In brief: Bungee cords are suitable for light tasks such as securing tarpaulins or bundling items. Ratchet straps are essential for properly securing heavy loads on trailers and vans, as they provide high, lockable tension without stretching and meet legal requirements.
Whether you are stretching a new cover over a woodpile, taking garden waste to the recycling centre or transporting furniture, the question of how to secure everything properly keeps coming up. Two helpers are usually available: the flexible bungee cord and the robust ratchet strap. However, both are designed for very different tasks. Choosing the wrong one can not only damage your belongings but also create a serious hazard. This guide clearly explains when each fastening method is the right and safest solution.
For countless small and medium-sized tasks in the area of garden and outdoor, a set of reliable bungee cords is the first choice. They are quick to use, intuitive to handle and solve many problems with minimal effort. The [: Bungee cords for cargo nets, tarpaulins and luggage securing, 6 pieces] is a versatile problem-solver. With these flexible helpers, you can secure tarpaulins, hold boot lids in place or bundle hoses and cables in no time.
What exactly is a bungee cord and what are its strengths?
Bungee cords, also known as elastic cords or luggage straps, are the sprinters among fastening aids. Their greatest strength is their elasticity, which makes them suitable for a wide range of applications where flexibility and speed are important.
Design and how they work
A bungee cord consists of a core made from elastic rubber fibres surrounded by a protective sheath of polypropylene or a similar plastic. This sheath protects the rubber core from abrasion and UV radiation, extending its service life. Strong metal hooks, often coated in plastic to prevent scratches on delicate surfaces, are attached at both ends. The principle is simple: you stretch the cord, hook it into place and the stored energy provides constant, spring-like tension.
Typical applications for bungee cords
Bungee cords are designed for light to medium-duty holding and securing tasks. They are perfect for pulling covers for garden furniture or firewood tight, preventing wind and rain from getting underneath. They also reliably keep a [: Pond protection net 3x6m] securely in place to keep leaves out of the water. Other classic applications include:
- Bundling garden hoses, extension leads or battens.
- Securing light items in the boot to prevent them from sliding around.
- Attaching bicycle baskets or luggage to a bike rack.
- Stretching advertising banners or lightweight privacy screens.
Pro tip
Choose a bungee cord length so that, when unstretched, it is approximately 75 % of the distance it needs to span. This gives you optimum tension without overstretching the material and unnecessarily shortening its service life. An over-tensioned cord loses its elasticity more quickly.
How can you recognise the limitations of bungee cords?
Their elasticity is also their greatest weakness when it comes to safety-critical tasks. A bungee cord can give way and stretch further under severe jolts, such as during emergency braking. This is why it is completely unsuitable for properly securing loads on vehicles. Bungee cords cannot hold heavy loads and may snap without warning if overstretched or worn. The energy released can cause serious injuries.
Using bungee cords to secure cargo beyond holding down a lightweight tarpaulin is not only inadequate but grossly negligent. The dynamic forces generated while driving can exceed the holding power of these cords many times over.
When is a ratchet strap the unbeatable alternative?
When safety, high forces and legal requirements are involved, there is no substitute for a ratchet strap. Unlike a bungee cord, it is not elastic. Its job is to tie down loads with high force and hold them firmly in place.
Structure and function of a ratchet strap
A ratchet strap, also known as a tie-down strap, consists of high-strength, low-stretch webbing made from fabric such as polyester (PES). The key component is the tensioning device: usually a ratchet or cam buckle. The ratchet allows you to manually build up and lock in high tensioning forces. Cam buckles are designed for lighter applications and work through self-locking. Sturdy hooks are located at the ends and attach to tie-down points on the vehicle or trailer.
Where ratchet straps excel: heavy and critical loads
Whenever something is transported on a trailer, truck or roof rack, ratchet straps are the only right choice. They are used for:
- Transporting furniture, washing machines or refrigerators.
- Securing motorcycles, quad bikes or ride-on lawn mowers on a trailer.
- Fastening building materials, firewood or heavy garden equipment.
- Holding down heavy machinery or pallets.
Handling requires some practice, but the result is an immobile, securely fixed load. After use, a tool such as the [: Strap winder for tie-down and ratchet straps] keeps everything tidy and protects the straps from tangling.
Important note
Never use ratchet straps with visible damage. Tears or cuts in the webbing, a bent ratchet or a cracked hook drastically reduce the load capacity. A damaged strap must be disposed of immediately. Your safety and that of other road users depend on it.
Bungee cords vs. ratchet straps: a direct comparison in practice
To make the decision easier, we will look at three everyday scenarios from around the home and garden and analyse which fastening aid is the better choice.
Scenario 1: The garden tarpaulin
Your task is to secure a tarpaulin, such as a robust [: Scaffolding sheet], over your stack of firewood. The aim is to keep the tarpaulin taut so that the wind cannot lift it and water pockets cannot form. The choice: bungee cords. They are ideal here. Their elasticity keeps the surface taut over time, even if the tarpaulin expands or contracts slightly as temperatures change. They can be attached quickly and hooked into the eyelets of the tarpaulin. A ratchet strap would be excessive here, and its high point load could tear the eyelets out of the tarpaulin.
