On your running end, approx 20" from the hook, there is a loop already stitched in the strap. You are supposed to go around the pipe and then hook into that loop so it doesn't keep falling off. In your instance, you could go around the center pipe and then hook onto the one next to it so the hook cannot fall down. For all of us that have straps without that loop, this is a great tip to make life easier. Especially if you are strapping down an ATV etc. Any movement of it could allow the hook to come loose. That is why you can now spend a little more $$ and buy straps with the safety catch on them so they cannot come off. Spending a few extra $$ is better than watching your ATV pass you in the ditch going end-over-end.... lol.
It's that darn one percent rule. You have to be one percent smarter than what you are trying to use. Not a lot, just one percent. Apparently some people are uncoordinated or challenged in one way or another. Maybe they forget that they have two hands available for use.
I have a couple of ratchet straps that I cut the 2 hooks off and put on large locking carabiners in their place. Never even thought of the loop method. The loops are certainly easier than mine
Also might compromise the load rating. S hook is made to take stress inline with strap and hook. This changes the load to perpendicular sideways on the hook and gives some leverage. With a cooler worse case it bends the hook. With a heavy load it could exponentially reduce the break rating.
Now your a man who has done this before ! It’s ok for what he’s doing but it will not work for heavy duty work not to mention the strength of the tie down is only on a straight pull you reduce the load capacity with every wrap . But for a case or two of beer he should be good to go …..
Probably not as strong or as durable as directly hooking the strap but if your sick of loosing the first hook before you get to the other side of your load it’s a good hack. Most of the time my strap tying is overkill anyway. Should work fine on my smooth boat trailer eyes.
I use the exact same straps you use there’s a loop sewn into that strap right next to the hook. All you gotta do is make a loop around and put that hook in that loop and solve the same problem. It works on both sides.
Man. U know how frustrating it was to ratchet down cargo boxes to the roof rack by myself. Damn hooks. Thank u!!! Next camping trip using this idea💡 Don’t know how the heck i didn’t think of it.
It's been 2 weeks since you posted that. Has your life changed? I'm interested primarily in positive improvements. I'll eagerly await your reply (before I finish the video). Thanks
Thought I knew all the helpful tips with ratchet straps, have used them for years and years personally and commercial. First time seeing this thank you. Thought this was going to be a vid about how to secure the excess strap leftover which Ive known for years and also helpful. Great video, thank you.
Ben! man your technique didn chang my life but it sure got me out of the tie down nightmare i have been FOR YEARS! i tried rubberbands, little bungy cords, tape...NOTHIN WORKED! But your technique worked grrrreat! thank you for sharing. Wish i found this method a long time ago.
Brilliant my man! Just what I was looking for. I had an S hook come loose while transporting a dirt bike on a a hitch rack. Luckily I had a back up strap or I would have lost the bike. This technique will pretty much assure that will never happen. Thank you so much!
I don't want to be sarcastic like other commenters here, but I never have needed to make a loop like that to secure a ratchet tie down, but if the need arises in the future, I can certainly use this method. Thanks for the tip. I'm sure others out there found this helpful.
I’m not an engineer but it should be the same load limit this way verses conventional way . Load limit is based on the weakest link. Load limit I think, should not be effected if there was no hook and you used a knot that could handle the load.
This method basically creates a choker type of rigging, while helpful it also reduces the load limit of straps. For simple hold down like a cooler it is fine, but for something like that I’d just get the ratchet straps that have the latch on them and call it a day.
Drop the hook down and around your anchor point. Loop the strap through the hole of the hook. Put the hook through the loop and snug it tight. Been doing this for 40 years. Will not come off until removed, yet comes apart easily.
Ever since I watched this video. I got hired at my dream job. I won the lottery and Adele became my wife. This really changed my life. Thanks for making this video. I owe it all to you.
If you don't yet have a tie down or ratchet strap, they sell them with clips that work like carabiners. That prevents them from falling off. Otherwise, good Plan B.
