Cinch-Strap-Method-–-An-Emergency-Alternative-To-Pipe-Stakes

Cinch Strap Method – An Emergency Alternative to Pipe Stakes

The flatbed trucker who frequently hauls loads of different size pipe might choose to use pipes stakes as his/her primary method for cargo control and preventing cargo from falling in the event of a strap failure. This is an excellent strategy that should be practiced by anyone who normally hauls pipe or tubing. But there are times when doing so is just not impossible. What do you do then? A trucker can use the cinch strap method of control as an emergency alternative.

Consider the trucker who arrives for a contracted load and, due to some kind of misunderstanding, is not prepared to carry a collection of odd-sized pipes. He has no pipe takes on board and no desire to spend valuable time hunting down and purchasing those stakes. His load can still be properly secured with the cinch strap method of pipe securing.

winch-straps

How Cinch Strapping Works

Winch straps made of durable webbing material are usually run over the top of pipe loads and secured by winches on either side of the trailer. This method of strapping keeps the load firmly on the trailer. However, it doesn’t keep different sized pipes from spreading apart. Shippers try to do their part by tying multiple pieces of pipe together using nylon straps, but those straps are not going to hold up for the entire duration of a long journey. The cinch strap method is the solution.

Before piping is loaded onto the back of the trailer, run a winch strap across the bed and secure on one side using the appropriate winch. Position two or three additional straps, evenly spaced, the same way. Then step back and wait for the pipe to be loaded by the shipper. Once loading is complete, each of the cinch straps you laid down can be run over the load, back underneath the load, and then secured on the opposite side of the trailer. You are essentially creating a loop that, when winched tightly, keeps all of those pipes together. Then apply your winch straps across the top and you are done.

Combining Cinch Straps with Pipe Stakes

The process described above works well in an emergency situation when you really need pipe stakes but do not have them. But you can also combine cinch strapping with pipe stakes when you have loads that do not extend fully to the sides of your trailer. What would be the benefit of doing so? Protecting your pipe stakes in the event the load was to break loose.

Without cinch straps in place, those nylon straps that shippers use to tie pipes together could break and send the load falling toward the sides of your trailer with tremendous force. Pipe stakes should prevent the load from falling off the trailer, but they could be dented or bent in the process. Then you would be left having to purchase new stakes to replace them. Cinch strapping reduces this risk.

It’s a good idea to use pipes stakes whenever hauling mixed loads of odd-sized pipe or tubing. An even better idea is to combine pipe stakes with the cinching strap method of securement for extra protection.

Mytee Products carries a full line of cargo control equipment, including both pipe stakes and winch straps. Each of our products comes from brand-name manufacturers. Our products are made with reliable, durable materials you can trust for long life and maximum security. We invite you to take a look at our complete inventory while you are here on our website. You are sure to find everything you need for safe and secure flatbed trucking.