How to Use Race Reels.
Watch the operating video, follow the key steps and keep this page available for operators who need a quick refresher.
Written Operating Instructions
Use these instructions when the video is unavailable or when a quick written reference is preferred.
To Tension
- Release from the Reel only enough strap to reach over the load, then secure the end of the strap to the vehicle anchor point. Use edge protectors on sharp edges.
- Rotate the ratchet handle to the fully open 160° position.
- Pull the knob to the left and rotate it so the sliding spindle is positioned on top.
- Insert the strap between the spindles, then push the knob fully back to the right against the ratchet body.
- Pull any slack strap through the spindles, then operate the ratchet handle. Ensure 2 to 3 full rotations of strap are wound around the spindles. More than 3 rotations may jam the mechanism and prevent correct tensioning.
- Secure the handle in the fully down position to lock it during transit.
- Wind the Reel close to the ratchet, then clip it to the tensioned strap above the ratchet, behind the ratchet on the centre base plate, or position it inside the bottom of a pallet.
To Release
- Unclip the Reel from the tensioned strap or ratchet.
- Fully open the handle to 160° to release the tension.
- Pull the knob to the left to release the strap.
- Push the knob fully back to the right.
- Wind the used strap back into the Reel for fast, tidy storage and reuse.
Additional Resources & Specs
Race Reels Specifications:
- LC 2500kg
- Meets AS/NZS 4380:2001
- Webbing Width: 50mm
- Overall Length: 9m
- End Fitting: Hook and Keeper
- Webbing Material: Polyester
- Country of Origin: China
- Weight: 3.70kg
General Use & Maintenance:
- Inspect that ratchet and webbing before use. Do not use them if they are damaged, frayed, cut or abraded.
- Avoid throwing and/or leaving ratchets on the ground exposed to passing vehicles that may damage components.
- Ensure webbing is flat and knot-free prior to tensioning. NOTE only HALF a twist in webbing is permitted to minimise flapping.
- Use protective edging/material to protect the webbing if it passes over rough surfaces and/or sharp edges. NOTE a corner with a radius of less than 5mm is considered sharp.
- Ensure webbing is evenly loaded.
- Ensure a minimum of 2 turns of webbing on the ratchet spindle when tensioning.
- Do not exceed the force applied to the webbing/ratchet model specs/ratings.
- Modifications or repairs are not permitted.
- Do not heat or heat treat any components.
- Store ratchets and reels in a clean dry space, ideally out of direct sunlight.
- Ensure ratchets are kept as clean as possible (i.e., free from dirt, grease, grime).
- If contaminated with oil, fuel or acid remove with hot soapy water.
- If contaminated with alkali, rinse thoroughly in cold water. If webbing dries out before rinsing then withdraw from service as alkali damages PES webbing.
- A small amount of lubricant may be used if ratchet becomes stiff.
Materials & Chemical Contamination:
Polyester is used for webbing material in our ratchets. They have selective resistance to
chemical attack. Refer below for guidance if exposure occurs. Note the effects of chemicals may increase with rising temperature.
- Polyester (PES) is resistant to mineral acids but is damaged by alkalis.
- Solutions of acids or alkalis which are deemed harmless may become sufficiently
concentrated by evaporation to cause damage. Contaminated webbings should be
taken out of service at once.
Operating Temperatures:
PES webbing is suitable for use within the following temperature ranges:
−40°C to +100°C
Email for advice if you use straps within a chemical environment.
Environmental temperature may affect webbing securement, re-check tension force when entering warmer regions.
Overloading:
Tension the ratchet by hand force only. Do not use pry/cheater bars to over-tension ratchets.
Twisting of Webbing Limits:
The webbing must not be knotted when in use. A maximum of half a twist to minmise flapping is permitted.
Webbing Protection:
Use corner protectors when restraining loads to protect against abrasion, friction, and damage from loads with an edge radius of less than 5mm.
Withdrawal and Repair:
Withdraw ratchet units from service if they show the following signs of damage:
1. Tears, nicks, cuts or abrasions in webbing fibres and/or retaining stitches exceeding 10%, and any damage resulting from heat exposure.
2. Any cracks, deformations or signs of corrosion in end fittings.
Repair to webbing or end fittings is not permitted. Damaged Ratchet systems must be withdrawn from service and discarded.
Need Help Using Race Reels?
Contact Race Reels for operating support or if you have any questions about the product.
Contact Race Reels