Always found it easier to just twist the strap one full turn then hook it on. Keep the line somewhat taught and it doesnt fall off while you get hooked on the other end.
I doubt it....The original configuration has all the tension on the metal hook it is sewn too. The configuration I am using has the webbing wrapped around the same hook creating tension. As long as the bar it is wrapped around has no sharp edges I cant see the difference or down side...thanks
@@bensbackwoods any rubbing over time will wear through the strap once it has a small tear it can snap that much easier why they make rubber pads and even cloth pads to go on your strap or under when the strap rubs so it sliding back and forth as you turn left and right will make it wear through but ya the 100lbs cooler should not push on it to much
I'll bet all of these negative commentors will end up using this technique at some point. It isn't life changing by any means, unless maybe if you use straps daily, but I can see myself using it at times.
Presenting the king of over thinking. Pretty sure it would be faster every time to just use the hook as designed and hold a little tension in the strap with your free hand. Idk, its just the way i do it. Alternatively they sell these with carabiners instead of hooks which is the easiest to use
Yes, that works but is a good way to wear out the strap from bouncing down the highway. If you have a problem with hooks falling off they make ratchet straps with latches that close the hook.
Even easier again, the most simple quickest way is hook the hook into the loop that is sewn into the strap itself already, that’s what it’s there for. Thanks for sharing though 👍🇦🇺
But now the tension of the load contact point is strap against the metal bar of the cargo basket, instead of the metal hook and under heavy loads that strap will tear from the sharp edge of the metal
The loop created goes around the hook...so direct tension is on the same hook, I agree do not do this on anything with sharp edges...the cargo basket does not have sharp edges. thanks!
The material vibrating will eventually wear through the strap. You will not wear through the hook. You can always just throw the heavy ends with the ratchet on it, over whatever you're trying to strap down and it will hold the pressure on the hook so it doesn't come off or you just walk with it.
I have cheapie Walmart specials that don't have the daisy chain loops stitched into them. I've been using this method for years in my truck because of shifting with items that aren't rigid. That way the hooks don't come undone. In my case it's usually kayaks and rafts.
Just get a short piece of bicycle inner tube and make a hole on each end. Put the hook through one hole and slide it onto the shank. Attach your hook and stretch the other end of the tube over the end of the hook to capture what you're attaching to.
*****DON'T PULL IT TIGHT***** You want at least 1 full wrap of the bar to prevent slipping from vibration. Don't rat nest it with 5 wraps, but 1 to 2 wraps is best. One twist in your strap prevents wind vibration, but too many twists will reduce the load capacity. Life is full of sweet spots and runs much smoother when you operate within them. Other than that, it's a neat idea. I'd be interested to see if the bind around the hook increases the chance of a strap failure.
That's what the little fold that's stitched down in the strap about a foot up from the hooks. Just run the strap around your anchor point and put the hook through the loop formed by the stitched down fold in the strap.
Every time you need a beer are you suppose to release the ratchet straps, lol. I use the slots in the cooler under the lid, that’s what they are made for and you can stink use the cooler, some coolers are made to lock if your afraid of someone steeling your beer.
You’re sideloading that hook, that is not how it was designed to be used. Consider using the little loop that was already built into that strap that you had on the wall. That’s what is there for
You need to wind several rounds of strap whenever cinching down a ratchet strap. You pulled too much slack out before ratcheting. This would prevent the ratchet tie down from slipping during traveling.
This is stupid unless you are riding a trail and throwing them back. Your hooks are not even attached to anything. Good way to wear your strap out and have your stuff fall off going down the road. There is a reason you have metal hooks. 🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️
That cooler also has slots in it for the strap so it can stay tied down and you can open the cooler without undoing your strap..... Open the lid and there will be slots on either side for the strap. Now I've changed your life
Hey Ben little news flash for you There is a small loop built into the strap to secure the hook into does pretty much what your trying to do minus the Tom foolery
You have latches on the cooler. Could have literally ran the strap through the handles and placed the hooks towards the front and had access to the contents of the cooler without ever even needing to touch the strap at all.
