What are Cam Buckle Straps?
Cam Buckle Straps are one of the most popular types of tie-down straps and are considered a great alternative to traditional ratchet straps. Cam Buckle Straps are tightened into place using cam buckle hardware that is tightened into place by using hand strength. Once the cam buckle strap has reached the desired slack you simply release the cam buckle hardware and the strap is held in place until you arrive at your next destination.
Cam Buckles are extremely popular for professional movers and inside dry van trailers equipped with rings or e-track systems as they can be tightened quickly. Another one of the major benefits of cam buckles being tightened by hand strength is the reduced chance to damage cargo from overtightening damage which can easily happen with ratchet hardware.
Cam Buckle Straps are made in two different sizes of webbing with one being 1 inch wide and the other being 2 inch wide polyester tie-down webbing. Polyester tie-down webbing is the webbing blend of choice as it provides very little stretching and heavy-duty strength to ensure durability while outside in the elements and load safety.
The Differences Between Cam Buckle Straps and Ratchet Straps
The main difference between Cam Buckle Straps and Ratchet Straps is the hardware that secures the cargo in place. Ratchet Hardware provides a heavier-duty option for heavier in-weight cargo but is way less forgiving from overtightening damage and should be used with caution. Cam Buckle Hardware is a lighter-duty securement option but is much safer to use for sensitive types of cargo such as antiques, wooden surfaces, glass, and more.
When it comes to Working Load Limits (WLL) ratchet straps are a much higher-rated option and some of our 2-inch Ratchet Straps feature a 3,335 lbs safe working load limit. Whereas some of our heaviest-duty cam buckle straps feature a heavy-duty 915 lbs safe working load limit rating.
Both 1-inch and 2-inch Cam Buckles and Ratchet Straps can be made with a variety of end-fitting hardware such as S Hooks, Wire Hooks, D Rings, Endless Loop, Flat Hooks, and more. At Lodi Metals we make a variety of these straps to order with options that fit your cargo securement needs best with custom measurements to fit your exact custom securement needs.
How to use a Cam Buckle Strap Instructions
Before using any cam buckle strap it’s important to regularly inspect the strap before and after every use for any potential signs of damage to avoid the chance of damaging your cargo, strap, or causing potential injury. Look for any webbing that has burn damage, fraying, mold, mildew, cuts, or other signs of serious damage. If you find any of these signs you will want to avoid using the strap and find a replacement. It’s unsafe to use a strap with damage. Let’s begin.
1). Identify where to secure the load and find anchor points. Determine where you need to secure the load such as on a roof rack or inside a truck bed. Look for strong anchor points to attach the strap. These anchor points should be sturdy and able to handle the weight of the load.
2). Thread the strap through the cam buckle. Take one end of the strap and thread it through the cam buckle. The strap should go in from the bottom of the cam buckle and come out from the top.
3). Position the strap over or around the load. Place the strap over or around the load, making sure it is positioned correctly and won’t slip off during transport. Ensure the strap is evenly distributed across the load for better stability.
4). Pull the loose end of the strap to tighten it. Grab the loose end of the strap and pull it firmly to tighten the strap around the load. As you pull the cam buckle teeth inside the buckle will engage and hold the strap in place. Apply enough tension to secure the load but avoid pulling too hard as it may damage the strap or the load.
5). Lock the strap in place. Once you’ve achieved the desired tension, lock the strap in place by pushing down on the lever of the cam buckle. This action will prevent the strap from loosening unintentionally, ensuring a secure hold on the load.
6). Check that the load is securely fastened. After securing the strap, double-check that the load is tightly and securely fastened. Give the load a gentle shake or tug to ensure it remains stable. If the strap feels loose or if the load shifts make sure to readjust and tighten the strap as needed.
7). To release the strap simply lift the cam buckle lever. When you’re ready to remove the strap simply lift the lever of the cam buckle to release the tension. This will allow you to pull the strap out of the cam buckle easily.
How to Properly Store Cam Buckle Straps
When it comes to storing cam buckle straps properly you ultimately want to find a location that is free from moisture, away from direct sunlight, and an area that is not at risk from friction burns or sharp edges cutting the webbing on the strap. Ultimately, the more time you spend caring for your straps and putting them away properly the longer you can expect the straps to last. We’ve created a list below of some of the best methods to store Cam Buckle Straps.
Some of the best methods to store Cam Buckle Straps
• Toolboxes
• Storage Bins or Containers
• Vehicle Trunks
• Garage
• Shelving Units
• Campers
• Outdoor Storage Boxes
• Ziploc Bags
How to Inspect Cam Buckle Straps for Damage
When it comes to inspecting cam buckle straps to determine if they are safe to use it ultimately boils down to inspecting them often. You should always inspect your tie-down straps before and after every use in order to look for any damage that has occurred during the last time they were used or while they were placed in storage.
Some of the most dangerous cam buckle straps to use are ones that have received any cuts to the webbing, discoloration in the webbing, mold or mildew damage, the webbing has become frayed, or there are burn marks on the webbing. If you find any of the above on your strap they are unsafe to use and should be discarded and replaced immediately in order to keep you and your cargo safe while going down the road.
The list below that shows some of the leading ways straps become damaged:
• Cuts to the tie-down webbing from being close to sharp metal edges.
• Discoloration or the color of the webbing has faded to a lighter shade of webbing from UV damage from direct sunlight.
• The strap has clear burn marks from two surfaces rubbing against each other from excess flopping in the wind.
• Clear mold or mildew damage on the strap can cause the straps to be weakened and lower the safe working load limit.
• Overloading the straps with cargo that is heavier than the strap’s safe working load limit rating or overtightening the straps.
• Securing cargo against sharp metal edges without the use of corner protectors can cause them to become damaged quicker and in need of being replaced.
• Over time straps will age from repetitive use, temperature fluctuations, and material fatigue and should be replaced as needed.
• While it is extremely rare occasionally the hardware on ends or the cam buckle hardware can become damaged from hitting other metal surfaces and should be also inspected before and after every use to ensure ultimate safety.
Shop our popular Cam Buckle Straps
Frequently Asked Cam Buckle Questions
Are Cam Buckle Straps Able to be Customized? – At Lodi Metals, we are one of the leading manufacturers of cam buckle straps and other tie-down straps in the United States. We make to order a large portion of our straps with customization options in order to fit your securement needs best.
If you are interested in learning more about our custom strap capabilities you can reach our customization experts today by giving us a call at 800-807-5634. We look forward to helping you find the ideal straps for all of your custom securement needs.
What type of webbing is used for Cam Buckle Straps? – Polyester tie-down is the webbing of choice as it provides excellent durability while outside in the elements and doesn’t stretch as much as alternative types of webbing such as nylon. Polyester is ideal as it can help to ensure that once the cargo is secured it does not move out of place until it reaches the next stop.
Can Cam Buckle Straps be used for Outdoor Applications? – Yes, tie-down hardware is often zinc coated and the polyester tie-down webbing helps to protect the straps while outside exposed to the elements. Remember that although the straps are securing cargo outdoors they should still be inspected for damage often the same as securing cargo before and after every use on the road.
What type of Securement Applications can Cam Buckle Straps be used for? – Motorcycles, dirt bikes, general cargo, pickup truck beds, moving vans, enclosed trailers with equipped e-track rails, dry vans, gocarts, bicycles, kayaks, and more.
How to use Cam Buckle Straps for Cargo Control
Published on 07/19/23
