Lashing straps

Professional Lashing Straps for Events & Stage Technology

Lashing straps – also known as ratchet straps, tie-down straps or cargo straps – are indispensable tools in professional event technology. Whether You're securing truss systems during transport, fixing stage equipment on trucks or ensuring safe logistics for trade fair construction: high-quality lashing straps guarantee that Your valuable equipment arrives undamaged at every venue. At LTT, You'll find a comprehensive range of professional lashing straps that meet the strict requirements of the entertainment industry – from compact 25 mm straps with LC 400 daN for lighter loads to heavy-duty variants with LC 10,000 daN for suspended rigging applications. Every strap is manufactured to DIN EN 12195-2 standards and delivers the reliability You need when transporting lighting rigs, sound systems, LED walls and stage construction elements. Trust the expertise of a specialist who understands the unique demands of show technology.

What Are Lashing Straps and How Do They Work?

A lashing strap is a woven webbing belt equipped with a tensioning mechanism – typically a ratchet or clamping lock – designed to secure loads during transport or temporary fixing. The core function is to generate sufficient pre-tension force (STF – Standard Tension Force) to prevent cargo from shifting, tipping or falling, even under emergency braking or evasive manoeuvres.

Core Components

Every professional lashing strap consists of three main elements: the webbing, the end fittings (hooks, loops or shackles) and the tensioning device (ratchet, clamping lock or automatic mechanism). The webbing is typically made from polyester (PES), which offers excellent abrasion resistance, minimal elongation (around 5 % under load) and a wide temperature range from –40 °C to +120 °C. The ratchet mechanism multiplies the manual force applied, enabling pre-tension forces of up to 1,000 daN with standard lever ratchets.

Lashing Capacity (LC) Explained

The LC value – stated in decanewtons (daN) – indicates the maximum permissible tensioning force the strap can safely withstand. Common LC ratings in event technology range from 400 daN (for small equipment cases) to 5,000 daN or even 10,000 daN for heavy truss loads or suspended rigging scenarios. It's crucial to understand that the LC is not the breaking strength; the actual breaking load is typically five times higher (safety factor 5:1 according to DIN EN 12195-2).

Difference to Lifting Slings

Unlike webbing slings or round slings used for vertical lifting (covered by DIN EN 1492), lashing straps are designed exclusively for horizontal load securing and lashing down applications. They must never be used to lift loads overhead – a critical safety distinction in professional rigging environments where both product types are often stored side by side.

Application Scenarios in Event & Stage Technology

Lashing straps are deployed across virtually every phase of event logistics. During transport, they secure aluminium truss sections, flight cases, LED panels, speaker stacks and cable drums on trucks, vans and trailers. The straps prevent load shift caused by acceleration, braking or cornering – a legal requirement under § 22 StVO (German Road Traffic Regulations) and equivalent international standards.

Rigging & Temporary Installations

Beyond pure transport, lashing straps play a vital role in temporary rigging setups. When ground-supported truss towers need additional lateral stabilisation, lashing straps can provide diagonal bracing to fixed anchor points. In outdoor festival environments, they secure stage roofs, PA wings and lighting towers against wind loads. For trade fair construction, lashing straps fix modular booth elements, banner frames and display structures to floor rails or ballast weights.

Integration with Professional Rigging Hardware

In professional event technology, lashing straps are rarely used in isolation. They integrate seamlessly with rigging accessories such as shackles, beam clamps, truss connectors and spansets. For example, a lashing strap with a hook end can attach directly to a truss pick-up point, while the ratchet end connects to a floor anchor or vehicle tie-down rail. This modular approach allows You to adapt the securing system to any venue layout, vehicle type or load configuration.

Compliance with DGUV Regulation 17

When lashing straps are used in conjunction with suspended loads or temporary structures accessible to the public, DGUV Regulation 17 (formerly BGV C1) applies. This German occupational safety standard mandates annual inspections of all load-bearing equipment by a competent person. While lashing straps themselves are primarily transport aids, their integration into rigging setups means they must be visually inspected before each use and formally documented when part of a safety-critical assembly.

