Using Nylon Ratchet Straps in the sugarbush

[Dennis H.]

Was out today in the sugarbush clearing some downed trees on the mainlines. Found some side ties broke just like they were supposed todo.
I had two ratchet straps with me so figured that I would use them to pull the mainline into position at the location of the side ties to easy the install of the side ties.

Man did that really help with putting the side ties in.

So on my drive back home I had a little bit to think about what I could do to improve the sugarbush. I have been thinking about adding a few branches to the mainline to break up some of the longer lat's that I have. I have been thinking of doing these branches wireless.
That is when the ratchet straps came to mind. Could they be used at the anchor trees to anchor the end of the mainline? I am thinking of using those tension grips at the end of the mainline that the ratchet strap would hook on to.
It would make it easy to adjust tension on the mainline, it would give more surface area around the anchor tree to prevent it from being girdled and if for some reason you needed to drop the mainline tot he ground that too would also be easy.

Do you see any issues with using ratchet straps? Has anyone already used them for this purpose?

[treehugger89]

The problem with using ratchet straps is that over time the nylon will break down. Thus having your main line on the ground and some other words will be said.

[jmayerl]

They will break down in less than a year if left out

[blissville maples]

Why not use a wire strainer?? I use ratchet straps to pre tighten the line

[Dennis H.]

Kind of figured that the sun was the biggest problem with the nylon straps.

I do use two straps now each season where mainlines cross a trail that must be taken down after every season, so those straps are only out for 2-3 months at the most.

But I can say that I will be using ratchet straps more for maint. of lines in the future.

[GeneralStark]

I use gripples, wire, wire tensioners, and tension grips at the ends of my wireless mainlines. Basically making a ratchet strap.....

[CharlieVT]

I've been using ratchet straps for several years (5+). I don't seem to have a problem with them "rotting". (They stay out year round, I don't take 'em down seasonally).

The wire tensioner grips are pretty expensive. A ratchet strap is much cheaper. Shop around and you can find a 4-pack of ratchet straps for about the price of a 1" stainless tension grip. This 1" tension grip lists for about $15: You can find a 4 or 6 pack of ratchet straps for less than $20 some places.


Here's a pic of the pump line coming in from my remote releaser to my 1000 gallon bulk tank; note that the wire tensioner isn't doing much. I've learned in many cases I can abandon the wire and go wire-less with ratchet straps:




This is the vacuum line headed out to the releaser:


These two pics are at the sugarhouse because I just walked out to take the pics, but I have many such ratchet strap tensioners in the woods. I have a long section of trees with very little slope; in that section I have sap ladders on mainline with minimal slope. The ratchet straps make it easy to keep the mainline tight and pull out any sags.

Note no tension gripper used. I wrap the strap around the pipe a few times and hook it back on itself. It can cause a little kink in the pipe but if the point of pull is oriented with consideration to a little bend induced in the pipe it isn't a problem.

I have red, green and blue ones out there, I like the green ratchet straps, they blend into the woods better.

HTH

[asknupp]

I do the same as Charlie. Leave them out and haven't had trouble yet. I use a 2" ratchet to get most of the slack out then put the 1" on it and side tie. Given my runs aren't very long 3-500' but it works.

[Paddymountain]

I also use ratchet binders, I just put a hose clamp on the end of the mainline and tie the binder on behind it. It never slips that way.

[Dennis H.]

You know I just might end up giving it a try.

I was thinking of using those braided grips to hook the ratchet strap to allow me to pull the line tight but I may try the way Charlie stated.