What is a lashing strap and what is it used for?

A lashing strap (also called a ratchet strap or tie-down strap) is a woven webbing belt with a tensioning mechanism used to secure loads during transport. In event technology, lashing straps are essential for fixing truss systems, flight cases, LED panels, speaker stacks and stage equipment on trucks, vans and trailers. They prevent cargo from shifting, tipping or falling by generating high pre-tension forces through a ratchet or clamping lock. Professional lashing straps are manufactured to DIN EN 12195-2 standards and rated by their Lashing Capacity (LC) in decanewtons (daN), typically ranging from 400 daN for small equipment to 10,000 daN for heavy rigging loads. Unlike lifting slings, lashing straps are designed exclusively for horizontal load securing and must never be used to lift loads vertically.

What does LC mean on a lashing strap?

LC stands for Lashing Capacity and indicates the maximum permissible tensioning force the lashing strap can safely withstand, stated in decanewtons (daN). For example, an LC 2500 daN strap can be tensioned up to 2,500 daN (equivalent to approximately 250 kg force). The LC value is always printed on the blue label (for polyester straps) sewn onto the webbing and must remain legible throughout the strap's service life. It's important to note 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). The Standard Tension Force (STF), which represents the practical pre-tension achievable with a manual ratchet, is usually 50 % of the LC value. Always select a lashing strap with an LC rating appropriate to Your load weight and securing method.

What is the difference between ratchet straps and lashing straps?

The terms ratchet strap and lashing strap are often used interchangeably and refer to the same product: a webbing belt with a tensioning mechanism used for load securing. The term "ratchet strap" emphasises the tensioning device (the ratchet mechanism), while "lashing strap" describes the function (lashing down or securing cargo). Both terms are correct and widely used in the event technology and logistics industries. Some professionals also use the terms tie-down strap, cargo strap or zurrgurt (German). Regardless of terminology, all professional load-securing straps for transport applications must comply with DIN EN 12195-2 standards, display a sewn-on label with the LC value and material type, and be inspected before each use. The key distinction to remember is that lashing straps (ratchet straps) are designed for horizontal load securing, not vertical lifting.

Can lashing straps be used for lifting loads?

No, lashing straps must never be used for lifting loads vertically. They are designed exclusively for horizontal load securing (lashing down, diagonal lashing) during transport and temporary fixing. Lifting operations require certified webbing slings or round slings manufactured to DIN EN 1492 standards, which have different construction, stitching patterns and safety factors. Using a lashing strap to lift a load overhead – for example, attaching it to a hoist or crane – creates a serious safety hazard: the strap may fail under dynamic lifting forces, the ratchet mechanism is not designed for vertical suspension, and the end fittings (hooks) lack the safety features required for lifting applications. In professional event rigging, always use dedicated lifting slings for overhead suspension and reserve lashing straps strictly for transport securing. Mixing the two product types can lead to accidents, equipment damage and legal liability.

How old can a lashing strap be before it must be replaced?

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 in daily festival rigging or harsh outdoor environments can reduce this to 2–3 years. The actual replacement criterion is not age alone but the strap's physical condition. Replace a lashing strap immediately if the webbing shows cuts deeper than 10 % of its thickness, more than 10 % width reduction due to abrasion, UV-induced fibre brittleness, chemical stains, loose stitching at end fittings, or if the sewn-on label is missing or illegible. Professional event companies often colour-code straps by purchase date and maintain inspection logs to track service life. When lashing straps are used as part of a DGUV 17-compliant rigging system, they require annual inspection by a competent person, with documentation of the inspection date and any defects found.

Which lashing strap width do I need for truss transport?

For transporting aluminium truss systems, 50 mm width lashing straps with LC 2,500–5,000 daN are the industry standard. A 50 mm strap provides optimal load distribution across the truss tubes without causing localised pressure points that could deform the aluminium. For lighter truss sections (e.g., Junior-Truss or Litetruss with 1–2 metre lengths), 35 mm straps with LC 2,000 daN may suffice. For heavy-duty applications – such as securing pre-assembled truss grids, large Naxpro-Truss FD34 or HD44 sections, or multiple stacked truss pieces – consider 75 mm straps with LC 5,000–10,000 daN. Always use long-lever ratchets for truss transport, as they allow higher pre-tension forces with less physical effort. Protect the truss corners with edge guards or protective sleeves to prevent the lashing strap from cutting into the webbing. Calculate the required number of straps based on the total load weight, friction coefficient and securing method (lashing down vs. diagonal lashing).

What does the colour of the lashing strap label mean?

The colour of the sewn-on label indicates the webbing material and its chemical and temperature resistance, as defined by DIN EN 12195-2. A blue label identifies polyester (PES) webbing, which is the industry standard for event technology: it offers a temperature range of –40 °C to +120 °C, excellent UV resistance, minimal elongation (around 5 %) and resistance to mineral acids. A green label indicates polyamide (PA) webbing, suitable for –40 °C to +100 °C with better resistance to alkalis but higher elongation (up to 10 %) and lower UV stability. A brown label marks polypropylene (PP) webbing, the most economical option with a temperature range of –40 °C to +80 °C and good resistance to both acids and alkalis, but poor UV stability – making it unsuitable for outdoor or long-term use. For professional touring and event applications, always choose blue-label polyester straps for their superior durability and performance.

How do I calculate the number of lashing straps needed for load securing?

The required number of lashing straps depends on the load weight, securing method (lashing down vs. diagonal lashing), friction coefficient (μ) between load and vehicle bed, and the Standard Tension Force (STF) of each strap. For lashing down (Niederzurren), use the formula: n = (Load weight × Acceleration factor) / (2 × STF × μ). Example: securing a 500 kg truss package on a truck bed with μ = 0.3, acceleration factor 0.8 g, and STF = 400 daN per strap: n = (500 × 0.8) / (2 × 400 × 0.3) = 1.67 → minimum 2 straps. For diagonal lashing (Diagonalzurren), each strap must withstand the horizontal force component: Strap force = Load weight × Acceleration factor / (Number of straps × sin(angle)). Using anti-slip mats increases the friction coefficient (μ = 0.6), reducing the required number of straps. Professional event technicians often use tension indicators or load cells to verify correct pre-tension. Always round up to the next whole number and add one extra strap for redundancy.

Lashing straps

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Riggatec Zurrgurt mit Ratsche, 1-teilig, 25mm, Länge: 06.0m

Riggatec Lashing strap with ratchet, 1-part, 25mm, Length: 06.0m

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