What Are Cam Buckle Straps?

What Are Cam Buckle Straps?

A cam buckle strap is a cargo tie-down made of polyester webbing fitted with a spring-loaded cam buckle instead of a ratchet mechanism — you simply pull the webbing through the buckle by hand to tighten it, and a spring-loaded cam tooth bites into the strap to hold tension. Typical cam buckle straps use 99.99% polyester webbing paired with a steel cam buckle and coated S-hooks at each end, giving a breaking strength of up to 800kg. This makes them a fast, tool-free way to secure lighter loads such as kayaks, bikes, canoes, and luggage.

Unlike ratchet straps, which use a lever and gear to generate high clamping force, cam buckle straps rely on hand tension alone. That trade-off is exactly why they exist: less holding force, but far quicker to use and gentler on cargo surfaces.

How the Cam Buckle Mechanism Works

The cam buckle contains a spring-loaded toothed cam that pivots inside a metal frame. As webbing is pulled through the buckle, the cam rotates and its teeth press the strap against the frame, creating friction that locks it in place. Pulling the webbing further increases tension; lifting the cam lever releases it instantly.

Key Components

• Polyester webbing — provides tensile strength while remaining flexible enough to wrap around irregular cargo shapes.
• Steel cam buckle — the spring-loaded locking mechanism that holds tension once the strap is pulled tight.
• Coated S-hooks — attach to anchor points, D-rings, or loops while resisting corrosion from outdoor or roadside exposure.

What Cam Buckle Straps Are Used For

Because they tighten by hand without a ratchet's mechanical advantage, cam buckle straps are best matched to loads that don't need extreme clamping force but do need fast, repeatable securing.

1. Securing kayaks and canoes to roof racks or trailers.
2. Strapping bicycles onto vehicle racks for transport.
3. Holding luggage, coolers, and camping gear in place during travel.
4. Bundling lighter outdoor equipment such as tents, tarps, and folding furniture.
5. Light-duty pallet and box stabilization inside delivery vans.

Cam Buckle Strap vs Ratchet Strap

The choice between the two strap types comes down to how much clamping force the load actually needs and how often the strap will be tightened and released.

Features to Check Before Buying

Not all cam buckle straps are built to the same standard, so a few specifications are worth confirming before purchase.

Webbing Material and Width

Polyester webbing resists UV degradation and absorbs less water than nylon, which keeps the breaking strength consistent in outdoor use. Common widths run from 25mm up to 1 inch, with wider webbing generally rated for higher loads.

Buckle and Hook Hardware

A zinc alloy or steel cam buckle holds tension more reliably under vibration than lightweight plastic alternatives, and coated S-hooks resist rust where straps are exposed to rain or road spray.

Stated Breaking Strength and Length

Always check the strap's rated breaking strength against the actual weight of the cargo, and choose a length — commonly 12 feet for general use — that allows a full wrap around the item with enough left over to engage the cam buckle securely.

Sourcing Cam Buckle Straps

Cam buckle straps are produced as part of a broader cargo lashing equipment range that also includes ratchet tie-downs, E-track systems, and webbing slings. Ningbo Easy Lifting Auto Accessories Co., Ltd. manufactures cam buckle straps built from 99.99% polyester webbing with steel cam buckles and coated S-hooks, rated to an 800kg breaking strength, and supports custom lengths and widths for OEM cargo control applications.

Buying from a manufacturer that produces both cam buckle and ratchet strap lines makes it easier to standardize hardware and webbing quality across a full fleet of tie-down equipment.