Scenario 2: Transporting garden waste on a trailer
You have loaded the trailer with loose branches and hedge clippings and need to drive to the recycling centre. The load must be secured against falling off. The choice: a combination. First, secure the load itself. You need a net or large tarpaulin for this. Secure the tarpaulin or net with bungee cords. However, if the load is heavy and could shift, you will also need ratchet straps stretched over the entire load to press everything firmly onto the loading surface (tie-down securing). Bungee cords alone are not sufficient here, either legally or practically.
Additional advice
Every ratchet strap has a sewn-in label with important information. Look for the “LC” (Lashing Capacity) specification. It indicates the maximum force in daN (decanewtons) that the strap can withstand in a straight pull. For tie-down securing, the “STF” (Standard Tension Force) value is crucial, as it indicates the pretensioning force of the ratchet.
Scenario 3: Bundling garden fleece for storage
After the season, you roll up your garden fleece and want to store it in the shed to save space without it unrolling again. The choice: bungee cords. Wrap one or two bungee cords around the roll and the problem is solved. Quick, easy and effective. A ratchet strap would also be impractical here and far too much effort for this simple task.
How should you care for and store your fastening equipment?
Proper care and storage determine the service life and safety of your tensioners and straps. With just a few simple steps, you can ensure that your equipment remains ready for use.
Caring for bungee cords
Keep bungee cords clean and dry. Protect them from prolonged, direct sunlight, as UV light makes the material brittle. Before each use, check the outer covering for cracks and the hooks for deformation. As soon as the rubber loses its elasticity or the covering is damaged, replace the bungee cord.
Caring for ratchet straps
The webbing should be stored clean and dry to prevent mould and material weakening. If necessary, clean it only with water and a mild soap solution, never with harsh chemicals. Check the webbing regularly for cuts or frayed edges. The ratchet should be free of dirt and rust; a drop of oil on the moving parts keeps it operating smoothly. Store ratchet straps rolled up to prevent damage and knots.
The most common cause of accidents involving privately owned trailers is inadequately or incorrectly secured loads. Many people underestimate the forces generated even during normal braking. A simple bungee cord is completely overwhelmed by them.
The legal side: what does the law say about securing loads?
The German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO) are clear. Section 22 states that loads must be stowed and secured so that they cannot shift, fall over, roll back and forth, fall off or create avoidable noise, even during emergency braking or a sudden evasive manoeuvre. Responsibility lies with both the driver and the vehicle owner.
For transport on public roads, only tested ratchet straps with the appropriate label meet the requirements for heavy goods. In legal terms, bungee cords are not considered load-securing equipment, but merely aids for holding tarpaulins or nets over an already secured load. Anyone caught with an unsecured load risks fines, penalty points in Flensburg and loss of insurance cover in the event of an accident.
Conclusion: The Right Tool for Every Job
Choosing between a bungee cord and a ratchet strap is not a matter of preference, but of the application. It is not about choosing one or the other, but about using both. Each has its rightful place in the workshop, garage and garden.
The bungee cord is your flexible and fast helper for all light-duty securing and bundling tasks. The ratchet strap is the uncompromising safety professional for transporting anything with weight. A well-equipped toolkit includes both. Check your supplies and make sure you are perfectly equipped—and above all, safely equipped—for your next project, your next trip to the DIY store or your next load.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use bungee cords to secure a load on a trailer?
- No, bungee cords must not be used as the sole means of securing heavy loads. They are only suitable for holding lightweight tarpaulins or nets over a load that has already been properly secured with ratchet straps. Their elasticity does not provide sufficient hold during braking.
- How can I tell if a bungee cord is worn out?
- Check the bungee cord for cracks in the outer covering, exposed rubber fibres, frayed areas and noticeably reduced tension. Deformed or rusted hooks are also a clear sign that the bungee cord must be replaced to prevent it from breaking.
- What does "daN" mean on a ratchet strap?
- "daN" stands for decanewton and is the standard unit of force used for ratchet straps. 1 daN corresponds approximately to the weight force of 1 kg. The LC (Lashing Capacity) value in daN on the label indicates the maximum force the strap can withstand in a straight pull.
- How do I secure a tarpaulin properly with bungee cords?
- Choose bungee cords that measure approximately 75% of the distance to be covered when they are not stretched. Attach them in a criss-cross or star-shaped pattern to create even tension across the entire surface of the tarpaulin. This prevents water from pooling and reduces loud flapping in the wind.
- Can ratchet straps be tied in knots?
- Absolutely not. A knot can reduce the breaking strength of a ratchet strap by up to 50%, making it unsuitable for safely securing loads. Damaged or overly short straps must always be replaced and must never be repaired or extended with knots.
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