Bungee cords are elastic and work by stretching to hold lighter or irregularly shaped items in place. They are good for covering tarps, bundling gear, or securing items that may shift slightly. Ratchet straps are non-stretch and use a locking mechanism to apply firm, fixed tension. They are better suited to heavier loads or anything that needs to stay completely secure during transport. For most DIY and site tasks, bungee cords handle day-to-day securing while ratchet straps are the choice when load security is critical.
Bungee Cords, Ratchet Straps and Rope for Trade and DIY
MacBlair stocks a practical range of bungees, straps and rope to cover securing, bundling and general fastening tasks on site and at home. Whether you need to hold a tarp in place, tie down materials on a trailer, or keep gear bundled during transport, the right product makes a real difference. The range covers the three main categories most jobs call for: bungee cords, ratchet straps and rope.
Bungee cords are the go-to for lighter, flexible securing. Their elasticity lets them absorb movement, which makes them useful for covering building supplies with a tarp or keeping awkward loads from shifting. Ratchet straps step in when a fixed, non-stretch hold is needed. The ratcheting mechanism lets you dial in tension precisely, which is why they suit heavier cargo and anything that needs to stay put over a longer journey. Rope is the most versatile of the three — cut to length, knotted, or used with other fixings and fasteners for a wider range of applications.
Common uses across the range include:
- Securing tarpaulins over materials or skips on site
- Tying down loads on trailers, vans or roof racks
- Bundling pipes, timber or other long materials for transport
- General site tidying and temporary fastenings during a build
Products are available in multiple lengths and diameters, so it's worth checking the filters to find the right size for the load. For anything that needs a more permanent or load-bearing fix, take a look at chains, links and hooks or browse the full fixings, chemicals and adhesives range for related products.
Bungee Cord and Straps FAQ's
Measure the distance around the load you need to secure, then add the distance to the anchor points. As a general rule, bungee cords should be shorter than the distance they need to span so they remain under tension and hold firmly. For ratchet straps, longer is usually safer as excess webbing can be wound back into the ratchet. Check the length filter on the product page to find what is available in stock.
Bungee cords are fine for light items and for holding covers or tarps in place, but they should not be used as the primary restraint for heavy cargo on a trailer or van. They can stretch over time and do not provide a fixed working load limit. For heavier loads, ratchet straps are the appropriate choice as they lock the load securely in position and are far less likely to come loose in transit.
Polypropylene rope is a popular choice for building sites and outdoor use because it is lightweight, water resistant, and will not shrink when wet. It holds knots well and is suited to lashing goods together, tying down sheeting, and general securing tasks. For decorative or craft purposes, natural fibre ropes such as jute are often preferred, but for practical site work, a synthetic rope will typically last longer and perform better in wet conditions.
Once the strap is threaded through the mandrel and the ratchet is tightened, make sure the locking mechanism has fully engaged before moving the load. After tightening, tuck any loose webbing away so it cannot catch the wind or snag. Check the strap tension again after a short distance, as webbing can settle slightly under load. If a strap repeatedly loosens, it may be worn and should be replaced before further use.