Does anyone else have this problem?

I have lost a little strength since my bout with cancer...but I had this problem even before that.

There is a very common type of car or cargo tie down that has a hook on one end and a 3 inch belt connected to an elaborate ratchet handle and another shorter belt that is attached to another hook. They are usually yellow and you see them all the time.

Everybody's seen them...Here's my problem: the large ratchet to pull the load tight works beautifully.

Then, when you go to unhook the load you must pre load the large ratchet handle so you can reach inside the mechanism and pull back a small, spring- loaded bar that releases all the tension.

Thanks for any help or advice.

Unfortunately that damn little bar seems to take the hand strength of an enraged gorilla to pull back out of the teeth of the ratchet l. I often can't even do it.

Has anyone made a tool to help with this or what?

 

Mine, if you pull or push it back to the full 180 degrees, releases itself. I didn't know that until an old trucker saw me struggling and showed me how it is supposed to work.
Pete

 

I think it has to do with how you position the ratchet. If the ***embly is against a solid surface when tight, it will release easy (most of the time). If it is hanging out in the air, it is always in a bit of an internal bind, so hold it firmly in your left hand, lean in and push the lever closed (just a bit), and relese the tang with your right hand.

 

First, few folks bother to lube these things and I've found it helps considerably with the release.

Second, most variations of cinching mechanisms are designed to be loaded by the cinching lever, relieving the load on the sprague and allowing it to be repositioned for release. From your description you're doing this and it's still hard to reposition?

I've seen steel haulers who keep a home made prying lever like a small crowbar for the purpose. Don't believe I've ever seen one that looks retail though.

 

Keep the amount of wound up strap to a minimum to increase your mechanical advantage.

Also, perhaps look into new straps that offer more leverage, like this.
http://www.amazon.com/Northern-Industrial-Ratchet-Strap-Puller/dp/B0000AX8GF

 

Thanks for the tips.

Vectorsolid's picture of the Northern Tool product is a variation of a come-along...they are easier to release because they have that nice long release arm.

Thanks