Ratchets

Industrial Ratchets from Granat Industries, Inc.

Industrial ratchets are mechanical tensioning devices that thread webbing through a rotating mandrel and lock tension via a spring-loaded pawl, securing cargo to flatbeds, trailers, and freight containers. They are specified by strap width  -  1″, 1½″, or 2″  -  and breaking strength, from which working load limit (WLL) is derived at one-third of that value per DOT cargo securement regulations (49 CFR Part 393).

Granat Industries ratchets range from 1,500 lb breaking strength for 1″ light-duty strapping to 11,000 lb for 2″ long-handle heavy-duty cargo work. Finish options include zinc yellow for corrosion resistance and visibility, matte black for tactical and low-profile use, and stainless steel for marine or chemically exposed environments.

Ratchet Specifications: Strap Width, Breaking Strength, and WLL

Selecting the correct ratchet starts with matching strap width to ratchet width and then confirming the assembly's working load limit (WLL) covers the cargo weight. Under 49 CFR Part 393, WLL is one-third of a ratchet's rated breaking strength. Granat's lineup covers three strap widths:

1-Inch Ratchets (1,500–3,300 lb Breaking Strength)

The 1″ format is the standard choice for lightweight cargo, motorcycles, ATVs, and small equipment. The 1″ Black Ratchet (RATCH-XY25101CD) and 1″ Black Ratchet with Rubber Handle (RATCH1BLKRUB) are rated to 1,500 lb  -  a WLL of 500 lb per assembly. For heavier 1″ applications, the Zinc Yellow Heavy Duty Ratchet (RATCH1ZY-HD) delivers 3,300 lb breaking strength (WLL: 1,100 lb). The Stainless Steel 1″ Ratchet (RATCH1SS-LD) is rated to 1,760 lb and is specified for corrosion-sensitive installations.

1½-Inch Ratchets (4,000 lb Breaking Strength)

Both 1½″ models  -  zinc yellow (RATCH112ZY) and matte black (RATCH112BLK)  -  are rated to 4,000 lb breaking strength (WLL: ~1,333 lb). This is the mid-range workhorse, commonly specified for enclosed trailer cargo, construction equipment strapping, and pallet securement on regional freight runs.

2-Inch Ratchets (4,400–11,000 lb Breaking Strength)

The 2″ format serves flatbed trucking, heavy equipment hauling, and military load securement. The standard 2″ Zinc Yellow Ratchet (RATCH2ZY) is rated to 4,400 lb (WLL: ~1,467 lb). For high-tension applications, three heavy-duty options reach 11,000 lb breaking strength (WLL: ~3,667 lb): the 2″ Long Handle Ratchet (RATCH2-RB50502), the 2″ Long Handle Ratchet with Hook (RATCH2LHH), and the 2″ Heavy Duty Ratchet Buckle (RATCH2-HDZY).

Finish Options: Zinc Yellow, Black, and Stainless Steel

Zinc Yellow

Zinc yellow is the industry-standard finish for commercial cargo ratchets. The zinc plating provides a base layer of corrosion protection, and the yellow chromate passivation coat adds visibility on the dock or in the trailer  -  making it easy to confirm all straps are present and secured during load audits. Most Granat ratchets are available in zinc yellow as the default commercial specification.

Matte Black

Black-finish ratchets are specified where low reflectivity or visual discretion is required  -  military gear rigging, law enforcement vehicle transport, and tactical equipment assembly. Granat offers black-finish ratchets in the 1″ standard, 1″ rubber handle, and 1½″ formats.

Stainless Steel

The 1″ Stainless Steel Ratchet (RATCH1SS-LD) is the specification choice for marine environments, outdoor equipment storage, food-processing equipment transport, or any application where salt air, moisture, or cleaning chemicals would corrode a zinc-plated assembly over time. Stainless hardware requires no surface coating maintenance and retains tensile integrity in wet conditions.