Or you could have used the loop already built into your strap line.
The 3 sets I have of light duty straps do not have loops...I still feel like this stays put better...thanks!
@bensbackwoods there's a loop in the strap you're using lol
@@dylanbrown5066make a video on it and show me the link of what you're talking about
I was thinking the same thing
@@drewnicest4319The loop he refers to slides through your hands at exactly 20 seconds in the video. It's about 2 feet from the hook.
My life was changed! I’ll never get the time I spent watching this back.
This dramatically reduces the working load of the strap, but is probably safe for light loads like a cooler.
an empty cooler. the beer has gone!
This is great for people who love making things more complicated than it needs to be
Right! Just keep some tension on the strap.
Or use the loop that's made into the hook 😂
LMAO 🤣😂
My closest friend is exactly this person. I’ve learned to just leave him and do whatever I was doing.
@@Badger1776😂😂
On your running end, approx 20" from the hook, there is a loop already stitched in the strap. You are supposed to go around the pipe and then hook into that loop so it doesn't keep falling off. In your instance, you could go around the center pipe and then hook onto the one next to it so the hook cannot fall down. For all of us that have straps without that loop, this is a great tip to make life easier. Especially if you are strapping down an ATV etc. Any movement of it could allow the hook to come loose. That is why you can now spend a little more $$ and buy straps with the safety catch on them so they cannot come off. Spending a few extra $$ is better than watching your ATV pass you in the ditch going end-over-end.... lol.
I was going to inform him of that fact too.
Or just take the tag end around the pipe and through the loop in the hook 😂
Man, NOTHING is worse than watching your ATV pass you in the ditch going end over end!!! 💯💯💯 Man, that’s gotta FOOKING suck!!!
I don’t know about Y’all, but I don’t have any problem securing a ratchet strap without making any loops.
It's that darn one percent rule. You have to be one percent smarter than what you are trying to use. Not a lot, just one percent. Apparently some people are uncoordinated or challenged in one way or another. Maybe they forget that they have two hands available for use.
Rookies
Or keep a little pressure on the line … 1%
You must be the luckiest man alive!
Thanks 😂
Someone drank all your beer while you were messing with the ratchet straps.
😂😂😂
🤣🤣
🤣🤣🤣
I have a couple of ratchet straps that I cut the 2 hooks off and put on large locking carabiners in their place. Never even thought of the loop method. The loops are certainly easier than mine
Only comment I would make is be careful for heavier loads as the constant road vibrations will cut through the strap quickly where metal and strap rub
Exactly...keeping the strap away from sharp edges is critical.
100% correct
Also might compromise the load rating. S hook is made to take stress inline with strap and hook. This changes the load to perpendicular sideways on the hook and gives some leverage. With a cooler worse case it bends the hook. With a heavy load it could exponentially reduce the break rating.
Now your a man who has done this before ! It’s ok for what he’s doing but it will not work for heavy duty work not to mention the strength of the tie down is only on a straight pull you reduce the load capacity with every wrap . But for a case or two of beer he should be good to go …..
Probably not as strong or as durable as directly hooking the strap but if your sick of loosing the first hook before you get to the other side of your load it’s a good hack. Most of the time my strap tying is overkill anyway. Should work fine on my smooth boat trailer eyes.
I use the exact same straps you use there’s a loop sewn into that strap right next to the hook. All you gotta do is make a loop around and put that hook in that loop and solve the same problem. It works on both sides.
Man. U know how frustrating it was to ratchet down cargo boxes to the roof rack by myself. Damn hooks. Thank u!!! Next camping trip using this idea💡 Don’t know how the heck i didn’t think of it.
Unfortunately, this will definitely not change my life
It's been 2 weeks since you posted that. Has your life changed? I'm interested primarily in positive improvements. I'll eagerly await your reply (before I finish the video). Thanks
Changed my life
Why not use the ratchet strap under the cooler to tie it down with the handles?