Quality Criteria & Professional Standards

Not all lashing straps are created equal. Professional-grade products for event technology distinguish themselves through certified manufacturing, superior materials and traceable quality control. At LTT, You'll find lashing straps from renowned manufacturers including Riggatec, Spanset, Doughty and Global Truss – brands trusted by touring productions, rental companies and venue operators worldwide.

DIN EN 12195-2 Certification

Every lashing strap must carry a sewn-on label stating the LC value, material type (colour-coded: blue for polyester, green for polyamide, brown for polypropylene), manufacturer details and conformity to DIN EN 12195-2. This label is Your proof of compliance and must remain legible throughout the strap's service life. Straps without labels or with damaged markings must be withdrawn from service immediately.

Material Selection: Polyester vs. Polyamide

For event applications, polyester (PES) webbing is the industry standard. It offers minimal stretch (critical for maintaining pre-tension over long transport distances), excellent UV resistance (important for outdoor festivals) and resistance to mineral acids. Polyamide (PA) webbing, identifiable by its green label, provides better resistance to alkalis but exhibits higher elongation (up to 10 %) and lower UV stability – making it less suitable for professional touring environments. Polypropylene (PP), marked with a brown label, is the most economical option but degrades rapidly under UV exposure and is typically reserved for indoor, single-use applications.

Ratchet Mechanisms: Push vs. Long-Lever vs. Gear

The ratchet type determines how much pre-tension You can apply and how ergonomic the operation feels. Push ratchets (short lever) are compact and suitable for LC ratings up to 2,500 daN – ideal for flight cases and smaller equipment. Long-lever ratchets allow higher pre-tension forces (up to 5,000 daN) with less physical effort, making them the preferred choice for truss transport and heavy stage equipment. Gear ratchets (also called heavy-duty or winch ratchets) are designed for LC 5,000–10,000 daN applications, such as securing suspended rigging loads or large LED walls during transport.

Width & Load Capacity Variants

Lashing strap widths correlate directly with load capacity. Standard dimensions are:

• 25 mm width: LC 400–800 daN (small cases, cable drums)
• 35 mm width: LC 1,000–2,000 daN (mid-sized equipment, speaker cabinets)
• 50 mm width: LC 2,500–5,000 daN (truss sections, heavy flight cases)
• 75 mm width: LC 5,000–10,000 daN (suspended loads, large LED panels)

Choosing the correct width ensures optimal load distribution and prevents damage to sensitive equipment surfaces.

Load Calculation & Securing Methods for Event Logistics

Effective load securing isn't just about having the right straps – it's about applying them correctly. Professional event technicians must understand the physics of lashing down (Niederzurren) and diagonal lashing (Diagonalzurren) to calculate the required number of straps and achieve compliant pre-tension.

Lashing Down (Niederzurren)

This force-fit method works by pressing the load onto the vehicle bed, increasing friction and preventing horizontal movement. The formula is:

Number of straps = (Load weight × Acceleration factor) / (2 × STF × Friction coefficient)

For example, securing a 500 kg truss package on a truck bed (friction coefficient μ = 0.3, acceleration factor 0.8 g, STF = 400 daN per strap):

n = (500 × 0.8) / (2 × 400 × 0.3) = 1.67 → minimum 2 straps required

The STF (Standard Tension Force) is typically 50 % of the LC value for manual ratchets. Using anti-slip mats (μ = 0.6) reduces the required number of straps significantly – a cost-effective strategy for high-volume touring.

Diagonal Lashing (Diagonalzurren)

This form-fit method secures loads by attaching straps at an angle (ideally 45–60°) from the cargo to fixed anchor points. It's essential when the load cannot be pressed down (e.g., suspended truss sections in a van) or when friction alone is insufficient. Each diagonal strap must withstand the full horizontal force component:

Strap force = Load weight × Acceleration factor / (Number of straps × sin(angle))

Diagonal lashing is the preferred method for vertical load components in event rigging – for instance, when transporting pre-assembled truss grids in a horizontal position inside a truck.

