Ratchet Straps vs Rope
 

I see a lot of folks switching away from traditional rope to ratchet straps. I did a quick search but did not discover any discussion about this.

I have stuck with rope for a couple of reasons, but I can always be influenced by others smarter and more experienced than me.

Here is what I see;

Ratchet straps are easier. They do weigh a bit more, but marginally.

Ratchet strap quality of the webbing and clamp vary widely.

Rope is pretty consistent.

Rope takes some knot tying skill.

Rope is elastic, allowing some shock absorbing, even when tight. Ratchet straps do not.

Normal tie down chains are not elastic. However, I was taught not to tighten the chains, leave some slack to allow the aircraft some movement.

What are your thoughts?

If there are chains available, I will use them.

I carry a set of ropes, with a carabiner attached for when I need to supply my own.

I have used the nylon straps for 10+ years, and most of that was with the plane stored outside. They do have some give, but I leave them a little lose to let the wings do what they will. - Never had an issue. They look better, are easier to use, and it is easier to know when they need to be replaced.

At the risk of igniting a flame war, may I suggest that having loose tie-downs may not be in the best interests of the airplane. Having stored many a small plane outdoors in cold, blustery, upstate NY and hurricane-prone Galveston, TX, I have seen such loosely tied-down planes rocking violently in the winds slamming taut their ropes/chains and stressing and sometimes breaking their tie-down attachment points. Loose chains are the worst - they have no give when suddenly snapped taut and can exert tremendous forces on the wing and tie-down attachment points. Give me a good rope, snugged-up (but not too tight) and properly knotted, anytime!

ps -- I am now hangared in quake-prone California where we don't always need tie-down ropes, but we always chock our planes while stored inside the hangar! :D

I used to have a Cirrus SR20 tied down outside. Originally kept rope loose, then read about a Cirrus where the wing attachments were ripped out by rocking in the wind. But a few other Cirrus at the same field were fine, but had very taught rope or ratchet straps.

Since then, I make sure everything is tied down tight, and ratchet is just easier to do that.

Tim

The snap tight action described is what is most worrisome. I use ratchet straps at all ramps. Yes, they come in different load ratings. Get a good set, with thicker webbing. They will hold a huge load with good nylon web. An interesting story about tie downs. I was in Anchorage for Iditarod dog sled race and a big wind came through in the night. (moved a cargo 747 across the ramp a bit) Planes tied on Lake Hood were all twisted up in the morning. Some on top of each other. A huge mess. Oddly, some were unmolested and rode out the wind with their anchors and ropes. Owners smiled and thought too bad for the other guy. Few weeks later the FAA came around with their cautions. Engineers had figured out the loads imposed on the wings and struts of those still looking just fine. Huge G forces.... way out of limits for even aerobatic planes. Suggested that a really close inspection be made before next flights. Anyway, ratchet straps are very strong mechanisms. They also provides entertainment if a non-trained pilot tries to help you get them loose. They can be a challenge.

I'm a snug rope person. A nice snug line with a bowline knot at each end. I guess it just carries over from sailing. I'm pretty sure I can tie a nice tight bowline (or two) just as fast as someone else can work a ratchet thingy. Plus, there is a certain pleasure in the utility of a beautiful knot that has been used for hundreds or thousands of years :). Yes, we coil our ropes too, not just a wad of spaghetti in the baggage compartment.

BOWLINE
 

The rabbit come out of the hole, around the tree and back in the hole.

Most airports I've flown into in California supply chains. You can tighten them after hooking them up by pushing the airplane backwards until the slack is gone, then chock the wheels.

Chains in the west, ropes in the east - seems to be the norm for environmental conditions.

I'm in the tight rope camp - why do you think we have the Taught Line Hitch? If I want 'em really tight, I'll take a bite in the middle and tie it with an extra reduction - nothing moves. This way, I am only carrying rope and a few 'biners - ratchets just take up a lot of space.