That way you don't have to loosen any straps to get inside the cooler.
Bungie attached to the handles across the top to keep the lid down. Easy access.
He can't even figure out how to use a ratchet strap. Baby steps.
There is so much useful stuff on YT, and then there is this.
That’s genius! This will probably change my life more ha ha
Thought I knew all the helpful tips with ratchet straps, have used them for years and years personally and commercial. First time seeing this thank you. Thought this was going to be a vid about how to secure the excess strap leftover which Ive known for years and also helpful. Great video, thank you.
The staps have it in it haha could see the one on his strap
Ben! man your technique didn chang my life but it sure got me out of the tie down nightmare i have been FOR YEARS! i tried rubberbands, little bungy cords, tape...NOTHIN WORKED! But your technique worked grrrreat! thank you for sharing. Wish i found this method a long time ago.
Omg lmao! Spot on!
Brilliant my man! Just what I was looking for. I had an S hook come loose while transporting a dirt bike on a a hitch rack. Luckily I had a back up strap or I would have lost the bike. This technique will pretty much assure that will never happen. Thank you so much!
Take your strap off the ratchet. Pass the tag end through the loop made into the hook
I don't want to be sarcastic like other commenters here, but I never have needed to make a loop like that to secure a ratchet tie down, but if the need arises in the future, I can certainly use this method. Thanks for the tip. I'm sure others out there found this helpful.
Thanks! Its really handy on roof racks and cargo racks.
I'd never use that method for tying down anything heavy but it looks like a great idea for securing light loads.
I agree because all the tension is on the strap and not the hook!
I’m not an engineer but it should be the same load limit this way verses conventional way . Load limit is based on the weakest link. Load limit I think, should not be effected if there was no hook and you used a knot that could handle the load.
This method basically creates a choker type of rigging, while helpful it also reduces the load limit of straps. For simple hold down like a cooler it is fine, but for something like that I’d just get the ratchet straps that have the latch on them and call it a day.
I've been doing this with cabinets on flat beds for years. It holds.
@@brandonrivera3224never said it wouldn’t hold. I said it creates a choker.
Drop the hook down and around your anchor point. Loop the strap through the hole of the hook. Put the hook through the loop and snug it tight.
Been doing this for 40 years. Will not come off until removed, yet comes apart easily.
This is very similar to what im doing...thanks! 🤙🍻
Ever since I watched this video. I got hired at my dream job. I won the lottery and Adele became my wife. This really changed my life. Thanks for making this video. I owe it all to you.
@aaarod75 sorry dude, his crate was empty. It was just a dream.
If you don't yet have a tie down or ratchet strap, they sell them with clips that work like carabiners. That prevents them from falling off. Otherwise, good Plan B.
Excellent and Nifty little tip. I use these straps several times daily. Thanks for sharing.
using strap directly on sharp edges will cause it to fray and shorten it's longevity.
Absolutely! Stay away from anything sharp with these straps
A rag will protect it.
Always found it easier to just twist the strap one full turn then hook it on. Keep the line somewhat taught and it doesnt fall off while you get hooked on the other end.
My life will never be the same again
I like it! Adds some flexibility to using the straps.
Well you have officially broken the matrix. Great tip I will definitely use this.
Thanks for the video
I can think of a few places in my life this will be very helpful. Thank you for making this video and keeping it up.
And you effectively reduced the working load limit of the strap by half. Don't use that trick on anything heavier than your beer cooler.
I doubt it....The original configuration has all the tension on the metal hook it is sewn too. The configuration I am using has the webbing wrapped around the same hook creating tension. As long as the bar it is wrapped around has no sharp edges I cant see the difference or down side...thanks
your strap will rub over time and get cut that is why they gave you metal ends to hook onto it is very easy to keep tension on the strap to secure it
I should have mentioned I don't use this on any sharp metal edges...as those will cut the strap. Thanks!
