jpg]] 2. **Loosening** - The ratchet is spread all the way open until the auto pawl rests on the cam. To loosen, you squeeze the manual pawl and pull the strap. ![[ratchet 4.jpg]] 3. **Locked** - When it's tight, close the ratchet completely and make sure auto and manual pawls engage. This will keep it from opening. ![[ratchet 5.jpg]] ## Ratchet strap actions Either squeeze the manual pawl handle to disengage it from the gear, or move the ratchet bar back and forth ## Threading the ratchet ![[ratchet 6.jpg]] Pull up the release catch and set the ratchet with the spiked cogs upwards ![[ratchet 7.jpg]] Thread the strap up through the bottom of the ratchet (this slot = a mandrel) ### make a >< shape ![[ratchet 8.jpg]] 1. Bend the ratchet at an angle (it only angles one way) 2. Feed the strap through the axle and back out Hooks should end up on the same side ### take up the slack ![[ratchet 9.jpg]] Keep feeding the strap through the mandrel until it feels taut ![[ratchet 10.jpg]] Grab the end with hooks and pull the slack out of it ## Securing cargo ![[ratchet 11.jpg]] > [!note] > To hold multiple objects together **and** keep the, in place, use **two** ratchet straps! ### ratchet time! ![[ratchet 12.jpg]] Crank the ratchet until tight - you should still be able to fit a finger under the strap ![[ratchet 13.jpg]] Don’t squeeze the manual pawl, it needs to be able to move freely ![[ratchet 14.jpg]] Make sure the layers of strap on the axle don’t get too thick, or the strap could jam ### lock the ratchet ![[ratchet 15.jpg]] Flip the ratchet back to lock it closed. **you should hear a click when it latches** ![[ratchet 16.jpg]] In this position the auto pawl (blue) can’t back out and the manual pawl (pink) acts as a failsafe ## releasing the strap ### disengaging the lock ![[ratchet 17.jpg]] Pull and hold the release tab to release the lock ![[ratchet 18.jpg]] or squeeze the manual pawl ![[ratchet 19.jpg]] ### opening the ratchet ![[ratchet 20.jpg]] Squeeze the manual pawl as you swing the ratchet bar up as far as possible ![[ratchet 21.jpg]] The ratchet should pop a little - this is the auto pawl disengaging. The handle will be locked in the flat position ### getting the strap out ![[ratchet 22.jpg]] Flip the ratchet completely open and pull on the non-fixed side of the strap. Completely remove the strap ![[ratchet 23.jpg]] **pull the ratchet toward you to get slack** ![[ratchet 24.jpg]] Pull and hold the release tab to close the ratchet again ## if it can’t loosen ![[ratchet 25.jpg]] The blue pawl needs to be up on the green hump - squeeze the manual pawl handle and open the ratchet completely flat ![[ratchet 26.jpg]]