Introduction
The use of ratcheting cargo bars has been around for many years, providing a reliable and secure way to hold items together and in place. They might be familiar sights to truck drivers, who commonly use them to secure their load in trailers as they traverse the roads and highways. Today, however, these bars are used in a variety of settings from home workshops and garages, to warehouses and even vehicles. Their main purpose is usually one of containment; distributing the weight held within so that it isn’t concentrated in any one area and potentially causing structural damage. Making sure your prized possessions or cargo are manifestly intact during transport starts with getting the right ratcheting cargo bar.
Benefits of Using a Ratcheting Cargo Bar
Home Organization: Ratchet cargo bars are an effective way to maximize small or limited spaces, such as closets or pantries. They allow you to quickly and easily adjust the amount of available storage space within a confined area. By adjusting the bar’s length to increase or decrease the distance between two opposing walls, you can customize your storage needs without having to spend money on additional shelves or dividers. Additionally, ratchet cargo bars provide stability in heavy-use areas because they are designed to remain securely in place until disengaged.
Vehicle Storage: Ratchet cargo bars are essential when storing large items inside of cars and trucks. The ratcheting system allows you to quickly adjust the bar’s length for a secure fit that will hold whatever is being stored safely in place even during transport. This makes it much easier and more efficient than trying to use an old belt from around your waist!
Industrial/Commercial Storage/Transport: Industries such as shipping companies and trucking services utilize ratcheting cargo bars for secure and reliable loading and unloading of goods into trucks, trailers, railcars, ships, etc. They enables these companies to maximize their load capacity by increasing efficiency with quick adjustments for any freight size load. This type of tool also provides greater control over how individual items are securely tied down within a vehicle so none of them get damaged during transport.
Features to Look for in a Ratcheting Cargo Bar
Weight Capacity:
When buying a cargo bar, it is important to consider the maximum weight rating of the product. The weight capacity of ratcheting cargo bars are typically rated between 700-1000 lbs. and should accommodate the weight of your load to be secure during transport. When selecting a cargo bar with a lower weight limit, be sure that your actual load does not exceed this limit for safety reasons. Additionally, ensure that you read any manufacturer instructions for use and approved types of load to verify that your particular setup will adhere to their guidelines.
Tips to Use a Ratcheting Cargo Bar
Adjusting the Tension of a Ratcheting Cargo Bar
When adjusting the tension of your ratcheting cargo bar, it is important to make sure that you’re not applying too much pressure. Applying too much pressure can damage the bar or potentially harm your cargo. The guidelines below will help ensure your safe and successful use of your ratcheting cargo bar:
1. Start by slowly ratcheting through five clicks before checking the tension in your cargo space. This should be enough to achieve a secure fit without going overboard.
2. After each click, check the tension to identify if more is needed or if you should stop at five clicks per step.
3. Once you have reached the necessary tension for a secure fit, do not continue ratcheting as it could potentially cause damage to both the cargobar and any items secured by it.
4. If you need additional tension, do another slow ratchet with no more than ten clicks per step until you reach your desired level of security in the hold area.
5. Regularly inspect all angles of the bar to ensure that everything is tightly secure before leaving on any trips or hauling anything with your vehicle.
Maintenance of Ratcheting Cargo Bar
Storing your Ratcheting Cargo Bar:
Once you’ve used the ratcheting cargo bar for your projects, it’s important to store it properly for optimum durability and top performance. It is recommended that the bar be stored in a cool, dry place when not in use. Doing this will help to prevent corrosion and rust from taking hold on the metal surface of the bar. Additionally, waxing or greasing the bar may also guard against corrosion. Keeping it away from direct sunlight should also be done whenever possible, as too much exposure to ultraviolet light can weaken the material of which it is crafted out of. Taking these extra precautions during storage will add years of longevity to your ratcheting cargo bar!
Best Ratcheting Cargo Bar On the Market
Home/Organization Use:
The best ratcheting cargo bar for home or organization use is the Lewis N. Clark Cargo Stabilizer Bar. It is designed to keep storage units, shelves and drawers organized by reducing shifting of items due to instability or vibrations. It features two simple-grip hand controls that allow you to easily adjust the length of your cargo bar as needed. Additionally, this cargo bar fits between gaps of up to 53 inches wide and has a strong steel construction that can withstand up to 200 pounds of pressure.
Industrial/Commercial Use:
For industrial and commercial use, the ABN Ratchet Cargo Bar is the best option. This ratchet cargo bar can be used in applications that require secure loads and consistent tension with minimum effort. The telescopic design makes it adjustable from 24 to 40 inches so you can customize its size for different loads. Additionally, this cargo bar supports up to 500lbs of weight and contains a heavy-duty rubber grip for non-slip push control when adjusting the length.
Vehicle Storage:
The Anderson Metals Ratcheting Cargo Bar is an ideal choice for vehicle storage applications such as tightening nets or straps in the back of vans, boats or trailers. This cargo bar features a unique ergonomic shape that enables users to quickly adjust it while utilizing minimal force due to its powerful spring mechanism built within its handle. Moreover, it provides excellent durability due to its steel construction design and supports weights up 500 pounds load capacity.
Conclusion
Alternative Uses for Ratcheting Cargo Bars
Cargo bars are incredibly versatile tools. Not only are they an essential tool for keeping loads secure while traveling, but they can also be used in a variety of other ways.
Hanging Items: Cargo bars can be used to hang items from them, such as bikes, ladders, and more. The compact size of cargo bars makes them ideal for hanging items in a garage or workshop without taking up too much space.
Creating Wall Shelves: Cargo bars can also be used to create shelving along the walls inside your vehicle. This is especially helpful if you’re transporting fragile objects that need to stay secure during the ride. You can use clips or hooks on the ends of your cargo bar to hold items in place and prevent them from sliding around.
Organizing Inventory: Finally, cargo bars can be a great way to rapidly organize inventory or other materials stacked onto shelves or into containers. By quickly adjusting their length and securing them into place you can make organizing jobs quick and easy – no more precious time wasted trying to reorganize things by hand!