@@bensbackwoods any rubbing over time will wear through the strap once it has a small tear it can snap that much easier why they make rubber pads and even cloth pads to go on your strap or under when the strap rubs so it sliding back and forth as you turn left and right will make it wear through but ya the 100lbs cooler should not push on it to much
Why does everything have to be a life changing hack? 😆 How about calling it thinking?
I'll bet all of these negative commentors will end up using this technique at some point. It isn't life changing by any means, unless maybe if you use straps daily, but I can see myself using it at times.
Presenting the king of over thinking. Pretty sure it would be faster every time to just use the hook as designed and hold a little tension in the strap with your free hand. Idk, its just the way i do it. Alternatively they sell these with carabiners instead of hooks which is the easiest to use
It changed my life!!!!!…But, no beer in the cooler 😢
Yes, that works but is a good way to wear out the strap from bouncing down the highway.
If you have a problem with hooks falling off they make ratchet straps with latches that close the hook.
Thank you for posting this helpful video
Im curious to try this at work now. Thanks for the idea.
this is a GREAT idea!! Thanks for the video
I buy straps with clips on the hooks. I also use cam buckle straps because I dont need ratchet straps to hold a cooler.
Even easier again, the most simple quickest way is hook the hook into the loop that is sewn into the strap itself already, that’s what it’s there for.
Thanks for sharing though 👍🇦🇺
Great, everyday hack to make those damn ratchet straps a little easier to use. Thanks.
Bloody awesome! One of those you mean to tell me all these years moments. Thankyou mate.
Glad you enjoyed it
But now the tension of the load contact point is strap against the metal bar of the cargo basket, instead of the metal hook and under heavy loads that strap will tear from the sharp edge of the metal
The loop created goes around the hook...so direct tension is on the same hook, I agree do not do this on anything with sharp edges...the cargo basket does not have sharp edges. thanks!
You should have 2 full layers of strap around the windlass to prevent the strap from slipping loose.
This is an absolute in using ratchet straps
Its videos such as this that are beneficial and worth my time - Thanks and Thanks for making it short.
Just redoing a canoe trailer. I think I can use this on the cross beams. Thanks!
The material vibrating will eventually wear through the strap. You will not wear through the hook. You can always just throw the heavy ends with the ratchet on it, over whatever you're trying to strap down and it will hold the pressure on the hook so it doesn't come off or you just walk with it.
FYI there is a loop sewn into the strap for that reason.
Yes..I understand. Using the larks head loop as shown does a better job of staying in one place while adjusting.
Got ya. I figured you were aware of that but couldn't stop my self, helpful video thanks.
Very handy also when your hooks are not big enough to hook onto the tie down point as well.
I have cheapie Walmart specials that don't have the daisy chain loops stitched into them. I've been using this method for years in my truck because of shifting with items that aren't rigid. That way the hooks don't come undone. In my case it's usually kayaks and rafts.
Just get a short piece of bicycle inner tube and make a hole on each end. Put the hook through one hole and slide it onto the shank. Attach your hook and stretch the other end of the tube over the end of the hook to capture what you're attaching to.
Good idea
Did you ever wonder what that little tab sewn on the strap is for?
I have seen the tabs on some ratchet straps, but on the 3 sets of light duty straps I have none of them have a tab...thanks!
What your doing is reducing to load capacity of your strap . I know it’s only a cooler but for bigger loads I wouldn’t use it . 🇦🇺
Best way to make a simple job difficult.
*****DON'T PULL IT TIGHT*****
You want at least 1 full wrap of the bar to prevent slipping from vibration. Don't rat nest it with 5 wraps, but 1 to 2 wraps is best. One twist in your strap prevents wind vibration, but too many twists will reduce the load capacity. Life is full of sweet spots and runs much smoother when you operate within them. Other than that, it's a neat idea. I'd be interested to see if the bind around the hook increases the chance of a strap failure.
