The Load Lock® FASTener vs. Competing Products
|
|
Plastic cam-style buckle |
Bungee / Shock Cord |
Side Release Buckle |
Metal Cam Buckle |
Metal Ratchet Buckle |
Load Lock FASTener |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dual gripping surfaces for longer strap life |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
YES |
|
Self-feeding strap path |
No |
n/a |
No |
No |
No |
YES |
|
Reliable springless mechanism |
Yes |
n/a |
No |
No |
No |
YES |
|
Machine washable |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
YES |
|
Available with Finger Loop |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
YES |
|
Fully adjustable under load |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
YES |
|
Long functional life |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
YES |
|
Self-locking from any angle of pull |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
YES |
|
Will not rust or scratch |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
YES |
|
Extreme versatility |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
YES |
|
No teeth to damage strap |
Yes |
n/a |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
YES |
|
Strength (1=Lowest, 5=Highest) |
0 |
1 |
2 |
4 |
5 |
3 |
Summary:
Load Locks® vs. Side-Release Fasteners:
While they may work well for the repeated operation of quickly attaching and releasing straps in a specific length, typical side-release fasteners are extremely difficult (if not impossible) and very dangerous to release or adjust while under loads of only 20 or 30 pounds. We have also found that most side-release fasteners deform to the point of becoming permanently unusable after being subjected to loads near 125 pounds, even though a few of them might actually break above 200pounds (however, most side-release fasteners break closer to 100 pounds). Due to the nature of their designs, side-release fasteners also have an unfortunate tendency to easily release with accidental contact to the sides of the fasteners. Also unfortunate is their inability to maintain strap tension when subjected to load shifts, as they generally require their straps to be positioned straight out from both ends to maintain a friction hold on the straps - if a strap shifts to form an angle from the fastener, the strap slips out of the fastener completely.
Load Locks® vs. Plastic Cam Buckles:
A comparison to commonly found plastic cam style fasteners is not even worthy of discussion, as plastic cam buckles typically break at only 25 pounds, have extremely poor holding strength under sudden loads, are not self-locking, are frequently sold with stiff vinyl webbing that cracks after exposure to the sun, have very little versatility, and easily release with accidental contact to the cam or minor load shifts.
Load Locks® vs. Bungee or Shock Cord:
Load Locks® are obviously much stronger, and have a much longer useful life than bungee cord. Bungee cord is not machine washable because of the hardware that bungee requires at each end. Bungee often fails without warning, frequently without any visible signs of internal deterioration. The unique Finger Loops on the Load Lock® provide a method for attaching our straps to an object without requiring the dangerous and damaging hooks found in bungee. The Load Lock® can be used in almost all applications where bungee is used, and is a much safer and stronger alternative.
Our Conclusion:
Depending on the version of the Load Lock® you are using, you will generally find it to be significantly stronger, safer, and more adjustable than competing plastic fasteners and bungee products. Although the strength of the Load Lock® is similar to that of many metal cam-style fasteners (near 300 pounds for the strongest versions!), it should not be used in applications where the higher strength of metal fasteners is required. The Load Lock is not designed for climbing, towing, and overhead lifting, and should not be used in heavy-duty applications where ratchet-style metal fasteners are typically used (such as motorcycle tie-downs or heavy trailer load straps).