Types of lashing and securing straps

Lashing straps are one of the most widely used load securing devices worldwide, and their development from the 1980s onwards marked a significant change compared to other securing methods, such as ropes or straps, by allowing standardization and the development of specific calculations and techniques. These tapes are mainly divided into two main categories:

• Endless (one-piece) belts: This type of belts is very common and is mainly used to consolidate and secure cargo. They wrap the cargo and then the end of the tape is fitted to the tensioner to effectively secure the cargo. They are also useful for various types of direct lashing. These tapes are highly valued for their ability to reduce packaging, shrink wrapping and strapping costs, and their relevance has increased due to restrictions and regulations related to the use of plastics and waste generation.
• Two-piece belts: This type of webbing consists of two main components: a webbing, a lanyard (usually a hook) and a tensioner; and another webbing, which often also has a lanyard, although some go directly to a winch and have no lanyard. Two-piece webbings are versatile and are used for a wide variety of lashings and fastenings.

The standard that regulates the creation and requirements of these straps is EN 12195-2. On the market, there are several varieties of lashing straps adapted to different industrial needs. Here are some examples of their use:

• Tie down tape with winder: These tapes are highly convenient and useful to avoid damaging or soiling the tape during use and to speed up the winding process. They have a small lever and a mechanism that allows the tape to be wound up quickly and efficiently.
• Closed hook lashing strap: Designed to hook into specific lashing points, these straps are not used for lashing to the vehicle chassis. They are available in different sizes and with standardized tensile strengths.
• Open hook lashing strap: These straps are designed primarily for lashing to the vehicle chassis. However, on some vehicles, the hooks are designed to allow both closed-hook and open-hook tie-downs.
• Lashing strap with terminal: Designed for vehicles such as vans or refrigerated trailers that have die-cut profiles to allow the anchoring of the terminals.
• Lashing strap to be placed on the uprights: These straps have a special finish that allows them to be placed over the remounts (side boards of canvas semitrailers). This is highly valued as an alternative to the more expensive and space-consuming blocking boards.

These varied lashing strap options provide flexibility and versatility for securely securing loads in a variety of situations and types of transport.