How to Use Cam Straps Safely and Securely
Cam locking straps could very well be the most efficiently designed tie down straps ever made. They are safer to use than bungee cords. They are easier to use than rope. They are far less complicated than ratchet straps. Overall, cam straps offer the best of all worlds in the tie down strpa department. You can get the most out of them by understanding their mechanics and learning how to use them safely.
Consider this post your introductory guide to safe cam strap use. Whether you are an overlander preparing for your next journey or a weekend warrior getting ready to hit the whitewater in your kayak, safety should be your priority.
1. Check Cam Strap Condition
Your first order of business is to check the condition of your cam straps. Do this before you load your cargo. Any straps that show unusual wear should be used with caution. If you see frayed webbing or any straps with breaks or burns, do not take your chances. Keep your gear bag stocked with your most used sizes so you’re never caught in a pinch.
2. Know Your Working Load Limits
All sorts of tie down straps are subject to working load limits. A Working Load Limit (WLL) is a recommended weight limit before displacement or fraying will occur. A Max Load Limit represents the amount of force a tie down can withstand before failing. The point is to make sure you don't exceed your cam strap’s limits. Cam straps are rated, so make sure you know that rating. We get a lot of questions on our WLL and we believe a safety factor of 3 is most critical so we provide a very conservation WLL. Better safe than sorry.
3. Threading the Cam Buckle
When it comes time to secure your cargo, you are going to put the polypropylene strap around or over your cargo. How you do this depends on your setup. You may have two separate straps with hooks on one end. The first strap also has the cam buckle while the second strap has a straight end to connect to the buckle. As an alternative, you might use a single strap with the cam buckle on one end and nothing on the other and loop it entirely around your cargo.
Either way, position the strap the way you want it and then thread it through the buckle's open end. If you're using a Rollercam cam strap, threading should be easy because the strap rolls through the buckle on the built-in roller.
Next, pull any access webbing material through the buckle to eliminate the slack. Now, gently tug on the strap to tighten things down. Keep pulling until the strap is as tight as you want it. Note that if you are using Rollercam cam straps, you'll need less force to tighten them down. Be careful that you don't over-tighten to the point of risking damage to your cargo.
4. Protecting Sensitive Cargo
If you are securing sensitive cargo that's prone to scratches, cuts, abrasions, or other types of damage, consider putting something between the strap and the cargo. A small piece of cardboard will work or a moving blanket. You're aiming to protect anything between the contact of the strap and the sensitive surface.
5. Cam Strap Release
Keep safe all through the release of the cam buckle. Hold the strap behind the buckle with one hand and push the release with the other. Then introduce some slack before you let go of the buckle side. Releasing this way will guarantee that the buckle and straps stay loosely in place and prevent sudden movements.
Cam straps are one of your best options for securing cargo, but they should be used carefully. Maintain a safety-first mindset and you shouldn't have too many problems you can't easily deal with.
