How to Shorten Tie Down Straps Quick and Easy

Published on 02/28/23

truck straps in use on semi truck

When it comes to purchasing custom-made tie-down strengths it can be tricky to always find the perfect length for various securement applications. In this guide, we will teach you some of the easiest and best methods to find an approximate length of webbing needed and how to shorten your tie-down straps quickly.

How to Shorten Tie Down Straps Quickly Step-by-Step Instructions


1). Start by getting an exact measure of the length of the strap you are needing and mark it to indicate where you need to cut.
2). Next, cut the tie-down webbing using a sharp knife or a pair of sharp scissors or equivalent.
3). Next, you will want to clean up the strap by using a lighter or torch to melt the cut end of the strap to prevent the frayed material from causing long-term damage to the tie-down strap.
4). Once the strap has been cleaned up you are ready to use the strap for the next securement.

Lasso Straps on Trailer Securing Vehicle

How to Quickly Measure How Much Tie-Down Webbing You Need


When it comes to securing your cargo during transportation, choosing the right length of the tie-down strap is crucial. However, not all surfaces are flat, which can make it challenging to determine the appropriate length. Luckily, there’s a simple solution: using a piece of yarn or string to measure the cargo’s width. By wrapping the string around the cargo, you can get an accurate measurement of the necessary length for your tie-down strap.

Once you have the measurement, it’s time to choose the right strap length. You can find the perfect length of strap on our website or opt for a slightly longer strap than the measured length. For instance, if your measurement comes out to 14 feet and 6 inches, we recommend purchasing a 15 or 16-foot strap. This will give you some wiggle room to accommodate different cargo sizes in the future.

Alternatively, you can purchase a longer strap and shorten it to the required length. This can be done quickly and easily by following the instructions provided. By taking these steps, you can ensure that you have the right tie-down strap length for any cargo, giving you peace of mind during transportation.

E Track Strap being used to secure a pallet

Why You Should Shorten Tie Down Straps When Possible


Tie-down straps are an essential tool for securing items during transportation. However, leaving excess webbing on your tie-down straps can lead to a variety of problems. Two primary concerns arise from not shortening tie-down straps: flapping webbing and jammed ratchet hardware.

When tie-down straps flap in the wind due to excess webbing, they can cause friction burns or cuts from sharp edges. Additionally, the webbing can fray, weakening or even destroying the strap over time. Luckily, this issue can be easily resolved by shortening the strap and tidying up the excess webbing with a lighter. By taking this simple step, you can ensure that your tie-down strap remains in like-new condition.

Another common problem caused by excess webbing is jammed ratchet hardware. When too much webbing becomes lodged inside the hardware, it can become stuck and difficult to remove. This issue can be frustrating and time-consuming, ultimately leading to a longer, more complicated transportation process. By keeping your tie-down straps clean and free of excess webbing, you can avoid these types of issues and ensure a smooth and efficient transportation experience.

Torn Ratchet Straps

Frequently Asked Tie Down Webbing Questions


Can you Shorten Tie Down Webbing More Than Once? – Yes, there really is no limitation to the number of times you are able to shorten your tie-down straps. We often hear of customers who do a trial test cut before they cut at the length they need to shorten the straps by to get a feel for the process. If you decide later down the line that you could use a shorter tie-down strap you have the ability to shorten it again if need be.

What can you use to Clean Frayed Tie Down Webbing? – There are a lot of different ways to clean up frayed tie-down webbing but the main ways to cut and clean webbing is by using a hot knife, candle, lighter, torch, or alternative. One of the benefits of using a candle is that it allows you a free hand to not burn the webbing as easily.

What can you use to Cut Polyester Tie Down Webbing? – Some of the different tools that are commonly used include scissors, razor blades, and sharp knives. Ultimately the one thing you will want to ensure when you are cutting polyester webbing is that it is as clean cut as possible for as little cleanup on the webbing as possible. You could also look at professional options for cutting polyester and nylon webbing such as Hot Knives which are traditional-style blade that is heated to seal the ends after each cut to prevent any potential damage from the webbing fraying.

Can you Remove Captivation from Tie Down Straps using this method? – Absolutely, you can use this method to remove any captivation on tie-down straps and heat seal the end to remove the captivation. Captivation is where the tie-down straps can not be pulled apart such as traditional e-track straps. This allows you to have two separate parts of the tie-down strap for certain applications.