Properly threading your tie-down straps through ratchet and cam buckles is fundamental to safe and secure load transportation. Doing it incorrectly can lead to strap slippage, damaged cargo, or even dangerous accidents on the road. This guide will walk you through the correct methods for both types of buckles, ensuring your loads stay put.

Threading a Ratchet Buckle

Ratchet buckles provide powerful mechanical advantage for securing heavy loads. Follow these steps:

1. Identify Components: Locate the Ratchet Arm (the moving handle part), the Spool or Spindle (central cylinder the webbing wraps around), and the Release Lever.

2. Initial Feed: Take the FREE END of the strap. Feed it UPWARDS through the gap UNDERNEATH the Ratchet Arm (the space between the arm and the base frame). Pull several inches through.

3. Wrap the Spool: Bring the free end OVER the top of the Spool and then DOWN behind it (towards the base frame).

4. Final Feed & Pull Tight: Feed the free end UP through the gap BETWEEN the Spool and the Ratchet Arm itself (this is often a narrow slot). Pull the free end firmly to take up initial slack in the strap loop around your load. The strap should now form a secure "S" path through the ratchet mechanism.

5. Tensioning: Begin operating the ratchet handle. It will engage the spool, pulling more webbing through and tightening the strap around your load with each pump of the handle. Continue until desired tension is achieved.

6. Locking: Ensure the ratchet arm fully engages in the locked-down position. Engage any safety latches if present.

Traditional shackles, or D-rings as some people like to call them, are U-shaped metal loops with a quick-release pin that are mostly used as connecting links in rigging systems like cranes, boats, and off-road recoveries. 

In off-road recoveries, they are typically used as a way to connect a snatch strap to a recovery point on a vehicle’s steel off-road bumper. Some people also use them as a connecting piece to pair two different snatch straps that will provide more reach. However, that is a perfect example of a dangerous usage of a normal shackle because if a strap breaks, the shackle can damage cars or lead to injuries. 

In the past, traditional shackles have been what most booms can be made out of but now a new player is on the course - Soft Shackles. Developed from ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibres such as Dyneema or Spectra, they offer a whole number of benefits to consumers. Shackles come to the rescue when a vehicle is stuck on rugged terrain or deep mud. 

A soft shackle has the same function as a traditional shackle, but instead of steel, it is made from synthetic rope, which is light, strong, and won’t do harm if it breaks. Due to the design of soft shackles, they also offer much more space within the loop and are far easier to handle with wet and cold hands.

4-Point Harness:

A 4-point harness is the most basic type of racing harness. It features two shoulder straps and two lap belts that buckle together at the center of the driver's waist. The straps of a 4-point harness do not cross the driver's chest, so there is no anti-submarine belt to prevent the driver from sliding forward in the event of a crash.4-point harnesses are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. They are also a good choice for novice drivers who are just starting out in motorsport racing.

Why You Need A 4 Point Harness For Your Vehicle

Installing a 4 point harness in your vehicle is not only a wise investment in your safety but also a crucial step in complying with safety regulations. Whether you are an off-road enthusiast seeking extra protection during rough rides or a driver who wants to ensure the safety of their passengers, a 4 point harness is an essential addition to your vehicle.