STRAPS ARE NOT CHAIN! A GUIDE TO B/A WEB MANUFACTURING & TESTING

STRAPS ARE NOT CHAIN! A GUIDE TO B/A WEB MANUFACTURING & TESTING

WHY STRAPS? Several years ago the auto transport industry was forced to replace tie-down chains with straps. The change over was sudden, and a product that was seemingly indestructible was replaced with one that has a definite life span. This life span is affected by many factors. At B/A Products Co. we are committed to providing the best possible product at the best possible price.

FACTORS THAT AFFECT STRAP LIFE Factors that affect strap life include: Product Quality Conditions of Use Frequency of Use Storage Conditions Environmental Conditions Except for the first item, Product Quality, all of these items are out of our (or ANY strap manufacturer s) hands after it leaves our factory. Using the acronym STRAPS let s take a look at how B/A Products provides the best product in the industry.

SERVICE Service means many things. To B/A it means getting our customer the product they need, when they need it and at a reasonable price. To do this, our straps are made in the USA at our factory in Columbia Maryland.

SERVICE We stock large quantities of raw materials, so that if changes are necessary, we are ready to make them.

SERVICE We have sales and shipping staff dedicated to our Auto Transport line of products.

TESTING How do we know our products are the best? We test them. Frequently. Our testing department tests all inbound raw material, finished assemblies, and everything in-between.

TESTING All testing is documented and stored for future reference. B/A operates 4 pull test machines, all calibrated to ASTM E4-07. Our testing is done according to WSTDA, AWRF and NACM recommended practices.

TESTING Example of Testing performed by our Domestic Webbing Manufacturer Testing performed as per Federal Standard Test Method #191A

TESTING Web shown after 50,000 test cycles

RELIABILITY / RESPONSIBILITY Reliability has many meanings. At B/A it means 38 years of being a family owned business. To us, it s not just a job, it is our livelihood. Responsibility also has many meanings. B/A has a responsibility to produce quality products suited for their intended uses. The users of these products have a responsibility to use these products as directed by the owners and loading manuals, including inspection, use, storage and removal from service.

ASSURANCE Since it is our livelihood, we are involved. Testing, research, trade associations, vendor and customer relationships all play a huge part. As members of The Web Sling Tie Down Association, the Associated Wire Rope Manufacturers and Auto Haulers Association of America, we stay up to date with current trends and new products in the industry. We are in constant contact with our vendors, looking for ways to improve our products and processes. We also keep in contact with our customers, looking for ways to improve our products and services. Our average employee time of service is over 5 years. Many have over 10 years of service, and quite a few have over 15. Several others have over 20. We have a dependable and dedicated work force. B/A is the proud supplier of choice for many OEM s in the Auto Hauling and Towing industries.

PERFORMANCE Our products are made at or above industry standards. They are specified by OEM s. Our sales staff has field experience. Improvement is an expectation.

SAFETY Safety and Service go hand in hand. We strive to make the best product possible AND provide the knowledge to use our products safely and to their full potential.

STRAP LIFE Strap life is affected by many factors. Let s take a look at some common strap wear issues and their causes:

STRAP LIFE DRIVING OVER: The AHAA Loading Manual states in 3 places DO NOT DRIVE OVER STRAPS. Cottrell s owners manual states in 2 places DO NOT DRIVE OVER STRAPS. What happens when straps are driven over? When straps are driven over, the pattern of the pooch holes is imprinted into the web. Fibers are cut, leading to premature web failure. In addition, as called out in loading and owner s manuals, straps on the deck are a tripping hazard.

STRAP LIFE CRUSHING: When a car is driven over the ramp, the pooch is forced into the web, cutting fibers. Even going down the road empty, the ramp is beating into the web.

STRAP LIFE IMPROPER INSTALL OR MODIFICATION: Sharp edges WILL cut strap Hole was punched in strap for mounting

STRAP LIFE IMPROPER INSTALL OR MODIFICATION: Strap cut by sharp edges. This strap was intentionally pulled over a sharp edge to show what a strap looks like when it is cut. The fiber ends are in a fairly straight line and almost completely even. Hundreds of fibers did not break in the same place at the same time for no reason.

STRAP LIFE FAILURE TO USE PROTECTIVE SLEEVING OEMs specify these protective sleeves for a reason. If they are not used, they don t do any good. Your tie down straps are a tool, just like your hand. Treat you straps like your hands, and they will last longer and be safer. Would you let a car drive over your hand? Would you put your hand between a trailer ramp and frame member? Would you handle sharp or dangerous objects without gloves? THEN WHY WOULD YOU DO IT TO YOUR STRAPS?