Pre-Tension Verification

Professional operators use tension indicators or load cells to verify that the applied STF meets the calculated requirement. Visual inspection alone is insufficient – over-tensioning can damage equipment or deform the vehicle bed, while under-tensioning risks load shift. Some advanced lashing straps now feature integrated TFI (Tension Force Indicator) windows that change colour when the correct pre-tension is reached – a valuable innovation for fast-paced event logistics.

Inspection, Maintenance & Service Life

Lashing straps are wear items subject to mechanical stress, UV exposure and contamination. Regular inspection and timely replacement are non-negotiable in professional event technology.

Visual Inspection Before Each Use

Before every transport, check each strap for:

• Webbing damage: cuts, abrasions, melted fibres, chemical stains
• Stitching integrity: loose or broken seams at end fittings
• Label legibility: LC value and manufacturer details must be readable
• Ratchet function: smooth operation, no bent pawls or worn teeth
• Hook condition: no cracks, deformation or sharp edges

Any strap showing signs of damage must be withdrawn immediately. In high-use rental environments, colour-coding straps by purchase date helps track service life.

Formal Annual Inspection

When lashing straps are used as part of a DGUV 17-compliant rigging system (e.g., securing truss sections that will later be suspended), they require annual inspection by a competent person. This inspection must be documented with the strap's serial number, inspection date and inspector's signature. While most transport-only applications don't mandate formal documentation, best practice in professional event companies is to maintain inspection logs for all load-securing equipment.

Service Life & Replacement Criteria

Polyester lashing straps have a typical service life of 5–7 years under normal touring conditions, assuming proper storage (dry, UV-protected) and regular inspection. However, intensive use – such as daily festival rigging – can reduce this to 2–3 years. Replace straps when:

• Webbing shows more than 10 % width reduction due to abrasion
• Any cut penetrates more than 10 % of the webbing thickness
• UV damage causes visible fibre brittleness or discolouration
• The label is missing or illegible
• The ratchet mechanism no longer holds tension reliably

Edge Protection & Accessories

Sharp edges on truss corners, flight case hardware or vehicle tie-down rails can cut through webbing in seconds. Always use edge protectors (corner guards, protective sleeves or rubber strips) at contact points. High-quality edge protectors also increase the friction coefficient (K-factor), allowing higher pre-tension forces and reducing the number of straps needed – a dual benefit for safety and efficiency.

LTT – Your Specialist for Event Technology

At LTT, You'll find everything You need for professional load securing in event technology – from compact 25 mm lashing straps for small equipment to heavy-duty 75 mm variants for large-scale rigging transport. Our range includes certified products from leading manufacturers such as Riggatec, Spanset and Doughty, all manufactured to DIN EN 12195-2 standards and tested for the demanding requirements of touring productions, rental companies and venue operators.

With over 25 years of experience in event technology, LTT is not just a retailer but also a manufacturer of professional rigging equipment. Our Riggatec brand is synonymous with innovative solutions for stage construction, and our in-house production in Germany ensures short delivery times and flexible custom solutions. Whether You need standard lashing straps in stock lengths or bespoke configurations with specific hook types and LC ratings – we deliver quickly and reliably.

Your advantages at LTT: All orders ship from our warehouse in Bocholt, Germany, with free shipping from €69 and express delivery options for urgent projects. Every product is backed by our 3-year LTT warranty, and our experienced team provides expert advice on load calculation, securing methods and compliance with DGUV Regulation 17. As a B2B partner, we also offer wholesale terms for resellers and rental companies – supported by our international dealer network and worldwide shipping capabilities.

Discover the full range of professional lashing straps, edge protectors, anti-slip mats and rigging accessories at LTT – and set the stage for safe, efficient event logistics.

FAQ – Questions & Answers