Strap clamps- which one?

[Mike Schuch]

I have the 3" ratchet straps from Harbor Freight for $15. I use them to secure stuff in my pickup bed and trailer. I have on occasion used them for glue ups and they will produce an incredible amount of clamping pressure if needed. I usually don't use strap clamps so spending money on nice strap clamps doesn't make much sense to me.

[Jim Dwight]

If you can get the metal hooks out of the way with the tie down racheting clamps you would only need the corners (and maybe you don't even need those). I wouldn't want the metal hooks contacting my project, however. Should be a way to take them off and connect the straps.

[Mel Fulks]

I use same thing Jim said . I buy the Harbor Freight ones on sale, cut off the hooks and super glue the straps. Some of them were later sewn by Mom, but I haven't broken any that are just glued.

[Mike Schuch]

If you can get the metal hooks out of the way with the tie down racheting clamps you would only need the corners (and maybe you don't even need those). I wouldn't want the metal hooks contacting my project, however. Should be a way to take them off and connect the straps.

Four corner blocks made out of a couple pieces of 3/4" stock glued at a right angle to each other would make good corner blocks. It would also keep the ratcheting mechanism and hooks off of the project. I do remember using a metal ring to bind the two hooks on the HF ratchet straps together because they don't go together too well on their own. I suppose it all depends on the kind of project you are working on. I guess if you were to use ratchet straps a lot as clamps you could remove the hooks and replace them with some sort of chain coupler link or something?

[Keith Westfall]

Cut the hooks off. Clamp them in a good vise and go at it. They are a little hard, but can be done. No gluing or sewing of straps required.