That's what the little fold that's stitched down in the strap about a foot up from the hooks. Just run the strap around your anchor point and put the hook through the loop formed by the stitched down fold in the strap.
Every time you need a beer are you suppose to release the ratchet straps, lol. I use the slots in the cooler under the lid, that’s what they are made for and you can stink use the cooler, some coolers are made to lock if your afraid of someone steeling your beer.
Ya those little sewn in pieces on each end are to run the hooks in
Some people have problems that others don’t consider problems…
Exactly.
Absolutely changed my life,,, I lost 6 whole minutes on this!!!!
🤣🍻
"That ain't goin' anywhere." 😆... I hear it's customary to say that after tying down any load.
Or you could just throw the cooler in the bed of your truck like a real man.....ohh wait 😂
Yep, That will change my life lol. Awesome!
LOL the cut where you unhooked it. Still a fantastic tip for light loads though!
Thank you Ben. -Stephen, Ohio
Fantastic tip!!
Yes, it's only a matter of time before your strap fails from rub points. That's the reason why they have metal hooks.
Outstanding! Thanks!
Never thought about that thanks
Looping the strap may reduce the load limit on your strap.
I did not see any beer when you opened the cooler. You said it was full 😮
Heading to beer store NOW!! 🍻
You’re sideloading that hook, that is not how it was designed to be used. Consider using the little loop that was already built into that strap that you had on the wall. That’s what is there for
I agree...but for lighter duty loads like canoes and coolers this is easier...especially when dealing with roof racks. 🍻🤙
My life is forever changed 😮
this is beautiful!!!!
I dont know about life changing but ok you figured a different way to use a ratchet strap! Now get the twists out of it before I call the teamsters!
Good luck getting those straps undone after a rain storm and then they dry in a super tight knot.
They come off easy as there are no knots...just looped around the hook...thanks!
@@bensbackwoods oh wow. Ok. Thanks
Yep. Changed my life. Time I'll never get back😢
Definitely useful! Thanks for sharing! =)
The ol “that’s not going anywhere” hahaha we all do it.
You sir are Genius!!!!
Looks like you drank all your beer before you left for your vacation 🍻⛱️
You need to wind several rounds of strap whenever cinching down a ratchet strap. You pulled too much slack out before ratcheting. This would prevent the ratchet tie down from slipping during traveling.
Isn't that a truck your rack's attached to? How can there possibly not be enough space in it for your cool box?
Just go under the bar and drop the hook over the top
Dad taught me how to tie knots when I was ten.
I think I can die happy now!
Simply genius.
Nice tip. Thank you 👍
This is stupid unless you are riding a trail and throwing them back. Your hooks are not even attached to anything. Good way to wear your strap out and have your stuff fall off going down the road. There is a reason you have metal hooks. 🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️
The webbing is actually grabbing the hook...try it out...thanks!
Seriously, this is a great tip but does anyone else think Ben sounds like "Red Green"?
I'm a man...I can change...if I have to...I guess 🤣🤙
@@bensbackwoods YES, YOU ARE MY BROTHER!
That cooler also has slots in it for the strap so it can stay tied down and you can open the cooler without undoing your strap..... Open the lid and there will be slots on either side for the strap. Now I've changed your life
Hey Ben little news flash for you
There is a small loop built into the strap to secure the hook into does pretty much what your trying to do minus the Tom foolery
Runner has it that it only took him his whole life to learn that 😂
I've seen coolers full of beer... and that sir is not😂
go down around the center bar and come up from underneath to hook the next bar over.
That changed my life forever. 😂
Take the stap loose from the ratchet.
Run the tag end through the hole of the hook.
Use your ratchet as normal. Bit simplier 😂
Great idea 💡
You have latches on the cooler. Could have literally ran the strap through the handles and placed the hooks towards the front and had access to the contents of the cooler without ever even needing to touch the strap at all.
I cut the hooks off and replace with carabiners. If the strap loosens up for any reason; the hooks come undone and are useless.