Tie-down or cargo web straps (officially called securement devices) have become ubiquitous, increasingly replacing chains to secure cargo and light equipment loads, such as large round bales, seed corn, pesticides, and even mowing tractors. Chains are still required to secure heavier loads like sprayers, tractors, and construction equipment.

While straps provide a quick and easy way to secure loads, they have been abused or their holding capacity often overestimated, says Fred Whitford of Purdue University. Whitford formed a team of experts to produce the ultimate guide to securing loads, Securing the Load (PPP-75), found online at extension.purdue.edu/extmedia.

“Almost without exception, cargo falling off a truck or trailer costs you money,” Whitford says. “But if your cargo falls into traffic and causes an accident, you face legal repercussions due to personal injury, environmental contamination, or property damage. If you are found negligent, your insurance company can refuse payment in certain situations.” Whitford urges scrutiny of any web straps before purchase and also evaluation of the condition of straps in use.

The fabric used to create cargo straps is 100% high-tenacity polyester webbing. The key determining factor of a strap’s quality and capacity is its listed working load limit (WLL). Either printed on a tag sewn into the end of the strap or printed on the webbing itself, the WLL reveals the maximum weight a strap can support with regular day-today use without becoming damaged.

WLL is generally calculated as one-third of the breaking strength of the strap and its tightening mechanism. For example, a tie-down with 7,500-pound breaking strength has a WLL of about 2,500 pounds.

Breaking strength aside, the WLL is the ultimate guide to a strap’s ability. If the strap doesn’t list a WLL, don’t buy it.

That being said, straps sometimes are sold listing an inaccurate WLL. Low quality straps can tear or snap before reaching their WLL. With that in mind, stick to well-known manufacturer names when buying straps.

Generally, cargo straps are sold with different methods of tightening the strap on the load. Those mechanisms include:

Strap quality, ease of use, and WLL are also determined by the ends placed on the strap. End types include:

Follow these guidelines when using straps to ensure a solidly secured load and increase strap life.

Straps do have a limited life. Frayed webbing, burn defects, excess webbing inside the ratchet, weathering such as sun damage or mold and mildew — all weaken the strength of tie-down straps. On average reputable cargo straps can last three to five years (if used constantly), but only if they are properly stored and not exposed to sharp edges that cause friction or burn area on the webbing. 

Whitford says the U.S. Department of Transportation has established “out-of-service” limits for straps based on the size of the hole or tear in the webbing relative to strap width (see chart below).

The gold standard for securing loads are chains, particularly when it comes to hauling machinery. Chains may be heavy and often require load binders, but when it comes to brute strength, you can’t beat chains.

However, not all chains are created equal as is illustrated by the working load limit (WLL) chart (see below). WLL for chains is determined by the grade link diameter.

Here are the industry standards for chain grades.

Grade 30. This basic utility chain is employed in many industries and particularly in agriculture.

Grade 43. This is a high-test chain that provides wear resistance and high tensile strength.

Grade 70. This is a popular option for securing cargo. Grade 70 chains are lighter than grade 43 chains but are 20% stronger.

Grade 80 and 100. These heavy duty chains are used for lifting cargo. While they provide plenty of strength as a tie-down, they are more expensive than the more popular grade 70 and other lesser grades. A detailed chain chart that includes the number of chains needed to secure various cargo weights can be found in the publication Securing the Load at extension.purdue.edu/extmedia.

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