Ratchet-style tie downs come in payload strengths suitable for anything from home use to heavy-duty industrial applications. Ratchet tie downs typically separate into two parts—one part has a ratchet mechanism on the end of a short strap, while the other part is simply a strap that threads through the ratchet mechanism. Both ends of the ratchet tie down will usually have a hook so that each end of the ratchet can be secured to tie-down points on your truck or other transport device. In some cases, the ratchet may simply be mounted on a single strap and used to tighten the strap in a loop, with no tie down hooks or points involved.
Position the tied-down load in a secure, stable location. Do your best to make sure the load itself is stable and will not tip over or fall apart once the tie down is released.
Pull or squeeze the trigger on the ratchet to open the mechanism. On some lighter-duty ratchets there may be no trigger; you might just need to flip the ratchet cover open, away from the ratchet strap.
Tug the ratchet strap out of the ratchet. Depending on the load you had tied down, you may need to unthread the strap from the ratchet mechanism entirely, or you might be able to just loosen the strap enough to slide it out of the way and remove the load.
Store both halves of the ratchet together until they’re needed again. The easiest way to do this is by threading the strap back through the ratchet—if you unthreaded it in the first place—so that both pieces are secured together.
