Roof rack tie down straps

I hear what you say about loads settljng, etc, but for me thee best bet is ratchet straps. Just check them occasionally.
Cheers

Depending on what you are carrying up there some elastic cargo net might be the go. They aren't going to be easier than occies though. Both elastic and straps have their place on my setup.

Keith,

For a long time octopus straps were my first choice also until a mate lost most of the sight in one eye from one that let go on him. The pain and operations he endured were enough to convince me not to use them anymore. I now use only ratchet straps or rope. I am not someone who goes overboard when it comes to safety and like most I probably take more risks than I should but there is nothing like seeing the results of something gone wrong and how easily it happened. You won't see many tradies using octopus straps either.
I am not a wrap for the cargo nets - too fiddly for me but better than occies I guess.

Ken

My mum took an occy strap to the face years ago and got a nice shiner from it. 1cm to the side and it could have been an eye.

I use cam locking straps on the motorbike and roof rack, really easy to use and pull up some more once the load settles a bit.

For bigger stuff I also have ratchet straps, both standard ones and some that have a 6" stretchy bit where the ratchet is. They can be good because you can crank them up tight, but not crush the crap out of some things that won't appreciate it and if the load moves a bit and it loses some tension, the strap is still tight-ish

A composite system works too, a net to keep the light & bulky stuff up on there, supplemented with some cam lock straps or ratchet straps to stop the solid/heavy items moving around.

The use of occy straps to secure anything to roof racks is a really bad idea. They are not load rated or capable of properly securing a load. Apart from the obvious risk to users they present a huge risk to other road users and were never designed for this purpose.
it is frightening to see fools with ladders, timber and tool boxes held on with them.
Get some decent ratchet straps, always check they are in good condition without cuts or fraying and you will be doing all other road users a big favour.
Ken

There's no doubt about it, occy straps are dangerous and have no place securing roof top loads. Ratchet straps are much better but I use good rope with a truckies hitch. If the load settles and the rope needs cinching, for me it's quicker and easier than having to release and reapply a RS. But you will have to teach yourself how to tie a truckies hitch. :)

Occy straps are a no no for me. There are so many straps with clasps and ratchet of various strengths, they are definitely the way to go. Take a walk through Bunnings.

Cheers
Jon

G'day Keith
Check out Rokstraps , google rokstrap Australia. Brilliant products , gives you a choice of elastic with adjustable as well
Cheers

Occy straps were banned in WA but a certain hardware store still sells them.

anything used to secure a load has to be rated for securing any load, at one stage the use of rope was even allegedly banned, but then how does one secure the canvas cover on a semi trailer ?

think I spotted something about loosing a eye due to hook flying. A few years ago 10+ a teenager in pilbara (karratha) was killed when a occy strap he was using as a trolley boy let loose striking him in the throat - copy n pasted the worksafe details below for a sobering reflection on using occy straps

http://prosecutions2005.commerce.wa.gov.au/prosecutions/view/274

Just checked out the rokstraps on line. For me, they do not look to be heavy enough. I am sure they would be fine for Motorcycles, which is what they appear to be aimed at, but IMHO, I would not use them on a roof rack to secure "heavier" items. Not sure of their load rating, but I doubt if it is very high. Macca.

Use ratchet straps most of the time, but the ones I've found really useful are the r/straps without any hooks. They're just a plain strap, no hooks, and the ratchet on one end.

Have used them on items on the roof, as well as keeping groups of jerrycans together, and even tying fridges & space cases down firmly. Got some of mine from Supercheap.

Bob

Andy Strapz. Wide elastic straps secured with velcro. I've used them on roof racks/roof bars and inside the 4X4. Secured Oz Tent, folding boat, miscellaneous equipment etc. Nothing has ever fallen off along the Anne Beadell or any other roads/tracks. Designed for use on motor bikes. Australian product.
Check andystrapz.com

Cheers
KenD