Long-Handle Ratchets: Mechanical Advantage for Heavy Loads

Long-handle ratchets extend the lever arm of the tightening handle, increasing mechanical advantage so operators can generate higher strap tension with less hand force. This matters on flatbed applications where 2″ straps are tightened repeatedly across a full workday. Granat's long-handle 2″ models (RATCH2-RB50502, RATCH2LHH) are rated to 11,000 lb breaking strength and are appropriate for securing heavy machinery, steel coils, and oversized loads where DOT aggregate WLL requirements demand high per-strap ratings. The RATCH2LHH variant includes an integrated hook for direct anchorage point attachment without a separate fitting.

Industry Applications

• Freight and Flatbed Trucking: 2″ zinc yellow ratchets, heavy-duty and long-handle variants, for DOT-compliant cargo securement on flatbeds and step-decks.
• Military and Law Enforcement: Black-finish ratchets for load securement on tactical vehicles and equipment where low visibility is required.
• Outdoor, Hunting, and Recreational: 1″ lightweight ratchets for motorcycle hauling, ATV transport, kayak racks, and overlanding tie-downs.
• Marine and Wet Environments: Stainless steel 1″ ratchets for boat trailer rigging, dock equipment, and storage applications exposed to salt water or high humidity.
• OEM and Manufacturing Assembly: Ratchets sourced in bulk (12–100 units per pack) for integration into finished cargo restraint products, equipment cases, and tie-down assemblies.

Bulk Ordering and B2B Sourcing

Granat Industries has supplied industrial fastening hardware to manufacturers and distributors for over 100 years. Ratchets are stocked in commercial pack quantities ranging from 12 units (2″ long-handle with hook) to 100 units (1″ standard and stainless) per package, with consistent availability for high-volume production runs. Contact our team to discuss volume pricing, custom specifications, or lead time requirements for OEM and private-label programs.

Frequently Asked Questions: Industrial Ratchets

What size ratchet do I need for my strap?

Match ratchet width to webbing width: 1″ ratchets accept 1″ webbing, 1½″ ratchets accept 1½″ webbing, and 2″ ratchets accept 2″ webbing. Using a ratchet wider than the strap will result in uneven mandrel loading and reduced efficiency. For heavier loads, choose both a wider strap and a ratchet rated to the required breaking strength.

What is the working load limit (WLL) of a ratchet, and how is it calculated?

Working load limit (WLL) is the maximum safe tension for a single ratchet assembly in service. Per DOT cargo securement regulations (49 CFR Part 393), WLL equals one-third of the assembly's breaking strength. For example, a 2″ ratchet rated to 11,000 lb breaking strength has a WLL of approximately 3,667 lbs. Aggregate WLL across all tie-downs must be at least 50% of the total cargo weight.

What is the difference between zinc yellow and black finish ratchets?

Zinc yellow provides corrosion resistance through zinc plating with a yellow chromate passivation coat and offers high visibility for load auditing during transit inspections. Matte black has a lower-reflectivity finish and is specified for military, law enforcement, and tactical equipment applications where visual discretion is required. Both finishes deliver comparable tensile performance at the same strap width and breaking strength rating.

When should I specify a stainless steel ratchet?

Stainless steel ratchets are appropriate for marine applications, outdoor equipment exposed to rain or humidity, food processing environments, and any installation where salt air or cleaning chemicals would degrade a zinc-plated finish. Granat's 1″ Stainless Steel Ratchet (RATCH1SS-LD) is rated to 1,760 lb breaking strength and requires no protective coating maintenance.

What is a long-handle ratchet and when is it specified?

Long-handle ratchets have an extended lever arm that provides greater mechanical advantage, allowing operators to achieve higher strap tension with less hand force. They are specified for flatbed trucking, heavy equipment hauling, and any application where 2″ straps must be tightened repeatedly under high loads. Granat's 2″ long-handle models are rated to 11,000 lb breaking strength, making them suitable for securing heavy machinery, steel coils, and oversized cargo under DOT requirements.

Do you supply ratchets in bulk for OEM or manufacturing use?

Yes. Granat Industries ratchets are stocked in commercial quantities  -  from 12 to 100 units per package depending on the model  -  for manufacturers, cargo equipment assemblers, and distributors. Volume pricing and custom specifications are available; contact our sales team to discuss lead times and OEM requirements.