How Quick is a Quickie?

Bryan Irons @bryanirons Most think of a ratchet strap as a simple tie down tool, but they can be used for so much more. The quality of the ones locally sourced has always been an issue, but the USA-made Quickie made me a believer in the ratchet strap… again. Around the shop, the abuse never eases when it comes to positioning suspension parts, some tight quarters lifting, and securing parts together for assembly. On the trail, in the included carry case, they are ready for odd jobs like reseating stubborn tire beads, temporarily securing any broken or bashed up components, and holding down any tool boxes or parts that could become projectiles in the event of a mishap on the trail.

What makes the Quickie different? As you can see in the pic… it’s rope! The webbing that normally succumbs to UV damage, cuts during minor abrasion and gets tangled in knots at every opportunity is long gone. The second major difference you notice is the cast aluminum gripping mechanism that allows for a tight grip on the rope. This allows you to ratchet from one end of the rope to the other without having to reset them, or you can simply pull on the loose end of the rope to tension them quickly and use the handle to really tighten them down.This design also keeps the torque constant if so required.

Transport Canada has approved the Quickie with a 650 lbs rating for the 3/8" version, the 1/4" with a 250 lbs, and a 1/8" version rated for 150 lbs. The powder coated metal handle mechanism has non-slip plastic ends for easy use, but if you need more torque for whatever job you're doing, there is a provision to insert a 1/2" square drive tool such as a ratchet or speed handle. After months of abuse and thousands of kilometers on the road with me, I’m hard-pressed to make a trip without the carry case of Quickie straps in the truck or on the trail. Winter snow and ice have not locked them up, I haven’t bent the handles or hooks at all, they laugh a mud and road grime, and always hold their tension.